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Michael Kolivosky Obituary
A celebration of his life will be at 4 p.m. Monday at the Elks Lodge in Palmer, 2600 Barrys Resort Road.
Born Oct. 12, 1941, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Michael went to Alaska with the military in 1964. When he finished his service, he stayed in Alaska and joined the Alaska State Troopers, from which he retired as colonel, the organization's "top cop."
His family wrote: "He was a truly dynamic individual with many talents and interests, including being a steadfast fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. An outstanding athlete throughout his life, he was a minor league baseball player, an Alaska Heavyweight Golden Gloves boxing champion, a hockey player, a golfer and a lifelong softball player.
"He loved movies and music (especially Irish and Cajun music) and traveling. An avid reader, he loved learning about history, especially the Civil War. He had amazing stories from his career as an Alaska state trooper, where he made many good friends.
"Following his retirement, he formed Henderson and Kolivosky Investigative Services with his friend, Red. He also worked in narcotics enforcement and as director of corporate security for Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.
"Since 1997, he and his wife Melinda spent part of each year in Alaska and part in the Phoenix area, enjoying each other and their life together. They loved spending time with their family and many friends in both states and simply lived every day to the fullest together."
He is survived by his wife, Melinda; daughters and son-in-law, Jennifer Kolivosky of Napa, Calif., and Karen Kolivosky Gardner and Bill Gardner of San Antonio; son, Michael P. Kolivosky of Washington; grandchildren, Ryan Marie Gardner and Mark Dobbs; and his beloved dogs, Sophie and Seamus.
"He is missed by his loving family and countless friends who will cherish his wonderful sense of humor, magnetic personality and love of life," his family added.
"Mikey, Dad, the 'Old Man' will always be our most valuable player. He will live on in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, Mike would want you to invest your money wisely or buy yourself some Bass Ale."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Kolivosky
Hank & Peggy Wiedle
January 18, 2023
Remembering Mike and family today! We still miss him and speak of him often!
Peggy & Hank Wiedle
January 18, 2020
I worked with Mike at Alyeska Pipeline, his sense of humor was catching and made coming to work fun which in all my years before I had not had that experienced. He was also a good friend both he and Melinda were a joy to be around. He loved Cajun music I remember my husband made a tape for him and he would play it over and over. He was funny and witty, a joy to be around. We still miss him!
Kay Clemons
February 20, 2007
Michael Kolivosky
James Wiedle
February 7, 2007
Mike was a good friend of my parents. One day when I went over to visit my Mom's work, she took me in to meet Mike. We spent over 60 minutes talking about investments. When we concluded that discussion, he gave me a sly look and dispensed his humbleness by, by saying, "Well, that's my advice and it's worth every penny you paid for it!" He had a sincere wit and a love of conversation. He was a positive person that people wanted to be around. He will be missed.
Fred Thomas
February 2, 2007
Melinda,
Babs and I send our deepest sympathy. Mike was such an unforgetable guy, and always the life of the party. God bless you and your family.
Jeannine Kahl
February 1, 2007
Melinda,
No words can quite do when we have lost one we love. But take comfort in knowing that the Lord needed an angel and he called upon Mike.
Cousin Richard Heffler
February 1, 2007
Melinda, Jennifer, Karen, and Mike. After learning about Mickey I sent out a note to my brothers Dave, Jim, and Raymond. Brother Jim sent back a note reminding me of when we were playing football on 103rd St in Niagara Falls in Grandma Helens (Mickeys Aunt) backyard.
Jim said, and it is true, that we could never tackle Mickey. We would all pile on him and he would simply carry us across the goal line.
I'm sure that when my time comes he will be there to carry me once again to where he is now.
