Michael John Collins

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Michael John Collins. Michael was born June 18th, 1963, in Toronto, Ontario and spent the majority of his life around Toronto. He then traveled to Calgary, Alberta where he resettled for the last decade of his life. This is where Mike left us on September 18th, 2025, in his home, at the age of 62.

Mike was a man of quiet strength, unshakable integrity, and endless humour. He worked hard all his life—not for praise or recognition—but because he believed in doing what was right and doing it well. He didn’t just work hard — he lived hard, and he inspired everyone around him to do the same. There was no pretense with Mikey, just a rare kind of authenticity that made you feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether he was sharing a wild story, making whatever vision you had come to life with wood and nails, or offering up a piece of wisdom that stayed with you for years, Mike gave you everything he had.

Mike was a man of many talents, countless stories, and advice that always seemed to hit exactly when you needed it. He lived life with purpose and passion, chasing thrills and collecting memories with the kind of energy most people only dream of. He had gathered the most interesting experiences from years of work adventures from being a DJ, to his numerous trade jobs taking him all throughout the country from the East to the West Side. Mikey was the first to admit he was an adrenaline junkie, never afraid to try something new. I mean you must be an adrenaline junkie to love skydiving. If you knew him, you were bound to hear a joke that would leave you shaking your head and smiling. He had a way of grounding you, always reminding you that 'every little thing is gonna be alright.' That kind of peace is something we will miss more than words can say.

But beyond the work and the wit, Mike was a man of deep love. He was a devoted Son to Sandra & James; Partner to Dawn; Brother to Allison, Jim, Bill & Barbara. He was a fiercely loving father to Charissa, Michael, Josh, Logan, Ashly & Meghan. Lastly, he was a very dear friend to many. He showed us how to stay steady in the storm, how to face the hard days with grit and a grin, and how to love intensely & truthfully.

Though he never asked for much, he gave everything he had to the people he cared about. And for that, we are forever grateful.

We will miss his stories, his contagious laughter, and the way he made us all feel just a little bit tougher and a whole lot more loved.

Rest peacefully, Mikey.

Always in our hearts, never forgotten.

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