Feb 10th update: A commemoration of Dr. Michael E. McCollum's life will take place on Saturday, March 14th at 1p.m. at The Historic Cavalier Hotel, 4200 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. All who admired and loved Mike are welcome. The family invites attire that reflects the warmth of the occasion; traditional black dress is not expected. A reception will follow.

Leaving enduring love for his family, friends, and medical community, Dr. Michael E. McCollum of Virginia Beach, VA and Monkton, MD, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep. He was 64. He led a vibrant and robust life, which makes the loss even more tremendous. He was actively transitioning to retirement to enjoy life on his historic farm in Maryland, where he savored the beauty, wildlife, and birds. Mike loved when people gathered there to play, sit around a fire, and swap stories.

Born to John E. McCollum and Leanne B. Boisvert, Mike was raised in Fairfax, VA with two brothers and two sisters. He attended George Mason University and the VCU School of Medicine, then known as the Medical College of Virginia. He completed his Residency at Franklin Square Hospital Center in Baltimore and Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His career spanned 38 years. Mike had a stalwart professional reputation as a gynecologic oncologist. He cared deeply about his patients and staff and the organization from which he was retiring, Virginia Oncology Associates, and was widely known for his candor. He consistently extended wise counsel and encouragement. As a mentor, he imbued others with confidence and determination in hopes they would double down on their gifts. Many credit him with finding their positions more fulfilling and/or advancing their careers.

Mike could not get enough of his family. He is mourned by his wife of 35 years, Meredith. They loved one another wholeheartedly and each felt the luckiest. They were a great team and created a wonderful, gentle, and safe home. They adored one another and had big dreams of growing old together and continuing to relish the closeness that they fostered with their children: Gannon and Rebecca McCollum (Camille), Deanna McCollum and Max Traubert, Clay McCollum, and Gillian McCollum. The kids thought their Dad was larger than life. They admired his ability to be pensive and also fun, power through classic literature, have thoughtful discussions, and demonstrate his comedic genius. He was a deep thinker and they all sought and trusted his guidance. And he was up for anything: hanging swings in the house, seeing a play, building a creative project, traveling, riding motorcycles, hiking, eating new foods, watching an iconic movie together - or even a lowbrow television show. He enjoyed surprising his family with a range of adventures, games, dirt bikes, delicious meals and, on three occasions, puppies. Mike was always looking ahead to the next way to enjoy family time. He had delighted in being a grandfather for one year to the day. He cherished his granddaughter.

The family knows that Mike would be so honored if you think of him as you share your gifts with the world and share stories, meals, talks, and lots of fun with those important to you.