Kohler, Michael Jon – Michael passed away at the St. John Regional Hospital on Thursday October 22nd, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born in Hamilton, Ontario July 23rd, 1951 son of Claire (Jebb) Kohler and the late Allan Carl Kohler. Michael is deeply loved by his wife Debbie, two sons Adam (Cindy), Nick (Sarah), of St. Andrews, three brothers, Brian (Sandy), of St. Andrews, Erik (Wanda) of Johnson Settlement and his youngest brother Chris who resides in China, three grandchildren, Lukas, Rowan and Quinn, five nieces and nephews and cousins.
Michael graduated from UNB Fredericton in 1975 with a degree in physical education. During his time at UNB Michael played 3 seasons on the Red Devils hockey team. Michael had spent his entire hockey career as a forward until his time at UNB. In his rookie season he started playing defence where he would go on to win an award for his performance as a rookie. Michael’s hockey journey ended with him having been one of the Red Devils’ top scoring defencemen of the 70’s and he was later honoured when he was voted as one of the top twelve players of the decade in 2017. Many people in town would fondly remember him patrolling the blue line for the St. Andrews Senators senior team in front of a packed arena. Michael was one of the original “Waweig Warriors” senior hockey team members which started on a pond in Waweig. He continued to play with the Warriors for decades until he was forced into retirement in 2018 due to his illness.The crest on his jersey was a true testament to his character as he has always been a true “Warrior” at heart.
Michael worked 21 years at UNBSJ in the maintenance department as a carpenter, but never considered moving to the city due to his love for the small-town lifestyle St. Andrews provided. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved canoeing and fishing; skills he instilled in his sons. His place of refuge was his camp on the St Croix River, anybody who has had the pleasure of reading the camp logbook can attest to that fact as he loved to chronicle his time there, and record memories from trips with family.
Michael had a passion for sports, not only playing them, but coaching and mentoring kids of all ages. Michael coached hockey across many decades and helped hundreds of children learn how to skate. Michael never missed a sporting event in the town of St. Andrews regardless of if his family were participating or not as the entire sports community was his family as well. When Michael had grandchildren of his own he discovered perhaps his favourite love of sports of all – watching them play. Even on his worst days of his battle with cancer, Michael would manage to make it into the arena to watch his grandson play hockey, he was so proud. Michael/Dad/Grampy, we will miss you forever and love you always, rest easy between periods on that pond in the sky.
By Michael’s request there will be no visitation. Cremation will take place. A private family graveside service at the St. Andrews Rural Cemetery will take place at a later time. For those who wish, in honour of Michael’s memory, he would love if people were to give to the Fundy Community Foundation, c/o 45 Elizabeth Street, St. Andrews, NB E5B 3S7. Money will be directed towards the Charlotte County Sports for Kids Fund, which would affect so many children’s lives in such a positive way. This would warm Michael’s heart!
On line condolences to the family or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB, E3L 2B2 (506-466-3110)
1951 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Michael
Kohler 1951 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: St-Stephen, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick