William Michael Colt

William Michael Colt passed away on October 28, 2015 after a prolonged illness. Michael was born on September 8, 1940 in Modesto, California to the proud parents Winnifred and Edwin Colt. He grew up in the Modesto, California area amidst the beauty of peaches, almonds and grapevines. He attended the University of California, Davis and then received a Master of Science in Horticulture. He earned his PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of California, Riverside. Dr. Colt was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in October of 1964, and he completed his Officer’s training in Anniston, Alabama. He was assigned to the US Army Chemical Corps and was stationed at Fort Dietrich in Fredrick, Maryland from 1964-1966. He was the Commanding Officer of the 275th Chemical Detachment at Kaserme Wolfgang in Hanau, Germany from 1966-1968. Dr. Colt was honorably discharged from the Army as a Captain. He and his family moved to Boise, Idaho in 1979 where he worked at the University of Idaho extension research station at Parma, Idaho. Later in life, Michael got a Master’s in Public Administration and a Masters in Counseling.

Dr. Colt epitomized the term “man of the earth” with a deep connection to gardening, horticulture, and creating natural beauty through plants and artistic land features. Also an avid world traveler, he rejoiced in experiencing Manchu Pichu, China, Thailand, Ecuador, Africa, Argentina, and many European locales. He continually gave back to his community through participation in Rotary, the Idaho Botanical Garden, Garden Symposium, and multiple garden clubs in his beloved hometown of Boise.

Dr. Colt is survived by his wife, Shirley Perkins-Colt; his three sons Ross, Sean and Brian; his brother John Colt; his four grandchildren; and the mother of his children Barbara Colt-McCoy.

A memorial service will be held outside of the Colt family farm at the Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Hughson, California on November 7, 2015 at two o’clock in the afternoon. A subsequent celebration of his life will be held in Boise at a time and date yet to be announced.

Michael will be deeply missed as father, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Idaho Botanical Gardens or the National Parkinson Foundation in his honor.