Playing in a tennis tournament, he took the time out to enlist in the RCAF

Mike was born on 12th January 1918 in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, one of six children; Mary, Richard, Donald, Mike, Douglas and John.

During his high school years Mike enjoyed many sports; tennis, basketball, hockey, bowling, badminton, he also participated in sulky racing at age 15, spending his time at "outlaw tracks" in the New Waterford area. He graduated in 1936 from Mount Carmal High School. Upon graduation, Mike found employment at the local Dominion Coal Company, eventually in charge of a Colliery warehouse. Prior to the war he was elected to the board of director’s at the local hospital.