Polly Hayes
February 1, 2007
My heart goes out to you and yours Melinda. My husband used to play ball with Mike and you used to come into Lea's. Reading of your loss touched the warm spot in my heart as I remembered the good things about you and Mike from the old days. It was nice for me to be able to reach out an touch that past. May the many memories of your life sustain you in the future. As well as the ressurection hope. Sincerely Polly Hayes
John and Shari Williams
January 31, 2007
Melinda, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. I first met Mike when I was a young kid and my brother took me to the fights in Anchorage. Mike was the State Champion and fighting. Then next when you moved into our neighborhood. Seeing you two and the dogs out for walks,cleaning up the streets and being Mr Wilson for Alex next door are memories we will not forget. We will miss his big smile. John and Shari Williams
Dennis Cummings
January 30, 2007
Melinda,
I worked with Mike both in Palmer, and Fairbanks. He was my FTO with the trooppers and we played ball together and worked together. He was the greast Trooper and human being I have known. He will be missed by all of the people whos live he touched.
Dennis Cummings
Kelly and Michelle Shults
January 30, 2007
Melinda,
You and Mike are true friends. The world is a lesser place without him, but he will live on in the hearts and minds of family and many friends. Mike has taught us all to live life to it's fullest. I feel blessed to have known and shared in the life of Mike.
Mike & Cindy Shults
January 30, 2007
Melinda,
One of my best memories took place during a softball game in Palmer. I was pitching, Mike was playing third and we were getting pounded. He came over to me, ball in glove, and said, "I think they're getting tired of running. We'll get'em now." We lost the game and now, sadly, we've lost again.
Pat and Patty McKay
January 30, 2007
This world has lost a good guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mike Duffield
January 30, 2007
I am truly saddened by the passing of Col. Kolivosky. He was one of few in the Alaska State Troopers that I've wanted to emulate. Had a great deal of respect for him and will miss him. I send out my best to the family and would like the family to know that I feel very privileged to have been able to share an era within AST under his command.
Lowell Parker
January 30, 2007
Mike and I were friends for over 40 years. While we were with A.S.T. sometimes he worked for me and sometimes I worked for him, but we always worked together and were close friends. After retirement, and I moved to Oregon, we still contacted each other occasionally. Last spring, on their way back to Alaska from Arizona, Mike and Melinda spent the night here in Roseburg and they and ShirleyMae and I went out to dinner and we had a nice visit and played catch-up on our lives. Mike was one of a kind and I know of no one who did not like and respect him. He will be sorely missed by his wife and family and friends like me.
Lowell D. Parker
Lt/Col AST Retired
Jim & Estela Vaden
January 29, 2007
Dear Melinda and Family: Please accept our sincere condolences. Mike will be missed by everyone who knew him. His wonderful humor and dedication to the Troopers set him apart. Our thought and prayers are with all of you.
Jill & Mike O'Brien
January 29, 2007
Dear Melinda, Jenny and Family,
My thoughts are with you today as you celebrate the life of such a warm and wonderful person. I wish I could be there to raise my glass to a man who lived life to the fullest!
Love,
(Friends of Jenny)
Tom and Sandy McCabe
January 29, 2007
Melinda and Family, Sandy and I will always have Mike in our hearts. I truly believe in celabration of life. Mike's infectious laugh and his Kolivoskyisms will always put a smile on my face. God Bless
John Elmore
January 29, 2007
Melinda, May your many friends help you carry the burden of your loss. Mike will be missed. Regards, John and Fran Elmore
Brad and Karen Decker-Brown
January 29, 2007
I can not ever recall not seeing Mike with a smile on his face and he always had something positive to say. Mike was one of the best of the best as a person and a Trooper and will be missed.
Linda and Drew Kappus
January 29, 2007
Melinda, Karen, Bill, Jen, and Mike,
Words cannot express how deeply moved we are to hear about your loss. Mike was one heck of a guy...loving father, doting grandfather, super father-in-law, and cherished friend. Our world was definitely better for having him in it! He will be deeply missed. Please know that you are all in our hearts. Go Bears!
Nancy Magnus
January 29, 2007
Melinda & family - I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with Mike when I first came to the Troopers. You couldn't help smiling when he was around. He was bigger than life! I simply can't imagine the world without him. Will be raising a glass in his honor during the Superbowl. My prayers are with you - take care of yourself.
