Wilson Colcer

6/20/26 – 5/2/2014

"I'm Fabulous and Getting Better Every Day"

Wilson Colcer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, father in law and friend to all gracefully and peacefully began his eternal reward on Friday, May 2nd. He was sleeping comfortably and surrounded by family and close friends at the time of his passing. Wilson was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1926. He was educated in Kayville, Saskatchewan at the one room schoolhouse which was in the basement of a Lutheran church. At the age of 17, he fibbed about his age so he could join the Canadian army to fight for Canada in WW2. While training he suffered a broken foot. The day after his injury his outfit was deployed to Europe, where almost the entire unit was killed in action. After his foot healed, he volunteered for the Pacific Theater. He was with the 6th division waiting to board the troop train when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. After the war, he held various jobs as he operated bulldozers, drove trucks, was an electrician, mechanic and jack of all trades. In 1951 he and his family moved to Highland Park, Michigan, where he joined Recordak designing and repairing the first commercial microfilm devices. Later that year, he was recruited to General Motors public relations department as a representative in the "Parade of Progress" show. This show traveled across the country in the Future Liner buses to cities large and small, putting on displays of General Motors future designs and drawing large crowds across America After the Parade of Progress show ended, he worked in GM Research and Design for several years. In 1957 he moved to Orlando FL where he operated a United Rent-All franchise, worked as a Dale Carnegie salesman and instructor. and was sales manager for Central Florida Beverage. In 1965, Wilson married Hazel Coffee. Just 5 weeks after their marriage, Hazel had a sudden heart attack and passed away. The next several years were difficult as his self-proclaimed motto was to "live fast, die young, and leave a good looking corpse". In 1968 he met Nancy Colcer on a blind date and as he said "My life changed that night. It was love at first sight!" They were married in 1971. In 1973, the couple welcomed their only child. His focus shifted to being a family man and serving others. He became a financial advisor and community servant, volunteering to help the elderly understand their rights and Medicare coverage.

Wilson was well known in the community for his involvement in church, Indian Guides, coaching Little League, attending his son's sporting events, his exuberant, outgoing personality, witty one liners, quick jokes and outlandish fashion. He had a gift for making even the most despondent friends, acquaintances and strangers smile. His motto became "Leave 'em laughin'!"

Wilson was preceded in death by Hazel Coffee of Blowing Rock NC. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Colcer, his son, W. Jere Colcer, his daughter in law, Jill Colcer, his grandchildren Wilson H. Colcer and Caroline Colcer, all of Charlotte NC, his brothers Raymond Colcer of Detroit, MI and Fred Colcer of Ojai, CA, and his sister Constance Colombo of Phoenix AZ.

A memorial service will be held at Westwood Alliance Church 4412 Apopka-Vineland Road Orlando, FL on May 17th at 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, Wilson preferred that donations to be made to causes near his heart: Westwood Alliance Church 4412 North Apopka-Vineland Rd Orlando FL 32818 or Myers Park Trinity Little League PO Box 11556 Charlotte NC 28220.

Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Ave. Maitland, Florida 32751, 407-695-CARE (2273).