Michael D. Collett

Michael Collett left us after his big heart just gave out. “If you didn’t know him, you didn’t live here,” is the general opinion. A Professional Photographer since 1979, he enjoyed watching the generations grow through life in his portraits. Often he photographed weddings of couples whose parents’ weddings he had photographed. High School Seniors were always his favorite subjects and he loved giving advice and telling jokes to make them smile. He also exhibited his black and white street photography in several art galleries, including Globe and Oracle. Everyone who knew him knew his magic tricks for kids and his silly jokes and teasing. If he couldn’t make someone laugh, his day was incomplete. Michael was born in Topeka, Kansas on December 8, 1951, the son of William and Mildred Louise (Sheesley) Collett. In failing health for the last few years, he still managed to enjoy life and people, until the pain finally got stronger than he was. He passed on January 22, 2015. Michael (not “Mike” because “I can charge more as Michael”) is survived by his wife of 24 years, artist writer and photographer, Jenny Kilb, his sister Patty Collett of San Antonio, and her children William and Donica Ramsey, plus a few hundred friends and two beloved dogs. He will be deeply missed. Tell someone a joke for him today. Jenny and Patty remind you to “Walk this way.” (Igor, “Young Frankenstein”) Family is planning services in March in Oracle. Another announcement will be sent with that information.