On February 8th, 2022, the Boston Bruins undoubtedly lost their biggest fan. Michael Alphonse Collet, more lovingly known as Mike, Mikey or MA, departed this world for a heaven we can only assume is filled with back-to-back Bruins vs Habs games, all you can eat hot hamburger sandwiches and bottomless Gatorade.
Born in beautiful Soldiers Cove April 29, 1959, to proud parents, Margaret “Peggy” Collet and the late Edmond Collet, MA joined a growing family of Angus, Leo and Mary Lizzie with Julianna, Madonna, Francis and Willie Joe all to follow rounding out the MacDonald/Collet clan.
It’s hard to say whether Mike developed or was born with an intense love of all things automotive. His first job was at Scotia Chrysler in Sydney where he spent 27 years. After a back injury prevented him from continuing at Scotia, he made the trek west where he worked for Graham Construction. Upon his return home, Mike had the pleasure to work for his friend and cousin, Shayne at Island Machining, which he often declared to be the best job he ever had.
Mike resided in Sydney over 40 years, but his heart never left his first true love – Soldiers Cove. Once ‘the bungalow’ came into Mike’s life, he was out there every chance he could get, whether it be hunting up by the cabin, fishing on Stump Lake, enjoying a quiet evening around the bonfire or cruising around and tinkering with one of his beloved Mopars in ‘the garage’ with the boys and Tasha.
A loving partner of 25 years to Terri; father to Jordan, Maria and Justin (Michaela); stepdad to Terry (Joann), Christian (Paula), Mark (Dawn) and Krista; ‘Poppy’ to his special little pal, Aiden and ‘Poppy Mike’ to Alex, Alyssa, Austen and Ayden; and best bud and partner in crime to “Kenny P”. There certainly is no shortage of people left to mourn one of the most caring, giving men we have ever had the pleasure of having in our lives. Mom, Peggy and siblings, Gus, Francie, Willie, (Joy), Julianna (Wayne) and Madonna, all of Soldiers Cove and Mary Lizzie of Barra Head, will all hold tight to the great times had and wonderful memories shared with their brother, MA. Countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends won’t soon forget Mike’s generous soul, infectious laughter and notably terrible story-telling.
Preceded in death by his father, Edmund; uncle, Alphonse; brother, Leo: sister-in-law, Colleen: and brother-in-law, Walter, MA is sure to receive a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Pearly Gates.
In true Mike fashion, his last official act was a selfless one of organ donation providing the gift of sight to a complete stranger. We know this will be no surprise to anyone as he was never one to miss an opportunity to help someone in need.
Please help us honor Mike’s generosity and compassion for others by performing your own random act of kindness.
The superior care Mike received while on 3A at CBRH and the beautiful souls in the Palliative Unit cannot go unmentioned. Terri and family wish to thank you for all that you do, especially family friend, Alicia. Know that you provided strength to Terri and joy to Mike.
Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held.
We encourage anyone missing Mike and wanting to feel close to him to take a drive through the Cove and simply look up, as we have no doubt that’s where he will be in one form or another.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Collet 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia