Mike Colee, (1962 - 2018) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Mike, an angel among men.

56 years old
Born on May 22, 1962 in Santa Barbara, CA
Passed away on October 1, 2018

Thank you to everyone that shared Mike's Celebration of Life with us on Hope Ranch Beach on Oct 20, 2018.

A video of the paddle-out can be viewed at:

https://blog.surfingsports.com/mike-colee

Mike's obituary can be viewed at:

https://www.independent.com/obits/2018/oct/09/james-colee/

Tributes

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October 12, 2018

Met Mike when Carol and Mike married. That year we shared our first ski trip to Europe with Mike and Carol. From that moment on Mike and I became sport travel buddies for all these years. Never missed a year of travel to enjoy windsurfing, kiting or skiing. Always enjoyed my regular trips to Santa Barbara to visit Mike and Carol. Amazing caring and giving person, Mike will always be my best friend for life. I will always cherish our sport activities together, I will always think of him when I step into the water or put my skies on. I will miss you but never forget the special moments we had together.
Eddie

October 11, 2018

I am truly sorry for the loss of Mike. Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our loved ones. May the love of family and friends comfort the Colee family in their time of sorrow.
My deepest sympathies.
Erika Colee
Caitlin Colee

October 11, 2018

We have been blessed to have you in our lives. Your kindness, generosity, humility and joy for life is an example for us all. We will always trust our angel Mike to continue showing us the way. We gain strength by keeping you in our memories forever. Bless that your family and friends find strength to endure your passing. Love from the McNeel-Moore family.

October 11, 2018

My nephew Mike is one of the best people I’ve ever known. He loved his family and would do anything to help any one of us. He was a great friend. The kind of person you could call in the middle of the night and he would be there to help, no questions asked. He was smart and hardworking and he also loved to play and have fun. Mike was a champion of the underdog and his kindness to others was the core of his being. He was kind to animals. The Colee family menagerie of Princess, Itchy and Scratchy were three of the luckiest critters who ever roamed the earth. I will always miss the pleasure of his company. It is wonderful to hear the remembrance of so many who knew Mike and to know how special he was to so many. Rest in peace Mike. You are the best of the best.

October 11, 2018

Dear Carol,Kevin and Kelly, My heart goes out to you all and Mike will be missed by so many and remembered by his smile and hello by all. Knowing your wonderful family through the many years at Vieja Valley, his strength will carry you through. Looking through all the pictures and memories, what a legacy of Love he has left you❤️

October 11, 2018

I am so sad to her of Mike's passing. All that has been said about Mike is so true. Carol, Kelly and Kevin please know I am here for you now and forever. May God bless each of you.

October 10, 2018

I only had a handful of true friends during my high school years, and Mike was one of them. We barely stayed in touch as we went through life, but I know he made his spectacular. I am very greatful for the friendship that we shared. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.

October 10, 2018

I met Mike and Carol when our children were in grade school and we have been friends ever since.
I am truly thankful for their friendship and support through the years.
As their normal isn’t normal anymore, may the Colee family find strength for each new day and comfort in so many treasured memories.
Carol, Kevin, Kelly,
Simply sending you hugs.❤️

October 8, 2018

Mike, you came into the Windsurfing Tour family like a bright shining light. You helped so much over the years and always with a smile on your face. You brought such positivity to the tour and to my life. I will never forget our long chats and crazy adventures on tour all around the world together. I am so lucky to have had you a part of what I consider my family for so many years. You are forever our hearts.

October 8, 2018

Mike was on a couple of projects with Lisa back in the late 80's, and I met him at a party, and immediately liked him. He had a '64 or '66 Corvette project in his Woodinville garage, so we had the car -guy connection from the beginning. I came to know him as fun-loving, enthusiastic, yet quietly intense and super calm. We definitely had fun at some legendary parties, but only managed to stay in touch occasionally over these past 20 years. Lisa and I had a great trip to the Santa Barbara place a decade ago, and more recently were excited to come check out the new spot in Oregon...We are stunned and saddened to hear of this loss, and our deepest condolences go out to Carol and the entire family. Smooth surfing in the next universe, Mike.

