When people talk about Justin Bieber’s family, they usually mention his mom, Pattie Mallette, or his step-grandfather, Bruce Dale. But there’s another name in the background — Michael Mallette. He was Justin Bieber’s biological grandfather and the father of Pattie Mallette. His story is not well known, but it shaped the lives of those who came after him.
Michael Mallette lived a short and complicated life. He faced personal struggles, made difficult choices, and left behind a legacy that still affects his family today. He passed away in 1984 — ten years before Justin was born — but his presence is still felt through the stories, memories, and the roots he passed down.
Let’s take a closer look at who Michael Mallette really was, what happened in his life, and how he became part of the bigger Bieber family story.
Profile Summary: Michael Mallette
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Mallette |
| Born | 1947, London, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | 1984 (age 36–37), sudden heart attack |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | French-Canadian (paternal), British/English (maternal) |
| Height | About 5 ft 9 in (estimated) |
| Parents | Father: Joseph Alexandre Mallette; Mother: Theresa Hamblin |
| Spouse / Partner | Diane Henry (later Diane Dale) |
| Children | Chris Mallette, Sally Mallette (1972–1977), Pattie Mallette |
| Grandchildren | Justin Bieber, Amanda Buck, Chantel McNaught |
| Great-Grandchild | Jack Blues Bieber (born 2024) |
| Occupation | Local labor/trades (not publicly documented) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Not publicly known; lived a private, modest life |
| Known For | Being the biological father of Pattie Mallette and grandfather of Justin Bieber |
| Ancestry | Descendant of early French settler Françoise Lehoux (born 1628) |
| Notable Facts | Left family when Pattie was 2; reconnected briefly before his death |
Michael Mallette’s Early Life and Background
Michael Mallette was born in 1947 in London, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in the Middlesex County area, surrounded by the calm and quiet life of small-town Canada. His roots were a mix of French-Canadian and British heritage, giving the Mallette family a blend of two rich cultural backgrounds.
His father, Joseph Alexandre Mallette, came from a long line of French-Canadian ancestors. One of those ancestors, Françoise Lehoux, was born in 1628 in Orne, France and became one of the early settlers in Quebec. On the other side, Michael’s mother, Theresa Hamblin, was born in Reading, Berkshire, England, adding British roots to the family. So even though Michael lived his life in Ontario, his bloodline stretched far across history and geography.
Michael Family Lineage and Ancestry
The Mallette family tree is filled with history. Thanks to his father’s side, Michael Mallette carried the legacy of French settlers who helped shape Quebec and parts of Canada. These roots were strong, and they later became a proud part of the Bieber family story.
Michael’s mother, Theresa, brought something different to the table. Her English background added a second layer of heritage. When you look at Justin Bieber’s ancestry today, you’ll see a unique mix — part French-Canadian, part British — and it all leads back to Michael’s parents: Joseph and Theresa.
Michael Mallette Marriage to Diane Henry (Later Diane Dale)
In the late 1960s or early 1970s, Michael Mallette married Diane Henry. She would later become known as Diane Dale after remarrying. Together, they started a family in Ontario and had three children: Chris, Sally, and Pattie.
Their marriage didn’t last very long, but during those early years, they built the family that would later become part of a much larger story. Little did they know that their youngest daughter, Pattie Mallette, would one day raise a global superstar.
Children of Michael Mallette
Michael Mallette had three children with Diane:
- Chris Mallette, his eldest son.
- Sally Mallette, his middle daughter.
- Patricia “Pattie” Mallette, his youngest daughter, born in 1976.
These children were just kids when things started to go wrong in the family. Pattie would later describe her early years as difficult and painful.
The Death of Sally Mallette
In 1977, when Sally was just five years old, something tragic happened. She was hit by a car while crossing the street and died from her injuries. This heartbreaking event shook the Mallette family to the core.
Losing a child is one of the hardest things any family can go through. For Michael Mallette, this tragedy became a turning point. The pain and sadness from Sally’s death added more stress to a family already struggling. It was a moment that would leave scars for years to come — especially for Pattie, who looked up to her older sister.
Michael Mallette’s Separation and Departure from the Family
Not long after Sally’s death, Michael Mallette made a decision that would change everything. When Pattie was just two years old, he left the family. Pattie remembers this moment clearly in her book. Before he walked away, Michael gave her a small Thumbelina doll. That doll became her comfort during lonely times, and she held onto it like a best friend.
Michael and Diane officially divorced before Pattie turned nine. From that point on, Michael was mostly absent from his children’s lives. His leaving created a deep emotional gap in the family — one that Pattie would carry with her into adulthood.
