HARRISON, Michael Neil
Born Sunday October 10, 1948. Passed away Saturday January 25, 2025.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Neil Harrison on January 25, 2025, after a short illness. Born on October 10, 1948, Michaelโs sudden departure is a huge loss to our family and the Colac community.
A devoted husband to Kaye, loving father to Francis, Mark, Tammy, Joanne, Keith, and Alice, cherished grandfather to 13 grandchildren, adored great-grandfather to 4 great-grandchildren and Pug person of Pancake. Michaelโs love for his family was boundless. He found immense joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always delighting them with his legendary dad jokes.
Michael was a passionate and dedicated member of the Colac community. As the owner of Colac Taxi since 1988, he was committed to providing outstanding service, ensuring the people of Colac could always rely on him. His dedication extended beyond businessโhe was the current president of the Colac Rotary Club, always striving to give back and support those around him.
He loved his fishing trips, took great pride in his garden, and never missed a chance to share a story or a laugh. And of course, he was a massive, one-eyed Hawthorn supporter, cheering on the Hawks with unwavering passion.
Michaelโs kindness, humor, particularly Dad jokes, and dedication will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Funeral notice
Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr. Michael Neil Harrison will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Gellibrand Street, Colac on Monday, February 10, 2025 commencing at 11 a.m. The Funeral will leave the Church at the conclusion of Mass for the Colac Lawn Cemetery.
Vigil Prayers will be offered at the above Church on Sunday, February 9, 2025 commencing at 7 p.m.
For those unable to attend, click here to view the live-stream.
View recordingTributes
Leave a tributePoppy,
Thank you for all the time we spent together and for being able to make anyone laugh no matter the situation. I am so lucky to have met you and have such a wonderful grandfather. Your love for gardening and jokes will live on within me. I wish we got more time to chat and laugh, wish you were able to see what I will accomplish in the future. I will forever miss you but am so thankful to have you in my life, Iโll help to take care of both mum and nanna Kaye. Iโll forever for you in everything and think of you as you live on in memories and jokes. Please tell nanny I say hi and that we all miss her as much as we miss you. Hawthorn must win this season just for you this year.
Love you always poppyFebruary 10, 2025 4:10 pm
I have reflected over what the right words to say would be. In a time of grief Iโm not sure that Iโll ever really find them. This time has really made me reflect on my childhood and the earliest memories. Uncle Michael the gentleman, I think of the fond memories the times together how blessed we are to have that enrich our lives. He loved and cared for us like his own. I remember the excitement and anticipation of hearing his voice the warm embrace his laughter wise words and the cuddles from an uncle, the love he showed was so precious. The family events bringing us together with sport ,laughter and creating memories to last a life time. His mission to turn anyone he could into a hawks supporter! Unfortunately he missed my generation but was able to happily recruit 2 great nieces to the Hawks corner! Boxing Day will never quite be the same. Thank you Uncle Michael for the way you loved us the moments made special For memories you knew would etch in our hearts and live forever. Rest in peace and forever in our hearts. โค๏ธ your niece Melissa and family , Hamish, Bella and Molly.
My love and condolences to the Harrison crew especially Auntie Kaye and my cousins Francis, Mark, Tammy,Joanne,Keith and Alice my thoughts dnd prayers and love with you and your families.February 09, 2025 10:46 pm
To Kaye and family,
we are so sad for your loss and offer our sympathy and prayers at this difficult time. Michael was such a great guy and always had a good story to share. John and I enjoyed our chats over a cuppa of yorkshire gold when heโd drop in. He spoke with pride of all the family and grandchildren. Sincere condolences to you all.February 09, 2025 9:57 pm
Our condolences to Kaye,and her beautiful family,on the passing off there beloved Michael๐๐ข,He weโll be sadly Missed by you all ๐ข,and the Colac community, will miss him ๐ข ,R.l.P Michael ๐น. Delwyen &l lan Parker
February 09, 2025 3:58 pm
Words cannot express our sadness a brother and a friend, gone to soon going to miss you calling in on cafe on main for a coffee and a chat and your other girl pancake, so many memories drifting through our thoughts, will miss the trips to the Latin mass glad you were driving in Melbourne and not me, you were always the best driver, Heaven holds a place for those who pray , till we meet again . Pat&sue ๐๐๐ข๐๐ป
February 05, 2025 3:47 pm
My condolences to Kaye and the family on the passing of Micheal our hearts with be with you RIP Michael Harrison you was always a helpful person xxx
February 05, 2025 1:39 pm
R.I.P Michael ,Deepest Sympathy to Kay and the Harrison Family ,was a pleasure to have you as a boss for 3 years ,Mary Carson ๐๐
February 05, 2025 1:17 pm
RIP Michael
Our sincerist condolonsces to Kaye and all the family.
