Obituary of Michael Flood

It is with great sadness for us, but a sense of relief for him, that the family of Michael Thomas Flood announces his recent passing at The York Care Centre in Fredericton. He is survived by his loving wife Sandra Tingley, his beloved daughter Alexandra Darbyshire (Mark), and a number of nieces and nephews. Michael was born and raised in Saint John by his late parents, Josephine (Higgins) and Harry W. Flood. He was pre-deceased by his three brothers and two sisters. He also mourned the loss of his precious second daughter Deirdre, who died at 4 years of age. He developed a love and fascination for sailing and boats at an early age. He never lost his intrigue for all types of boats and boating. As a young adult he was privileged to spend a year as a merchant seaman on the Schooner, Bluenose II. Michael also served as an officer in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve both at sea and as an instructor, retiring as Lieutenant Commander. Michael spent the majority of his career in healthcare administration in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. After his retirement from the New Brunswick Department of Health, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of long distance cruising. He and Sandra sailed their beloved “Mole End” from Lake Ontario to Fredericton, and then on to Florida and the Bahamas. For many years they spent their winters happily exploring the waters of Florida and the Bahamas, forging many valued friendships along the way. Michael was a talented writer and was published in The Saint John Citizen (Wharfrat’s Journal), Canadian Hospital Journal and the Atlantic Yachting magazine. He was also a trained volunteer with the Red Cross, assisting in both local and international disaster relief. While he was doing this work in the South-Eastern U.S. he developed his love of Cajun food. He was an accomplished chef, with a varied repertoire and a gift for elegant presentation, even at sea. He was especially well known for his Gumbo and Hurricane parties during the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival held every fall in Fredericton. Michael was active in the arts community and theatre. He volunteered at the SPCA and the Fredericton Community Kitchen. He loved animals of all kinds and they, in turn, loved him. He walked his adopted dogs all over Fredericton and would never be caught without doggie treats in the pockets of every jacket and coat he owned. He loved music and singing, and was a member of numerous choirs in Fredericton. Michael was also an avid reader and never met a book he didn’t want to keep. He amassed a huge library and always had at least two books on the go at all times. He was a kind, loving father and husband. He had a one-of-a-kind wit and a wonderful sense of humour. Despite the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease in his final few years, he would without a doubt agree that he had enjoyed a life well lived. One of his favourite quotes was from his beloved book Wind in the Willows: “Believe me, my young friend-there is nothing, absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing …” He is, and will continue to be sadly missed. The family will be forever grateful for the wonderful care he received at the York Care Centre, with special thanks to the staff on Tower 2. As per Michael’s request there will be no visitation or memorial service. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, York Care Centre, or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to York Funeral Home. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com