John W. Colley

John W. Colley, 81 of Harbor Springs, passed away surrounded by the Love of his family on August 31, 2018 at the Hiland Cottage in Petoskey.

John was born on June 11, 1937 in Petoskey, the son of Joseph and Donna (Carpenter) Colley and as an infant moved to the Detroit area. He graduated from Bentley High School in Livonia with the Class of 1955 before attending Western Michigan University and then Eastern Michigan University where he received his teaching degree and later his Masters Degree. John went to work for Redford Union Schools where he taught 7th and 9th grade English and Social Studies as well as coached various sports. He retired after 32 years and was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2008.

On August 28, 1982, John married the former Isabel Fry in Redford Township and in 1993, they moved to Harbor Springs where he worked at Boyne Highlands as a golf ranger and ski valet.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs and the Michigan Sport Sages and enjoyed all types of sports, but especially golf.

John is survived by his wife, Isabel; 4 children, John A. (Kathy) Colley of Georgetown, TX, David C. Colley of Livonia, Barbara J. (Kristopher) Catton of Webberville, and Kerry L. (Jon) Thomas of Fort Mill, SC; 11 grandchildren, Amanda (Erik), Jonathon (Carly), Katelyn (Jon), Zachary (Kelsey), Jacob, Matthew (Carlie), DJ, Nicole, Patrick, Kelley, and Gabrielle; and by 2 great grandchildren, Weston and Olive.

John was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Doris Meyers.

A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on September 29th at the First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Springs. Visitation at 10:00 a.m with service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Also streaming live on the church website at www.fpchs.org (click on live stream).

Those wishing to honor John’s memory are asked to make a donation to the McLaren Foundation – Hiland Cottage or the First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Springs.

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