Collin Edward Emmett

We celebrate the incredible life of Collin Edward Emmett, beloved son of Marjorie and Edward Emmett; cherished brother to Carol and Burton “Burt” Emmett; devoted husband of Jane; and the best dad one could have. A graduate of Central Michigan University and a proud veteran who served in the United States Air Force, Dad was a man whose laughter filled every room, whose stories grew better every year, and whose presence alone could turn an ordinary gathering into the party everyone would remember.

Dad passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a family and community that will never quite be the same without him. To know Collin was to know humor, resilience, loyalty, and unconditional love. He was the life of every room he entered — usually with a smart remark and stories that got more unbelievable every time he told them.

Above all else, Dad was a loving husband to mom, Jane, and a devoted father to Nicole, Brad, and Brian. His family was his pride, but his grandchildren were truly his whole world: Alli, Caroline, Leah, Emmett, Gates, and Grey. Nothing brought him more joy than teasing them, spoiling them, and making memories they’ll carry forever. He adored being “Grandpa”, and everyone around him knew it.

Dad was also a respected businessman and proud owner of Emmett’s Energy, which he built over the past 40 years from a small operation into a successful and trusted staple of the Romeo community and surrounding areas. Through hard work, determination, and relationships built on trust and friendship, he created not just a business, but a legacy.

And if there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that our dad truly lived life to its fullest, and that’s an understatement. Somehow, he seemed to have nine lives, maybe ten. Over the years, he kept his family constantly on edge with hospital visits for hip replacements, shoulder replacements, prostate cancer battles, snowmobile flips, and the unforgettable incident of accidentally blowing himself up at a pig roast, a story he somehow managed to laugh about afterward and didn’t miss his 4th of July party. No matter what life threw at him, Dad always came back swinging, usually with a joke before anyone else could make one.

He was tough, hilarious, stubborn, generous, and unforgettable. He taught those around him how to laugh through hardship, how to work hard, and how to show up for the people you love.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort knowing dad left this world exactly the way he lived in it, leaving behind stories that will be told for generations, laughter that still echoes in every gathering, and a family that adored him deeply.

He may be gone, but somewhere up there, dad is sounding his infamous whistle letting everyone know his famous grandpa breakfast is ready, and making sure everyone’s having a good time.

A celebration of life will take place this summer at the family’s cherished cabin on Shupac Lake.

Local Arrangements by the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home