Pattie Mallette’s Memoir and Her Memories of Michael
In 2012, Pattie published her best-selling memoir, Nowhere But Up. In that book, she shared her honest thoughts about her father, Michael Mallette. She described him as alcoholic, abusive, and emotionally unstable during the short time he was around.
His absence and actions had a lasting effect. Pattie struggled with her own life — dealing with depression, addiction, and even a suicide attempt as a teenager. She wrote about the pain of growing up without a father and the emotional scars it left behind. It was hard for her to understand why he left, and even harder to forgive what he did.
Michael Mallette’s Sudden Death
Not long after that dinner with his kids, Michael Mallette passed away. His death was sudden and heartbreaking. He died of a heart attack in 1984, at only 36 years old.
The most painful part? He died the night before his son Chris Mallette was supposed to visit him for the summer. Chris had packed his bags. He was ready to spend time with his dad. But that moment never came.
For Pattie and Chris, this was one more loss. They had just started to reconnect with their father. And then, just like that, he was gone.
How Bruce Dale Became the Father Figure
After Michael left, Diane Henry (Pattie’s mom) eventually married a man named Bruce Dale. He became the real father figure in Pattie’s life. He helped raise her and later became like a grandfather to Justin Bieber.
Unlike Michael Mallette, Bruce Dale was always there. Michael supported Pattie, He showed up at events, He even appeared in Justin’s documentaries, like Never Say Never (2011) and Seasons (2020).
Bruce passed away in April 2025, but he left behind a legacy of love and guidance. While Michael Mallette was Justin’s biological grandfather, Bruce was the one Justin called “Papa.”
Michael Mallette and Justin Bieber Link
Even though Michael Mallette died years before Justin was born, the two are forever connected by blood. Michael was Pattie’s father. Pattie is Justin’s mother. That makes Michael Justin Bieber’s grandfather.
Michael never held Justin in his arms, He never saw him sing. He never watched him perform in front of millions. But his name, his bloodline, and his story are part of Justin’s roots.
Sometimes, family stories are not just about the people who are present. They’re also about the ones who are missing — and how their absence shapes the future.
Michael Mallette’s Legacy Through Generations
Today, Michael Mallette’s family line continues. Through his daughter Pattie and his son Chris, he became a grandfather — and now, a great-grandfather.
In 2024, Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber welcomed their son: Jack Blues Bieber. That makes Michael the biological great-grandfather of a new generation. Even though he didn’t live to see it, his family tree is still growing.
He also has other grandchildren, like Amanda Buck and Chantel McNaught, connected through Pattie and Chris.
The Pain and the Healing
The loss of a parent can leave wounds that never fully heal. Pattie Mallette carried those feelings into her adult life. She talked about the pain in her book, Nowhere But Up. She wrote about her father’s drinking, the abuse, and the feeling of being left behind.
But she also wrote about healing. She found strength through her faith. She found purpose in raising Justin. And she shared her story so that others could feel less alone.
Even though Michael Mallette made mistakes, his daughter chose to move forward. Her journey — from pain to peace — is part of his legacy, too.
Final Thoughts
The name Michael Mallette may not be known around the world. He didn’t make music. He wasn’t famous. But his story matters.
He was the father of Pattie Mallette, and the grandfather of Justin Bieber. His life was full of hard moments — mistakes, heartbreak, and silence. But it was also a life that gave rise to people who found strength, told their stories, and changed the world.
Understanding Michael’s life helps us understand where Pattie came from. And it gives us a fuller picture of Justin’s roots. Sometimes, the people we never meet still leave a mark on our hearts. And that’s what Michael Mallette did.
FAQs
1. Who were Michael Mallette’s parents?
Michael was the son of Joseph Alexandre Mallette, who had French-Canadian roots, and Theresa Hamblin, who was born in Reading, England.
2. How did Michael Mallette die?
He died suddenly in 1984 from a heart attack at the age of 36–37, just one day before his son Chris was supposed to visit him.
3. What was Michael Mallette’s relationship with Pattie Mallette?
His relationship with Pattie was difficult. He left the family when she was young, but they had a short attempt to reconnect as adults.
4. Is Michael Mallette connected to Justin Bieber?
Yes. Michael is Justin Bieber’s biological grandfather, though he passed away ten years before Justin was born.
5. What is known about Michael Mallette’s career or net worth?
His work life was private. He held local labor or trade jobs, and no public records show a formal career or notable net worth.
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