A true Gentleman who worked very hard for his loving family.Sam and Nicole Perisanidis
February 04, 2025 4:47 pm
To Michael and Family,
You were so warm and friendly when you took time out to show us round the bush. I still have the picture of you holding that snake you found.
You were so proud of your family and your Mother Jean.
Never forgotten cousin.Kevin and Family (England)
February 04, 2025 2:42 am
To Kaye and family so very sorry for your loss. Michael was a gentleman and will be missed by so many.
RIP MichaelShellie , Brett Harty & family
February 02, 2025 9:05 pm
Mike we have shared lots of memories up's and downs good and bad R I P. Condolences to your family your sister Bernadette and brother inlaw Robert.
February 02, 2025 8:34 pm
To my big brother Michael (guy guy),a memory of my childhood.
I own many so feel very blessed.
I thankyou Michael for being my brother
Your loving sister Catherine โค๏ธSending my love to Kaye, Francis, Mark, Tammy, Joanne, Keith,Alice and their loving partners and Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren โค๏ธ
CatherineFebruary 02, 2025 7:41 pm
Im still in so much shock ๐ฎ about this losing two of the best drivers in Colac thanks heaps Michael for all the great jokes when u picked me up when I was having a shit time u new how to change that I donโt know what to say itโs so hard would like to say Iโm sending lots of love hugs and condolences to the families rip mate u will be forever missed and loved by everyone ๐๐ฉต๐ฉต๐ฉตโบ๏ธ thanks for everything u did for this town
February 02, 2025 7:08 pm
Mike I hope my last words to you while you were heading to your final resting place you heard , my only regret was not being able to have a full life of memories but the ones I have I will treasure l will never make that mistake again we will be a strong family together. I will be there to continue what family is , LOVE till we catch up again Love your sis Lynne and mick xx
February 01, 2025 5:18 pm
Dear Kaye and Family, our deepest condolences on the sad passing of Michael a true gentleman and family man we will miss him greatly.
Lynni & Mick Davies
February 01, 2025 10:06 am
T0 Kaye and Families sending our condolences and thinking of you all at this sad time Dianne Murray and Family
February 01, 2025 8:56 am
Dear Kaye and family, so sad to hear of the passing of Michael , so many wonderful memories, sending you all much love and peace. Sue Gibbons xx
January 31, 2025 5:11 pm
Dear Kaye and family,and all the Taxi drivers.Thinking of you all on the sad loss of your loved one Michael. Remembering many times he had taken me in the Taxi,a real gentleman and a great person to have for the community.Deepest Sympathy to you all. Gloria Power.
January 31, 2025 3:42 pm
To Kaye and all your wonderful family,
Mary and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences at this sad time.
Michael was a true gentleman and contributor to community. A man of deep faith and conviction.
His warmth and smile always shone through and we are better for having known him.
We will miss him at mass but he remains in our prayers.
Tim and Mary GreeneJanuary 31, 2025 1:21 pm
Dearest Kaye & family, thinking of you all at this extremely difficult time in the sudden loss of Michael. Shall miss my conversations with him & his big welcoming smile. May all your beautiful shared memories help you to cope with Michaelโs loss. Sending you all warm love โค๏ธ & big hugs ๐ค
Barb Tucker. ๐๐๐๐January 30, 2025 8:15 pm
Ah Boss, what can I say? Here I am consumed by my own grief, why did we have to lose you too?
After starting driving taxis for you, I found why you so enjoyed it. It is such a great way to meet and chat with people.
I will miss the conversations we would have about all manner of things, and never really being able to solve the world's problems.
My deepest sympathy to Kaye and the entire Harrison family my heart is breaking for all of you. All my love to you, Patsy and familyJanuary 30, 2025 7:17 pm
Ah Boss, what can I say? Here I am consumed by my own grief, why did we have to lose you too?
After starting driving taxis for you, I found why you so enjoyed it. It is such a great way to meet and chat with people.
I will miss the conversations we would have about all manner of things, and never really being able to solve the world's problems.
My deepest sympathy to Kaye and the entire Harrison family my heart is breaking for all of you. All my love to you Patsy and familyJanuary 30, 2025 5:43 pm
To Michaels Family
Many memories with Mike when we umpired together at the Colac and District Football Umpires.
I remember one day we went to Melbourne to umpire the Victorian Womenโs Football Grand Final. By memory his daughter was playing in.
A great person and a true gentleman
My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.January 30, 2025 5:40 pm
To Michaelโs Family,
lam so sad to hear the news of Michaelโs passing,
Michael was a person that always put the Colac Community before himself,
l will always remember the conversations we had about the Hawthorn Football Club , he was so passionate,
May the Hawks theme song sing loud at his funeral
RIP Michael
Bryson HodgeJanuary 30, 2025 3:29 pm
Deepest sympathy to Michael's family.
Michael was well respected by the members of the Rotary Club of Camperdown.
We all remember when Michael and our President Pat planted the commemorative tree to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Camperdown.
January 30, 2025 2:47 pm