Debi Como
January 29, 2007
Jennifer: David & I are holding you in our hearts with love & friendship. We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad, as you have expressed .. he was a good, kind & wonderful father. Our prayers are with you and your entire family. God Bless, and know you are cherished and our friendship is always here for you. Debi & David
Jim Farrell
January 29, 2007
Mike was truly a great guy.
Rosie Kolberg
January 29, 2007
Melinda
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at the sudden loss of Mike. I cherish memories of both of you and the wonderful years you shared with others.
January 28, 2007
Melinda, Karen & Family,
My thoughts and prayers and with you in this difficult time. Remember all the wonderful years you had together and cherish the memories. May peace and love be with you always.
Lynn & John Monahan
Debbie Polak
January 27, 2007
Melinda & family,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Mike will always be unforgetable. After all these years, I still picture the two of you together and think what a beautiful couple you make.
God bless you and yours,
Debbie (Schadle) Polak
Joe DeTemple
January 27, 2007
Mike will always be remembered as a Trooper's Trooper. He touched many lives over the years and will be missed.
Cindi Payne
January 27, 2007
Mel & family,
After years of hearing famous Mikey stories again and again, I'm afraid I'll never do him justice by trying to re-tell. I will attempt though and I can just imagine him shaking his head- laughing lovingly. He was the master story-teller, could make the average drama quite humorous and a mentor for all- he was very loved (as are you) and will be greatly missed. Big hugs and kisses and know that we love you.
Sid and Peggy LaMonica
January 27, 2007
Melinda,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing. We always will remember his sparkling eyes and wonderful smile. He was a special person. Our condolences to you and the family.
Mike & Jaque Radisch
January 27, 2007
Melinda, Jaque and I met you at one of the Trooper Banquets. I worked with Mike many years ago in Fairbanks. I remember he had a very good left hook as I used to spar with him. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.
Michael & Meg Smith
January 26, 2007
Melinda and Family,
Michael is a wonderful man with a very special place in my life. He made me a better person just by being me friend. I miss his presence and the visits we had. Working with Michael was as much fun as playing with him.
More than anything else I will cherish my memories of the great and the quiet times we had together. In that way, for me, Michael will never be gone or
forgotten.
Meg and I send you our love and our prayers that God will bless you and
give you peace in your loss and joy in your memories of Michael and his
love for you.
Jim and Lana Loesch
January 26, 2007
Melinda and Family,
It was with great sadness on hearing of Mike's early passing. He was such a great friend and was always upbeat and a fun person to be around. We will miss him but will always cherish the many memories. One of a kind!!
Barry Pegram
January 26, 2007
Melinda,
My condolences to you and your family on the unexpected passing of Mike. During my last trip to Alaska, Mike and I spent several hours one evening just "catching up". That time will be forever treasured. Mike was indeed, a most unique individual. He will be missed.
Joe LeBeau
January 26, 2007
We will all miss Mike, but of course none of us as much as you and the rest of the family.
By the way Mike was a better goalie than I was a hockey scorer.
I always knew he was there when i needed help with my job, especially when the going got tough.
Jim & Carolyn Cappelletti
January 26, 2007
Dear Melinda & Family,
You couldn't help smiling, laughing or both when Mike was around.
Walt Monegan
January 26, 2007
Melinda and Family,
Please accept our condolences and know that you and Mike are in our thoughts and prayers. I knew Mike from a distant badge and he always struck me as a compassionate warrior. His positive and up beat manner was displayed in his step and smile. As a person and a role model, he will be missed.
Susan Sprague
January 26, 2007
Dear Melinda,
God Bless you and your family through this most difficult time. Mike was loved by many and will be in our memories always.
Skip and Patti Coile
January 26, 2007
Melinda--What words could possibly explain what we feel at this time? As a mentor and a friend Mike will never be surpassed. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you--The Kolivoskys will never be forgotten in our household.
Jerry Clemons
January 26, 2007
Melinda,
Kay and I are grieving for you in particular and for everyone else too because we have all lost someone special. Mike's boyishness,
zest for living and friendship were really something special. We will
all miss him while celebrating his wonderful life.
