Edward “Mike” Case, Jr. passed away peacefully on Jan. 31, 2026, at the age of 75. Mike was the loving son of the late Edward Case, Sr. and Virginia (Jasmin) Case.

Mike was born and raised in Colebrook. From a very young age Mike worked in the woods, logging with his father and at times with his brothers. He helped to grow the family business. Carpentry was Mike’s second profession in life. He was a carpenter for 11 years. Mike returned to logging for a couple more years before he retired at the age of 70.

Early in life, Mike became interested in the process of making maple syrup. Mike and the Odell boys created an operation that evolved from boiling sap using a metal barrel outside to a full-fledged evaporator housed in a sap house that “Unc” and neighborhood friends helped to build. For 40 years, the High Hopes Sugar Shack has been producing the most delicious maple syrup.

Colebrook Yellow Labs was started by Mike and his daughter Tammy in 2009; however, Mike had been breeding dogs for a total of 28 years spanning across seven generations of Labrador retrievers. The puppies that have come from Mike’s home are hand raised and known throughout the area. He took great pride in raising each litter and he also took great pride in passing along all of his knowledge of breeding to Tammy, who will continue to carry on his legacy.

Mike lived life to its fullest. He made friends with people wherever he went and left a lasting effect of love and friendship in his wake.

Mike leaves his daughter Tammy (Charles) Huften of Colebrook, his son Michael Case of Utah, stepsons Justin (Ashley) Truskauskas of Colebrook, Aaron (Stella) Truskauskas of Oakdale, his brothers Peter (Marguerite) Case of Thomaston, Robert Case of Tolland, his four sisters Janet (John) Calchera of Stafford Springs, BettiJane (Joey) Kaschulux of Vermont, Carol Peugh of Texas, Sally Lou Parris of Winsted; and the mother of his children Barbara Case of Massachusetts. Mike also leaves two grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mike was predeceased by three others James Felix Case, Jack LaMere, and Marc Case; and one uncle, Paul Jasmin.