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
Our condolences to Michael’s family. In 1984 Michael designed engagement and wedding bands for us. We were engaged in ’85 and married in ’86. Still together in ’21 ❤️
Jean and family. I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I had hopes of going to B.C. again and looking you up. With covid we haven’t been able to travel. I have a bunch of pictures of Mike as a boy and of his parents when they lived in Woodstock. Maybe some time I’ll be able to get them to you. I have so many fond memories of Mike as a young boy especially of his birthday parties. Toots always made them so special. His parents were like a second set of parents to me. I wish we had kept in touch more. RIP Mike and take care Jean and family. God bless.
The world has lost a remarkable and truly great man! Mike was the model of what not only a jeweller should be, but what a human being should always aim to be. His honesty, integrity, humor, warmth and caring made him a special icon for all of us to try emulating!! Mike’s memory is a true blessing for all who were fortunate enough to know him! I will always cherish his memory. My deepest condolences go out to the Violette family.
We send our sincere condolences to Mr Violet’s family.
We knew Michael and Jean from many years ago when they rented a home from us in North Vancouver.
Much later , we ended up finding our Wedding ring at Edgemont Village Jewelers and we were so happy to see the family running this lovely shop.
Although we did not see him often – his kindness will always will remembered by our family.
Sincerely,
Marion Haglund (Muffy) and Laura Melville
We miss Mike.
Our office was just around the corner from his jewelry store. He always had a cheerful personality. We loved seeing him working in the back with his magnifier loupe. The work he did was always first rate.
Jim certainly enjoyed him at Rotary Club of Lions Gate. Mike’s favourite saying at Rotary was “ What a wonderful day in the neighbourhood.”
He was instrumental in organizing Canada Day on the North Shore for more than a decade.
We will miss the fine gentleman that Mike was.
Our condolences to Jean, Sherry, and family.
Jim & Janice Thompson