Obituary of Michael William Carney

92, Halifax, NS, passed away at home on Monday October 17, 2016. The only son of the late Dr. Michael James and Ellen Evelyn (Levis) Carney, Michael lived most of his life in Halifax, where he was an employee of the Bank of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Light and Power, and subsequently Nova Scotia Power Corporation. At the time of his retirement in 1989, Michael was Manager of Computer Auditing. Throughout his life, Michael was keenly interested in the pipe organ and classical music. He became an Associate of the Toronto Conservatory (organ) in 1948. A judge at his final exam in organ was the late Dr. Healey Willan, well known organist and composer, who described Michael’s music as "brilliant". Michael delighted in improvising music. He earned his BA at St. Mary’s University in 1945 and became a Certified Management Accountant (now CPA) in 1968. He was for many years a member and officer of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (Halifax Centre) and was a member of the American Guild of Organists. Michael also found great satisfaction in working with MISA as an English instructor. Reading, language studies, walking, and public speaking were hobbies he enjoyed. Michael was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish for many years, where he began to play the organ for the children’s choir in 1937, and was in charge of the lectors. More recently, he was the organist at St. Michael’s Church in Halifax for 24 years. He served as organist at St. Mary’s Basilica during two different terms and acted as interim organist and choir director in other churches. In 1998 he was presented with the Diocesan Medal of Merit in recognition of his work at St. Michaels. In November of 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and received the Apostolic Blessing of Pope Benedict XVI for his many years of volunteer work at St. Michael’s. In 2013, Michael was honoured to receive a letter from St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, stating that he had been made a member of the Major Associates of Saint Brother Andre. Michael is survived by his sisters, Joyce Dickey and Janet Carney, a niece, Mary Kathleen (Dickey) Williamson, Ottawa, ON, and nephews, Arthur Dickey, Toronto, Michael Dickey, Cohasset, MA, John Dickey, Ann Arbor, MI, Stephen Dickey, Halifax, and Gregory (Dickey) DePaco, New Westminster, BC, as well as 5 great-nephews, 5 great-nieces, and one great-great-niece. He was predeceased by a sister, Anne "Nancy" Carney. Huge thanks to Harold Gaudet and the kind caregivers. Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd, 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS (902.477.5601). By request, there will be no visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 21st, 2016, at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Purcell’s Cove Road, Halifax. Interment will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so might have masses offered or make a contribution to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Hope Cottage, or a charity of your choice. Words of remembrance may be sent to www.walkerfh.com