Michael Lauchlin (Mickey) McMullen

It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Michael Lauchlin ("Mickey") McMullen, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Sydney Mines on November 6,1932, Mickey was the son of the late Michael and Katie (MacLean) McMullen.

The most important thing in Mickey's life was the family he built with his beloved wife, Sylvia (Higham) McMullen, to whom he was married for 65 years. He and Sylvia had a love story for the ages, and no matter what life threw at them, their love remained steadfast and unwavering.

Mickey was filled with immense pride for his children and grand-children and we were each equally as proud to call him our own.

As the patriarch of our family, Mickey led our family selflessly, teaching us all the importance of taking care of one another, a concept which he stressed to the very end.

Mickey worked for thirty-five years in the princess and prince coal mines. He was no stranger to hard work and he was always willing to do whatever it took to ensure his family was well cared for.

Mickey was passionate about many things, however, bowling, horse racing, and the Toronto Maple Leafs were among the top three. Mickey spent many Tuesday evenings at Strand Bowling Alley, and he cherished the friends he met there as much as he cherished a strike. Mickey also spent countless Saturday afternoons watching the races at Tartan Downs and later Northside Downs. When he eventually became unable to attend the races in person, he looked forward to reading the score card each week and catching the races on the livestream. Finally, Mickey was an unwavering Leafs fan for his entire life, with an unlimited supply of Leafs gear to prove it.

Mickey will be remembered for his kind, unassuming, and gentle nature. Throughout his life, he was a steady rock for many attempting to get through hard times, even if he was going through a hard time himself. With the patience of a saint, Mickey had a listening ear for anyone who needed it and his wise advice was highly sought after.

Mickey is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia, his children, Ronnie (Jean), Kelly (John) Unsworth, Shawn (Tracey), and daughter-in-law, Carol Ann McMullen. Mickey is also survived by his cherished grand-children, Tammy (Chris) Ellis, Kyle McMullen, Shawna McMullen (Dave Jessome), Katie Unsworth, Celine McMullen, step grand-children, Matthew Herridge, Clayton Smith, Danny and Michael Smith, and Joannah Unsworth, great grand-daughter, Marley Ellis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mickey was pre-deceased by his son, Michael McMullen, his brothers, Stanley, Alfonse, and Jackie McMullen, and his sisters, Evelyn Hunt, Catherine Barkhouse, and Rita Boudreau, his brothers-in-law, Everett and Harry Higham, and sister-in-law, Lorraine Nicholson.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses on Floor 2 West at the Northside General Hospital for their special attention and care for Mickey in his final days.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. All will take place at J.M. Jobes Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the Florence Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northside General/Harbourview Hospital Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice.

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