October 8, 2018

Mike was my best friend. We met at Microsoft in 1988 and became instant friends. We had countless late night battles on the MS basketball court, lots of great meals, sports discussions over coffee, and laughing our heads off recounting the latest Simpsons episodes with Gunther. He was always upbeat and happy and looked for ways to give compliments to the people around him. As his grandfather said "He's a real go-getter!": a hard worker and faithful team member. He was the best man at my wedding, he taught me to ski by dumping me at the top of Alpental, and he taught me to listen more to other people and look for the good in them. Mike you will be sorely missed.

October 7, 2018

I remember meeting Mike windsurfing in IV and Jalama back in the late 90s, Although I never knew him as a close friend , he was the nicest guys I knew. Always saying high to me and talking. With his smile and positive attitude. He was liked by all. So sorry for his family and my condolences go out to them. RIP Mike.

October 7, 2018

Mike was an exceptional person and friend. We met while working together on MSDN at Microsoft where he was my mentor and became a wonderful friend. I will always carry many great memories of times spent with Mike and Carol. Rest in Peace Mike we will love you forever.
Donald and Celia

October 7, 2018

Mike was a true friend. We met while working on Microsoft Windows back in ancient times. We quickly became great friends and had many biking adventures together. We rode our first Seattle to Portland ride together. Earlier this year I got together with Mike for a ride up Mt Figueroa and even though it had been years since we had seen each other it was like no time had passed - we were right back to being great friends.
I just completed a cross continental ride that I had invited Mike to join us on. During the last days of that ride I remember thinking that I would now be in good enough shape that maybe I could sort of keep up with Mike and that I should get in touch and figure out how to get together.
I don’t have the words to express my sadness about Mike’s death. I remember his laugh and how often we would laugh together about the stupidest things. He was a wonderful man and friend

October 7, 2018

I met Mike at Microsoft over 25 years ago. He had the room next to me when I worked on the Windows 3 team. I will always remember his kindness and gentle spirit. We will miss you Mike.

October 7, 2018

As with all of you, I am with a very sad heart that Mike has passed. He was an incredibly kind individual and a great friend. I have thought of him often over the years and will continue to do so. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this very difficult time.

October 6, 2018

Will think of you Mike every time I’ll ride OSM! You always made it look so easy with your nice smooth spinning style. Thanks for pushing me on many rides! Also, thank you for taking the time introducing me to SUP!! Will miss you Bro!

October 6, 2018

I'm devastated to learn of Mike's passing. I met Mike years ago while we both worked at Microsoft. He was a wonderful and loyal friend. He came to my rescue to help me pull off an epic surprise car purchase for my husband... and while I was home alone during a multi-day power outage he offered to come right over to get my generator running for me. We shared many, many lunches with 'the guys' at Shamiana every Friday for many years. I'm in shock, and deeply saddened. He was one of the best people I've ever known. RIP Mike. You will be sincerely and deeply missed.

October 6, 2018

This is the saddest of news to find out that mike has passed away. We met mike some 40 years ago and as with most of the comments about mike, it was mike whose passions for biking /bike racing ,the electronic age and cars like his 69 Camaro that brought us together. l express my deepest sympathy to his family for their loss. He was the best of the best.

October 6, 2018

I met Mike and Carol over twenty years ago when I moved to the Seattle area. Mike was a wonderful man. The kind of man you would want for a friend and neighbor: A kind, fair, friendly soul. This is a crushing loss to everyone who knew him. I am so sad that such a good man is gone. Never forgotten.

October 6, 2018

Mike, you were a great friend and neighbor. Really enjoyed those dinners and sunset get togethers with you and Carol. You were also a great cycling coach - got me into road biking, set me up with a good bike, and inspired me to get up the hills. You will be missed.

October 6, 2018

Mike’s passing creates a void in humanity’s heart. We are left without his boyish laughter, devoted friendship, adventurous spirit, and unsurpassed kindness. My heart aches for his family and friends who so adored and loved him. He truly was an angel among men and women.

