Born: 10/19/1943 Died: 11/17/2025 Details of service: Graveside Services and Interment will be at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Archibald Street, Burlington. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:15 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the First Con gregational Church of Essex Jct. near the five corners. At Mich’s request, you are invited to join us for a meal and memories. Casual dress is preferred. Michel “Mich” Daniel Allen passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, surrounded by love, after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Burlington on October 19, 1943 to, to the late Daniel and Leesa Allen, Mich spent his entire life rooted in the community he cherished. He graduated from Rice Memorial High School, attended college and served his state and country in the Vermont Army National Guard, retiring proudly as a Sergeant after almost two decades of dedicated service. Mich’s life was filled with creativity, curiosity, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around him. He was a sportsman and fisherman who found peace in the outdoors; a photographer who captured life’s fleeting and beautiful moments; an aviator who loved the freedom of the skies; a gunsmith, delving into the obscure and intricate aspects of his craft; and a home-brewed beer maker who found joy in sharing his newest creation. Whatever Mich took interest in, he embraced fully and gave generously. Mich’s generosity was never more evident than when he cooked for family and friends. His culinary creations were second only to the love he felt for the time spent sharing his meals with those who meant the most to him. As a first-generation American whose family emigrated from Lebanon, Mich held a profound love for the United States and the values he believed defined it. He admired the rights and freedoms afforded to its citizens and spoke often of the responsibility of protecting them. His patriotism was not loud but steady, grounded in gratitude and belief. He spoke fondly of living in a country where hard work and values could lead to a better life. Mich had a remarkable knack for placing others before himself, quietly offering support without seeking recognition. His easy conversation, refined humor (most of the time), and genuine kindness made him easy to connect with. Even in his final days, his grace and gratitude never faded, shown in the way he consistently thanked his medical team and care givers. The love, laughter, and companionship he shared with everyone lucky enough to call him a friend shaped some of his happiest years. His gentle presence will be remembered by all who knew him. Mich was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia Chase Allen; his second wife and love of his life, Sylvia Nichols Allen; his parents; and his brothers, Simon, Fred, and Peter. Their memories remained a constant source of comfort and strength for him. He leaves his cousins, Richard Allen and family of Florida; Nadine Allen of Arizona and family; sister-in-law, Patricia Allen of New York; nieces Nadine Allen, Nichole Allen, Lisa Allen, and nephew Dan Allen. Also Sylvia’s family, sister Mary Lou Nichols Stanley of North Carolina and her daughter Karen and family; brother David and Diane Nichols and daughter Kristine of Charlotte, VT; Sylvia’s nephews Dan Nichols, Steven Nichols, and Jeff Nichols, and niece Krystal. Although Mich never had children of his own, his heart had room for many. When asked if he regretted not having kids, he would often smile and name the many children he had helped guide through life’s early years. He became the neighborhood uncle, the steady friend, the quiet protector, and eventually a grandfather figure to the children who grew up around him. He loved them all deeply, and they loved him back. His presence — steady, dependable, and kind — became a cornerstone of the neighborhood. This was especially evident in his lifelong friendship with his former next-door neighbor, and later cousin-in-law, Rachel Nichols Lamoureux, and her sons Philip, Bradley, and Gregory. Mich leaves behind the neighbors who became family during the nearly sixty years he called Essex home. His absence will be deeply felt by Adam and Heather King and their children; Thomas and Erin Philbrick and their family; David and Julie Guerino and their family; and Mary Lynn Hoyniak and her family. These were not just neighbors — they were part of Mich’s heart and his daily life. Mich spent many evenings talking with family and friends — too many to name here, and probably too many for anyone else to keep track of, but each one was cherished in their own way. Mich found peace and a sense of relief in arranging his final wishes with his attorney, Joy Karnes Limoge. Her thoughtful guidance, gentle support, and sharp wit lifted a weight from his shoulders, bringing clarity, reassurance, and even moments of lightness to a serious process. Her care and professionalism touched Mich in a way that was both meaningful and memorable. Mich and his family are deeply grateful to the staff at the McClure Miller Respite House and UVM Medical Center. Their care, compassion, and dedication not only gave Mich extra precious years but also allowed him to face his final days with dignity, comfort, and minimal pain. In lieu of flowers, Mich asked those who wish to honor his memory to consider a contribution in his name to the NRA Defense Fund, the Wounded Warrior Project, or the Chittenden County Fish and Game Club—organizations that reflected his values and passions. Graveside Services and Interment will be at 10:15 AM on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Archibald Street, Burlington, VT. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:15 pm at the Fellowship Hall of the First Congregational Church of Essex Jct. near the five corners. At Mich’s request, you are invited to join us for a meal and memories. Casual dress is preferred. Condolences may be sent to Heald Funeral Home at www.healdfuneralhome.com.  Read the story on VTDigger here: Michel “Mich” Daniel Allen. ...read more read less