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1945 - 2013

BORN

1945

DIED

2013

Michael Colbert Obituary

G. Michael Colbert "The Colonel"

May 14, 1945

March 26, 2013

Born in Reno NV, Mike moved with his parents to San Francisco at 7 years old. Both parents Mildred and Giles Colbert, preceded him in death.

After High School, Mike joined the Air Force where he honorably served for four years. An avid sports fan, he loved to play and watch golf. San Francisco Giants and 49ers never had a more passionate fan!

Mike worked in food sales for many years, and eventually moved back to Reno, and worked for U.S. Foods for the past 17 years. He loved his job and the people he worked with - a great spirited man who simply loved life and laughter.

Mike is survived by his true love, Teresa Schwartzman, many cousins - closest (Maddie Bass and Cheri McLaughlin) in the Bay Area, countless great friends, inside and outside of work, his stepchildren, Kristie Guilmartin , Kari Bonanno, Kim Case, Kevin Franco , and his 13 grandchildren.

He was a true gentleman, with a wonderful heart - all of us will miss him terribly.

At Mike's request, there will be no memorial service, but a "Celebration of Life" will be held at the Bully's Sports Bar and Grill, 2898 Vista Blvd. Sparks, Sunday, 3/31 from 2pm to 5pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader from Mar. 30 to Mar. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Colbert

16 Entries

August 1975

Anita Kitchens

May 22, 2013

It was with great sadness that I found that Michael has left us ...... but he is off to a better place where he is among so very many who loved him. He must have gotten a promotion - he used to be called "Captain C". Michael loved so many sports - participating in them! Does everyone remember how much he loved fishing, skiing, water sports of all kinds? So many wonderful memories. And sitting at the top of Candlestick Park on the 50 yard line for the 9'ers! Wherever Michael was, there was fun! Heaven is a happier place now. :-) I never met a person that didn't just fall under Michael's spell - gentleness, charm, humor, kindness and just general 'warmth'. Michael -- you have always have been and always will be in my heart.

Dennis Leischner

May 18, 2013

Mikey you were too young to leave us yet. We were family way back when the 69th St. Gang were causing havoc at Kings. The nights watching Mork and Mindy and the Sundays watching our beloved Niners are still cherished memories. It's been too many years since I last saw you and now I'll have to wait awhile longer. In the meantime, get things set up for "the big one" and we'll have a brew and go roll a few. I love you man, you were an original.

Stephanie Bockman

May 18, 2013

Rest in Peace Mike. You always had a smile on your face and a good joke for me. It was wonderful working with you.

Great Times with Son-In-Law

Teresa

April 7, 2013

Grandpa

Teresa

April 7, 2013

Teresa

April 7, 2013

April 4, 2013

There will be a little less laughter in the world without you Colonel, miss you brother

Your Accomplice
James Vaughn

April 3, 2013

I love you and we will be together soon, we will miss you until then love cuz Cheri

April 2, 2013

To my buddy ‘Mon Colonel'… I will miss you, my friend. I will always remember “Herb & The Herbettes”, your rich tenor, “Amazing Grace”, “Under the Boardwalk”… and that wicked slice. This Bud's for you. When we're in SF this year, you will be sorely missed and you will be remembered often. Look after the Colonel, Lord… a sweeter man never existed. Love, Junell

April 2, 2013

I met Mike shortly after my mother and I moved to San Francisco in 1956. We were both in the 6th grade and together with one other kid, Amedeo Baldanzi, became the 3 Muskateers--proudly 'tagging' a wall on California St. ...Amie, Mike, and Ross. We all remained friends, more or less, all these years. My stepdad was very fond of Mike, as was just about everybody we knew. Mike was a sweetheart of a man whom I loved like a favorite brother. He was the best man at my wedding and would give you the shirt off his back. In short, a great human being that I am proud to have known.

Ross Mayer
Walnut Creek, CA

Mike Junell

April 2, 2013

A memory from the last "guy trip" to SF Giants - Thank you Mike Junell for sharing.

Teresa

April 2, 2013

To my Honey,
The house is lonely without you, Rusty and I both miss you tremendously. No one but us knows the fun and laughter we had, even through the tough times. It's hard to loose you; we will never stop loving you...Teresa

Maddie

Maddie Bass

April 1, 2013

Michael Colbert, my cousin and friend.

His mother Pauline, was my Dad Loy's sister. They were born in Arkansas where 12 siblings were born to Benjamin Franklin Bass and Adeline Hanna. Three of the children died of childhood diseases, leaving nine; Rondall the eldest, then Beldon, Hazel, Val Ree, Pauline, Royce, Loy, Hope and Fletcher all of whom have passed on. Like the Grapes of Wrath they came out to California in the ‘30's.

Mike and his Mom and Dad, Giles lived in Reno, S.F. and Oakland. Tragically Pauline was killed in a car accident when Mike was 6. My Mom and sister aged 4 went to Oakland to care for young Mike for a few weeks, while Giles recuperated. He then stayed at our house for a few more weeks until Giles was able to care for his son.

Holiday's meant getting together with all the Aunt's and Uncles and cousins. We really loved each other and getting together was always fun and lots of laughter. There was a prayer of thanks and then we were off and running. We camped in Yosemite and hiked all over. There were many times up to 30 of us.

All of us girl cousins had a crush on handsome Mike and he was a funny and a flirt. I can remember when he joined the service and came over in his uniform when I was about 11.
I also remember that Giles had a shop or storage on Lincoln Way, my sister says she thought it was in the Richmond, but anyway, it had Juke Boxes and all kinds of cool stuff to look at. When I was at Lincoln High School, Mike worked around the corner at a Gas Station, so it was fun to go see my big cousin with my friends…….

He was a kind man with a big heart. We loved him dearly and will miss him more than I can say. I wish he could have stayed longer, but it was best for him and I believe he is with our relatives that have passed before.

Love,

Cuzzin' Maddie

Brittany Case

March 30, 2013

You'll be in my heart forever.

Brittany Case

March 30, 2013

Mike was a wonderful grandfather. He was nice to talk to and told amazing stories. I didn't know whether to believe him or if I should pull up my boots because the poop might get deep. LOL! I'll miss you Grandpa. Have fun golfing all day long...in heaven. Love You.

Kim Case

March 30, 2013

Mike, you were a wonderful second father to me and my siblings and a fabulous grandpa to all of our children. I will miss you terribly. I will imagine you playing golf in heaven and having a front row seat at every 49ers and Giants games. You will always have a special place in my heart! Love you!!

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