Michael "Mike" Peter MacColeman

Michael Peter MacColeman passed peacefully into the next life on May 29, 2025, at the age of 75. A man of strength and steadfast devotion, he was a builder of more than just businesses—he built lives, lifted spirits, and left every place better than he found it.

Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, Mike was a boy who sang in choirs and rose through the ranks to become an Eagle Scout. His roots ran deep—grounded in faith, family, and hard work. One of his first jobs was delivering newspapers; another was helping his father and uncles at Mac Tire and Battery. Even then, his ethic was clear: show up, do the work, do it well, and do it with pride. 

He graduated from Dondero High School and earned a degree in education from Central Michigan University. His early days as a Professional Scout and Water Safety Instructor marked the beginning of a life defined by leadership, service, and resilience. He wore many hats across the years: security guard, bank manager, loan officer, Christmas tree farmer, car dealership controller. He rarely stood still—often juggling multiple roles with quiet determination and grit.

In his late twenties, Mike met Nancy—the love of his life—and together they wove a marriage of 47 years, full of deep affection, purpose, and partnership.

With Nancy and their children, Peter and Meredith, he helped design, build, and operate beloved hotels across Northern Michigan, including the Apple Tree Inn in Petoskey and the Cherry Tree Inn & Suites in Traverse City. Mike also was always happy to consult and help many local businesses. He also stepped into classrooms as a substitute teacher in Petoskey, captivating students with stories and a teacher’s spark that never left him.

Mike was not only a man of business, but a man of principle. He was a founding member of Save Our Shoreline, and his voice echoed far enough to earn a Special Tribute from the Michigan House of Representatives for his advocacy.

In 2006, Mike retired to Florida—trading snow boots for golf shoes—but never slowing down. He made friends easily, consulted on local businesses, served on the ethics board at Florida Hospital Celebration, and helped develop a robotic surgery training program.

But retirement never quite stuck. In 2012, he returned to Michigan and launched Spare Time Entertainment Center in Lansing—a vibrant place full of laughter, families, and the kind of joy he was so good at creating. He welcomed all who entered like old friends. He trained, encouraged, and mentored young employees. He gave people a place to belong. It was during this period that son-in-law Bill joined the troupe and before long, Mike’s granddaughter, Kate joined as the chief “fun tester.”

Michael was a storyteller, a mentor, a lighthouse in every town he touched. He made people feel seen. He built gathering spaces—but more than that, he built connections. His legacy isn’t just in buildings or balance sheets, but in lives uplifted, hands extended, laughter shared.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Godfrey and Hilda; his brother, David; and a host of beloved animals—from chirping birds and squawking chickens to a parade of dogs too numerous to count.

He leaves behind a world brighter for his presence. His was a life of motion, meaning, and love—quietly epic in its reach.

Visitation will take place at Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Harbor Springs on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with an additional hour of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Holy Childhood of Jesus Cemetery.

Those wishing to honor Mike’s memory are invited to contribute to Scouting America or McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital—two causes close to his heart.

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