By Andrew Macdonald
In small town Nova Scotia, the funeral parlour and its morticians, funeral directors and undertakers are often revered by townspeople.
That is true in Lunenburg, where the funeral home plays a pivotal role in the life and death of townspeople.
There is one funeral home in Lunenburg and it also serves Mahone Bay.
I refer to Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, where funeral director Mike Zinck died the other day from an apparent aneurysm. He had turned 62 on Jan. 1.
I have known many funeral directors in my lifetime. Some became close friends and I even dated one who worked in Halifax, and I remarked to him how undertakers console and deal with living people in their grieving process.
Mike Zinck was a revered undertaker with his own funeral home in Lunenburg.
Back at a different job in 1995, when I did a ‘Whose House’ feature, I remember calling the Lunenburg funeral home to get some background on the townspeople. Who better to know a town and its residents than a funeral director?
Tributes are pouring in for Zinck.
Lunenburg mayor Jamie Myra posted his condolences on the town’s Facebook page. In a ‘Special message from the Mayor’, he wrote:
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Mike Zinck. He was not only an exceptional professional but a compassionate soul who touched the lives of many during times of profound loss, including my own. I will never forget how wonderful and caring he was with my family when Dad passed away. He was a godsend to us all, especially Mom during that time.
“Mike approached his work with unparalleled dedication and warmth, offering solace and support to countless grieving families. His legacy of empathy and professionalism will endure in the hearts of those he served. May his family and loved ones find comfort in the memories of Mike and the positive impact he made on the lives of others,” the mayor wrote.
Tributes poured in from other funeral homes, including Graham Murphy of JA Snow Funeral Home in Halifax.
“I had the pleasure of working with Mike to arrange for committals or when we required help from an outside funeral home. Mike was a true friend of all at JA Snow Funeral Home, especially the late Don MacKay.”
Erin Jennings of Halifax’s J. Albert Walker Funeral Home stated:
“My deepest condolences to Mike’s family, friends, colleagues, and community. Mike was the epitome of a professional. He truly cared about funeral services in its entirety. I was honoured to have served our profession through the Association with Mike. He sure was one of the good ones, our profession has lost a good man. Heartfelt condolences to you all.”
Former Lunenburg mayoral contender and current Lunenburg Yacht Club general manager, Gale Fullerton posted a condolence on Zinck.
“I knew Michael since 1988, his first year in his own business, when he attended to my mother’s funeral, and since then, of course, to so many others. His ability to say and do just the right thing was a unique and treasured skill. I established rapport with Michael easily and when I considered making a move to Lunenburg 30 years later, he was the first person I called for advice. He was positive and supportive of my decision and for that, I am forever grateful.
“My heart aches for Michael’s passing because I know he wanted to do more. And for the special people in his life, who will miss his voice and his smile so deeply. Everyday. The rest of us will miss him too. More than he could ever know,” ” said Fullerton.
Zinck’s obituary stated: “With profound grief and broken hearts, we remember a beautiful spirit whose genuine and selfless love flowed freely to friends, family and the community in the life of Michael ‘Mike’ Wayne Zinck, 62, of Bayport, who died suddenly on Tuesday, Jan. 30, in Lunenburg.”
Zinck’s mother Beatrice ‘Bea’ (Langille) resides in Bridgewater, and he buried his late father, the Rev. Robert Zinck two weeks ago.
The obituary notes “Mike obtained his funeral director’s license by apprenticing and working with Ettinger’s Funeral Home in Shubenacadie, Mahone Funeral Home in Mahone Bay and Cadman’s Funeral Home in Moncton. Mike accepted the offer to operate the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, and in 1988 he purchased the business.
“Mike had a passionate and unwavering dedication to his funeral home and broader communities, serving with compassion, dignity and respect. His attention to detail for every family he touched was immeasurable. He leaves behind a legacy of love, pride, professionalism, and care to all he served. He will be deeply missed.
“Mike had many loves in life. His family was tremendously important to him and he was always proud to have his mother and father work alongside him at the funeral home. The love of his life, husband and confidant, John (JD), was the center of his world. They met in 1992 and in 2016 married oceanside at White Point Beach Resort.
“Mike and John loved to travel and had a deep connection to the ocean. Mike had a very special place in his heart for their golden retrievers (Taylor, Lily and Amica) and his cat Scooter. Mike had a great passion for gardening, decorating and renovating houses – making them something special.
“Mike’s impeccable attention to detail was demonstrated in everything he touched. Quiet times sitting on the dock in Bayport and sharing morning coffee, on the deck, with JD was how they found peace and relaxation. Mike was a member of the congregation and served as an elder at Central United Church and was a dedicated volunteer with the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival.
Surviving are his husband, John Demmings; his mother, Beatrice; sister, Deborah (Rod) MacDonald, Calgary; brothers, Gregory, Kindersley, David (Margarette), Calgary; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Rev. Robert Zinck; sister, Linda; and brother, Christopher.
No visitation by request. Funeral service to honour the life of Michael “Mike” Wayne Zinck will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6, in St. John’s Anglican Church.
His obit directs donations to Central United Church, Lunenburg, St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg or Creek Hill Cemetery, East LaHave.
A live stream will be available approximately 15 minutes before service time by visiting the St. John’s Anglican Church’s Facebook page.
“As the son of a United Church minister, Mike learned early on in his career the fundamentals of offering sensitivity and understanding in times of grief. Mike began his career in 1980 while employed with Ettinger’s Funeral home in Shubenacadie. He then obtained his funeral directors licence while employed with Cadman’s Funeral Home in Moncton.
“Longing to return to his hometown of Lunenburg, in 1984 Mike welcomed the opportunity to operate and manage the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home. In 1988 he then purchased the company from former owner C. Stewart Veinotte. 1999 marked the beginning of a new era for Mike and the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home with the move to a new and expanded facility in a wonderfully restored Georgian style home.
“Set against the history and beauty of Lunenburg, Mike continues the Dana L. Sweeny Funerals Home’s legacy of caring and guidance for people in need.
