Longtime harness racing industry participant Mike Laffin of New Waterford, N.S. passed away on May 23, 2019 in Cape Breton Regional Hospital after a brief illness at the age of 101.
Born in New Waterford on January 12, 1918, Mike attended Mount Carmel and Central Schools and was a member of St. Leonard Parish (formerly Mount Carmel). Mike left school at 16 to work at Nos. 12 and 18 collieries. In 1941 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, training as a pilot.
On June 17, 1944, after 22 missions, his plane was shot down over the Netherlands. Mike was captured and sent to a prisoner of war camp. In January of 1945, the allied prisoners were ordered to leave the camp and in one of the harshest winters ever, began what became known as the Long March, walking 250 km from Eastern Poland to Berlin. It was during this time that Mike vowed that if he survived, he would live a life of service. He made good on his promise.
After the war, he attended St. F.X. and graduated from McGill University's School of Dentistry. He returned home to New Waterford and for many years served as the town's only dentist. He joined the Knights of Columbus and the Rotary Club, becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a lifetime member of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 15 and the Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans Unit 217.
As a community leader, Mike was encouraged to run for politics. He was first elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature in 1963, serving as the first Progressive Conservative MLA for Cape Breton Center. He won four more elections and was honoured to serve as Deputy Speaker of the Legislature, Minister of Housing and Minister of Government Services.
With a flair for languages, Mike delivered speeches in French, German and Yiddish. He was a gifted storyteller, always entertaining and occasionally irreverent. Mike dedicated his life to serving others, primarily his Cape Breton Center constituents, his province and his country. While he successfully secured seniors' housing, hospitals, schools, rinks and infrastructure for Cape Breton, he was especially proud to help students find summer jobs so they could continue their education.
Always a competitor, Mike raced his own horses, played tennis, basketball, baseball and hockey and occasionally found himself in a boxing match. He hung up his skates at the age of 84 and reluctantly put away his golf clubs in his early 90's. He continued to enjoy bridge games for several more years.
He was among the first inductees into the New Waterford Sports Hall of Fame. He received many honours and awards over the years for his war service, his dedication to his community and his athletic pursuits.
In 2015 he was awarded the Legion of Honour, France's highest distinction for his D-Day role in France's liberation. Mike delivered countless speeches at Remembrance Day ceremonies, urging us to never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. His memories of the war and the loss of his fallen comrades never left him. Mike was larger than life; he never meant to be, he simply was. He was never afraid to step out of the crowd and stand up for those who couldn't be seen. He challenged authority and he never backed down from a fight. He was tough to the core and he brought all that strength and mental agility to every fight that was fought on someone else's behalf. And more often than not, he won. We salute his courage, we will forever be tickled by his irrepressible sense of humour and inspired by his incredible zest for life. Mike's humility would have him strike out all of the above. Just the facts he said. But for once, he's not in charge.
He is survived by his daughters, Maureen (Aubrey O'Brien) and Linda (George McLellan); and grandchildren, Christopher and Aynsley McLellan. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Doris (MacKinnon) in 2016; his parents, Michael J. and Margaret (MacDougall) Laffin; sister, Mary Hornby; brothers, Father Richard, Donald, Douglas and John.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 27, from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. Knight of Columbus members will assemble in the funeral home for prayers at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening. The Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, May 28th at 10 a.m. in Parish of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford. Interment in the parish cemetery (Mount Carmel). Reception to follow in the Knights of Columbus (KOC), Plummer Avenue. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home website.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mike Laffin.
The life story of Hon. Dr.
The life story of Hon. Dr. Laffin is one of the most compelling tales anyone could ever read. Although I did not know the man beyond seeing his name in old racing summaries from the Cape Breton area I decided to look at the condolences sent in to the funeral home by those who knew him best. The tributes were among the best written and heartfelt I have ever read. The words of his friends, neighbours, admirers and political colleagues spoke volumes. Each touched on some special aspect of his life long dedication to those around him. I did not ever get to meet this fine gentleman but my admiration for him is immense. His family has much to be proud of.
My condolences to the Laffin
My condolences to the Laffin family. RIP Doc