Merilyn Ryder-Marantz
January 26, 2007
Dear Melinda and Family,
I was shocked to see that Mike had passed on this week. May you dwell on the special memories you have of each other and those of his friends.
Merilyn J. Ryder
Tom Clemons
January 26, 2007
Melinda- My heart goes out to you and Mike's family. He was a great human being and like a brother. I will miss him very much. I would not be where I am today without you two wonderful people.
Take care and please keep in touch
Tom Clemons
Jim & Patti McNeff
January 26, 2007
Mel - So glad that you sent out your New Years day cards with yours & Mike pic. What a fitting tribute to his passion for sports. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary Bader
January 26, 2007
Family of Michael.
I worked with Mike at Alyeska Pipeline and enjoyed my breif association with him. He was an honorable man and a pleasure to be around. I'm sorry to read of his passing and offer my fondest condolonces.
Tom and Ingrid Zaruba
January 26, 2007
Melinda and family.
Please accept our heartfelt condolonces. Mikey was a great guy and a good friend. We will miss him greatly.
Peggy & Hank Wiedle
January 26, 2007
Mel, our hearts are with you! What a shock as I saw the paper this morning! I have many fond and fun memories of working with Mike. He was always a genuine, sincere person. He will certainly be missed.
Jim Shook
January 26, 2007
Mike was sush a good man and a fine trooper. I am shocked to hear of his passing at such a young age (I am a couple weeks older).He seemed to really enjoy life and his positive attitude rubed off on others. My very best thoughts are for you Milenda, your daughters and extended family.
Terry and Freda McConnaughey
January 26, 2007
Melinda: Terry and I are so very sad to hear of Mike's unexpected death. We send our condolences to you and family members. Mike was such a dynamic person, we will always remember his smile and happy personality.
Diana Long
January 26, 2007
Dear Melinda:
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers right now. I have many many good memories of Mike. I remember him always with his smile and positive attitude.
Much love,
Diana Long
John & Margie Charbonneau
January 26, 2007
Dear Milinda and Family.
Please accept our deepest sympathy at Mikes passing.
If its any consolation, he will get to watch Da Bears from the sky box on Super Bowl Sunday.
Sincerely,
John & Margie Charbonneau
MAX&KAREN CLEMENTS
January 26, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dennis/Karen Casanovas
January 26, 2007
Melidna, We are so fortunate to have spoken with you and Mike last month in Anchorage. Our prayers are with you in this very sad time.
Edna DeVries
January 26, 2007
We are praying for you - wish we were there to give you a hug. Love you - so many years ago when we all meet at City of Palmer. Love Edna Armstrong DeVries (montana)
Eleanor Dotomain
January 26, 2007
Melinda and family: I liked Mike. He was such a wonderful person. I worked with him at the State Trooper drug unit, he was our WSINator. I will always remember him through the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Just know that he will always live in our hearts.
bert verrall
January 26, 2007
Mike was a one-of-a-kind and his passing affects us all.
Anne and Ron Brown
January 26, 2007
Dear Mel: We love you and are with you this week in our hearts as always.
Betty Hill
January 25, 2007
Dear Melinda and Family:
Mike touched so many lives and will certainly be missed by anyone who came in contact with his smile and humor. My deepest sympathy to you and family.
Jim and Gail Meehan
January 25, 2007
Melinda and Family: Gail and I are sorry for your loss. Mike was a special guy. He and Murphy (Alaska) were quite a pair together. We'll all miss Mike deeply.
January 25, 2007
Dear Melinda, Karen, and family,
Words cannot express our deepest sympathy for you at this difficult time. The few times that we had the opportunity to see Mike, we enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor and zest for life. What a great husband and father he must have been. You all are very lucky to have had him in your life!
All our love,
Mitch & Cheryl (friends of Bill & Karen)
Marilyn Zeller
January 24, 2007
Dear Melinda and family, we are sorry to
learn of the sudden loss of Michael. Please accept our sympathy at this time - Marilyn and Jim Zeller
(former co-worker of Marty L.)
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