October 6, 2018

I'm heartbroken to hear the news about Mike. He was one of the nicest, most sincere, and kindest people I've ever met. RIP my friend. You will be missed, but your amazing spirit will live on.

October 5, 2018

39 years ago when I met my husband Donald , Mike’s uncle it was the love of computers kept Mike and his uncle to spend many fun filled hours working together
we were always so proud of who he was and watched him became the loving kind caring person we so tragically lost
In August we were all at his moms house in Utah we had a reunion like we did many times before and if it wasn’t For Mike sticking with me when I had to get a quote out and had a hard time on my computer I never would’ve seen the light of day if Mike didn’t help me get through it. you will always be in my heart

October 5, 2018

Was good to have one last coffee with Mike, Thomas, Sam, last week at the Handlebar, before heading back to Florida. Always a regular on November Maui trip, and late January La Ventana trips. Such a kind spirit. Mike once picked me up on upper Old San Marcos Pass (OSM) at 5 in the morn so I could make a 6am SBA flight. Bot him lunch at Renauds next time in town and he would hardly let me pick up the tab. Always loved Carol and Mikes windsurfing and kitesurfing Christmas Parties. A Great Spirit Will always be with us.
Much Love, MKK

October 5, 2018

What a lovely tribute to a great man. We will miss Mike, his kindness and his gentle persuasion.

October 5, 2018

I lost a brother. The kindest person I have ever met. Always happy to help anyone, a rare individual. What a loss for us all.

October 4, 2018

Here is a gallery of many adventures that I was privileged to share with Mike in Maui, the Baja, Santa Barbara, Lake Lopez, Central California Coast...etc...

https://blog.surfingsports.com/mike-colee

I coached Mike into the wave in the gallery that we are riding together...encouraging him to drop in front of me...he was so kind and considerate that he had difficulty understanding that it was OK...

I met Mike shortly after he moved to SB and started to learn to windsurf...so many great trips and times together...windsurfing...and, standup paddling...Santa Barbara...Jalama...Maui...the Baja...Central Coast...etc...BBQ's and get togethers at his home and ours...really enjoyed his presence with Carol and lots of other friends and kindred spirits last New Years Eve around a fire in our backyard...

Always smiling...wine glass always half full kinda guy...gone way too soon...he will be missed... Sail on, buddy...

October 4, 2018

We will miss you Mike. One of the best persons I've known. RIP my friend.
BigWill

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Recent Tributes

October 2, 2023

I often think of Mike as well. He was a very kind friend and I remember all the good times we had together!

October 2, 2023

I simply can't believe it's been 5 years since we lost Mike. Surreal. I think of Mike often, and so wish he was still with us. Sending lots of love to Carol and the kids. Miss you Mike...

October 1, 2023

Five years. It does not seem possible that 5 years have passed since we lost Mike. The part of our hearts that still ache to have him back does not seem to lessen. Mike was truly one to emulate! His kindness, his patience, his caring and his love for nature and everything he stood for. As his parents, we feel so blessed to have had him in our lives. So, Miguelito, we love you forever. Mom, Dad, Jamie and Bracken

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Sam with Mike's ashes...getting ready for the send off.

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I'll always love you Michael

October 25, 2018

There are no words to describe the empty feeling inside of me. I'd do anything to have you back. I don't think I will ever be whole again.

October 17, 2018

I have always been impressed with my brother and always looked up to him. He had so many great qualities it would be impossible to list them all. He was so considerate, patient, fair-minded, humble, intelligent, helpful, selfless, endearing, kind, thoughtful, and so much more. He was a great listener, and always had great advice and insight. I always respected his critical thinking skills, and loved how he used them to tackle challenges, problems and obstacles. He always made me feel his equal when clearly I was not, and I loved him for it. I am thankful for the great memories I have of my time with him, esp the vacations, the camping, and even just sitting with him as he did homework on the kitchen table. I am grateful for what he taught me and for the great example he was to me, I will always look up to him! I will always miss him.

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