We are profoundly saddened to announce the passing of Michael (Mike) Violette, just 9 days shy of his 80th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean, his son Tony (Karin), daughter Sherry (Jim), grandchildren Amanda and Alek (Corrina). As well as his family, whom he loved deeply, he leaves behind many long term friends and his faithful duck tolling retriever Ben.
Mike’s forefathers were originally from France. He was born in New Brunswick and lived there as a boy until his family moved to Toronto in the mid 1940’s. His first job was a bicycle delivery boy for a local drug store. His next job, which he got through a neighbour, was also as a bicycle delivery person however it was for an international diamond dealer.
Eventually this second job turned into his lifetime occupation as a jeweller. He learned the business from the ground up, working in the office, grading and sorting diamonds, fulfilling orders, as a wholesaler in the industry and finally as the owner operator of a jewellery store. Mike and his wife owned the jewellery store in Edgemont Village for many years until they retired in 2009. He was on the executive of the BC Jewellers Association and had a multitude of friends and colleagues in the industry.
Mike really felt at home in Edgemont Village. He met many like minded people there, with similar interests in community and family. He participated in the Edgemont Village Business Association and worked on countless community events. His most memorable contribution might have been helping to launch Evenings in Edgemont. An outdoor concert series that ran on Friday nights featuring local musicians. This event became a beloved summer tradition for local folks.
Mike had a love of music his whole life. As a young man he played drums in a band called “The Prisms”. Eventually, he learned to play the acoustic guitar and he also sang. He had a beautiful Gibson with a pick up that he enjoyed playing for many years. He had many gigs, music sessions and house parties with live music as the focus.
He enjoyed cooking and eating good food and had several favorite restaurant spots that he frequented. He followed politics and current affairs, was well read and always happy to share his views and opinions. When he was younger, he enjoyed travelling and had some memorable trips to Africa, Hong Kong, Hawaii and several destinations in the Caribbean.
He loved dogs and could often be found walking with them on trails in the forest or on a beach. During his lifetime he had several dogs, mostly Golden Retrievers. He also loved birds and could identify the local ones by sight and sound. He always had a feeder outside the kitchen window so he could watch their antics as he cooked in the kitchen, often while sipping on a glass of red wine.
Mike will be remembered as a kind and thoughtful person. He was interested in others and very caring. He was highly principled with a strong sense of community. In his younger years he was a member of the Jaycees and formed lifelong friendships with people he met in that group. In his later years, he was a member of the Rotary Club where he again found meaningful connections. His whole life he volunteered at innumerable events, projects and fundraisers all in an effort to give back. Service to others was a core value in his life. He made a difference.
He was loved and admired by many and will be missed greatly by his family and friends. As per his wishes, he will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later time. In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity. Mike would have liked that.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
25 Responses
dearest Jean, I am so sorry for your loss of your Michael. Thinking of you and your family during the days ahead
WE are sorry to see this news.
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Mike will always be remembered in our family as the kindhearted gentleman that he was.
Take care and keep all the good memories in your heart.
Love Gerry and June and family
Dear Jean and family,
Saddened to hear of your loss. May your many great memories help you in the days ahead.
Thinking of you.
So sorry to read of MIke’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
I often think of our “fun times” with the SFC Board.
Take care of yourself.
Dear Jean,
So sorry to read of Mike’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
I often think of our “fun times” with the S.F.C. Board.
Take care of your self.
A lovely tribute to Mike. He had a life well lived, was well loved by family and well respected in the business community. He will be sadly missed but remembered fondly by many. Our deepest condolences to Sherry, Jean and Tony and the many others who mourn his loss. Much love, Caryn & Jim
So sorry to hear this sad news. Mike was such a lovely and interesting man and contributed so much to others. My thoughts are with you, Jean. In the midst of sadness We must cherish the good memories. Much love
Margaret
Dear Jean,
Condolence and prayers for Michael’s passing. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Cora and Ed Salvador
Wishing the family love and light as you manage through this difficult time
What a fantastic and full life he led! Jewellery is such a wonderful tradition and he left such a legacy for the future of this industry through his shop, Sherry, and all of the work she’s done to promote growth for newcomers.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and I hope his journey is peaceful now. All my best to the Violettes and folks he left behind, I wish for healing, in time, for all of you.