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
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A & K
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janet nichol 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.
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Donna Hawrelko 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.
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Marion Haglund 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
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Jim & Janice Thompson 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
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Ken and Lorraine We are very saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. We have fond memories of chatting with Mike as customers at Edgemont Jewellers. He was a man of high integrity, provided excellent service and always had a big welcoming smile. We continue to miss him, Sherry and the store. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.
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Ann Caulfield I was sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I have so many fond memories of Mike in the jewellery store. My husband bought most of my gifts through Mike over the years. One of my husband’s favourite expressions while shopping was “Mike, just show me the most expensive because that’s where I’ll end up” Mike always got a kick of it. One time I lost an earring that I got for Christmas from my husband and I knew he would be annoyed with me, so I went to Mike and asked him to make me a replacement and not to tell my husband I’d lost it. He said “don’t worry your secret is safe with me” and it was. He was gentleman and a friend to all. May he Rest in Peace.
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Briar Ballou Fond memories of our kind and friendly neighbor plus memories of Micheal’s smile every time I entered the store in Edgemont Village will always be carried in my heart. He left a legacy of special creations like my hammered gold bracelet that will be passed on to future generations. The community benefited from his commitment to helping others in so many ways.
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Barbara Gillingham Was so sorry to hear the news, I will always have memories of the times I spent in Edgemont Jewelers both shopping and visiting with the family, Edgemont village was magic. My condolences to all of you, I know he will Rest In Peace, May the rest of the family have good days. Barbara Gillingham
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Heather McCrank Jean, Sherry, Tony and all,
What a beautiful obituary you have written. It truly captures Mike’s spirit. I’ve always been impressed by all your involvements in the community and world at large, and remember many fine conversations with and meals prepared by Mike. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to bring the kids out for a short visit before our big move south.
We send much love and warm thoughts from Texas at this very sad time.
Warm regards,
Heather, Jason, Naomi and Ryan.
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Ron and Iola Elder Jean
We were saddened to hear the news of Mike’s passing. Our thoughts and our condolences go to you and all your family.
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Debbie Clandening I am so sorry for your loss Jean ,Sherry and Tony. Mike will be missed. He always had time for a little chat. He always inspired me to eat healthy vegetables and convinced us to grow tomatoes. Mike always inspired me to stay active he and Jean walked ,gardened and worked happily around their property.I am thankful Jean that you and Mike were here when we moved . Rest In Peace Mike
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Karen Nayler What a beautiful tribute, we’re so sad for your loss.
Our sincere condolences go out to the family.
We have made a donation to WAGS in Michael’s honor.
Karen and Bill
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Janice What a lovely tribute and a way to remember fondly such a wonderful man, husband, and Dad. He gave much of himself to many, including me. My condolences to Jean, Sherry, and Tony.
Much love,
Janice and Greg
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Shaun LaCour It is so difficult to lose the cornerstone of your family…what a wonderful legacy Mike has left behind in all of you! May you have peace in your hearts and many loving memories to carry you through this difficult time. Much love to you all ~ Xoxo
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Margot Rutherford dearest Jean, I am so sorry for your loss of your Michael. Thinking of you and your family during the days ahead
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June Massicotte 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
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Wendy Galt Dear Jean and family,
Saddened to hear of your loss. May your many great memories help you in the days ahead.
Thinking of you.
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Dianne Hutchison 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.
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Dianne Hutchison 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.
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Caryn Clark 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
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Margaret Landstrom 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
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Cora Salvador Dear Jean,
Condolence and prayers for Michael’s passing. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Cora and Ed Salvador
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Ruthie Eadie Wishing the family love and light as you manage through this difficult time
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Randine McKeown 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.
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 ❤️