June 12, 1939 - November 13, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
On Nov 13, 2023, at 84 yrs, we said farewell to my beloved father, Michael Charles Coons (aka Mike or The Coon) who resided in Nelson, B.C. for 40+yrs. My dad passed away peacefully on his own terms just as he lived his life. He was surrounded by love with his daughter Jolene, grandson's Brenden, Gavin, and Eric and his friend Ann who were all at his side.
Michael was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, on June 12,1939.
He is predeceased by his father Clyde Ezra Coons (1943), his mother Edith Alice Coons (1953), his wife Lorraine Frances Coons (1978) and his loving sister Patricia Elizabeth McLeod (2013) who raised him when he was orphaned at the age of 14yrs.
At 17 yrs, he enlisted with the Canadian military, PPCLI 2nd Battalion. He credits the strict discipline, structure, routine and learning about honour in redirecting his life towards productive endeavours as he was known to be quite mischievous...
My dad lived his life to the fullest! In his own written words he said, "I've satisfied all my childhood dreams... simple dreams really, of experiences mostly, rather than things."
I've always been in awe of all the experiences and skills he acquired being self taught. He was a paratrooper, a bus driver, a truck driver, a pilot, he owned three businesses, a concrete company that built the Abraham Dam in central Alberta, a tow trucking company in Fort Nelson BC, and a renovation company in Nelson BC.
He was an accomplished carpenter, electrician, and plumber who renovated many homes and businesses within Nelson. He completed a Fine Arts degree at Nelson's University Notre Dame and was an accomplished potter and writer. He also became an actor in a 2013 short film called The Change Agents.
Michael was always willing to help others, he volunteered with Nelson's crisis line for several years and was a foster dad. In Edmonton, he drove other tenants to visit family in hospital or to medical appointments.
He had an innate ability to connect with people and he taught me kindness, and showed me how to listen and accept others without judgement.
Michael was well known for his humour and he was always pulling pranks. He had a passion for nature, enjoyed hiking, camping, landscaping, gardening or simply sitting around a campfire sharing deep conversations with family and friends.
He loved many forms of art: drawing, potting, sculpting, writing, acting and playing around on his guitar or harmonica.
My heart is broken, but it's also filled with immeasurable gratitude for the incredible relationship we shared. He was my rock, my best friend and he brought so much joy, laughter and sunshine into my life. I will treasure all the incredible memories of this amazing man, father and friend.
I Love You Dad