Obituary of Michael C. Salkin

Age 97, of Halifax, died February 25, 2016, at the Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Building, Halifax.  In 1918, he was born Nicholae Oanea in Lachine (Montreal), Quebec, a son of Romanian parents Gheorghe Oanea and Bariscova Dogari Gogan.   He served in the Second World War, initially as a carpenter in the No. 4 Platoon "A" Company of the Pictou Highlanders in 1941, and then in the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer (a shipwright) on the Canadian destroyer and convoy escort HMCS St. Francis.  After the war, he worked as a master carpenter and helped to build many of the prefabricated houses in north-end Halifax.  In 1946, Mike was employed with Canadian National Railways as a brakeman and retired in 1983.  In the mid-to late 1960s, Mike was the leader of the 2nd Armdale Cub Pack and also served as Boy Scout District Commissioner for the Harbour West district.  While employed with Canadian National Railways, Mike served as Treasurer for the United Transportation Union. He was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion.  Since the 1940s, he had been an avid motorcyclist and rode his 1947 Indian Chief into his 70s. He was also a life member of the Atlantic Vintage Motorcycle Society.    He is survived by his daughter, Ann Salkin-Marryatt, son-in-law Allan Marryatt, two grandsons, Michael and James Marryatt, Halifax; a granddaughter, Barbara Salkin, Halifax, and niece Mary (Jim) Tirone, Fonthill, Ontario.   He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley, his son, Michael, and sister-in-law Margaret Christian; his step-father, Nichita Solcan "Charles" Salkin, half-brother, Zaharie "Harold" Salkin, brother Wallace Oanea, sister Mary Oanea Carter, sister Aurora "Laura" Oanea Patterson, half-sister Gafitsa Solcan.   Many thanks to the staff at 5th Floor Garrison East, Veterans’ Memorial Building, Camp Hill for their care and compassion.  In accordance with Mike’s wishes, there will be no viewing or service.  Interment of ashes will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, at a later date.