Obituary of Terry Colin

Terry Colin passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the age of 84.  Terry is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary; sons Ron of Regina, Lindsay (Shannon) of Vancouver, and Brad (Jennifer) of Regina; his four treasured grandchildren Samuel (Chelsea), Chloe, and Brayden and Emma (Austin); and brother Ed (Allana) of Vancouver.

Who says love at first sight can’t happen?  While living in Saskatoon, Mary and her twin sister, Josie planned a double date with two fellows.  Mary and Josie both knew one of the gents, but Terry was a stranger to both.  As fate would have it, Josie made the last-minute decision to switch places with Mary.  Being identical twins, the fellows were none the wiser and Mary wound up with Terry as her date.  This began a decades-long love affair and a marriage that lasted nearly 60 years.

Mary and Terry soon moved to Regina and built a home and family of three sons.  Raising three boys certainly proved to be a challenge, but Mom and Dad provided us with a wonderful, loving home.  They provided us with all the opportunities that helped to expand our horizons and carry forward a strong set of values into adulthood.

There are so many memories of Dad that we cherish.  Having become an instructor, Dad taught us to cross-country ski.  Many nights were spent skiing around Wascana lake (with the odd squirt from Mom and Dad’s wineskins!), followed by hot chocolate at home.  Later on, Dad taught the family to downhill ski.  We made many trips to local ski hills and were treated to trips to the mountains for some ‘real’ skiing.  Dad regularly took the boys to father-son swimming at the YMCA, returning home to find Mom with dinner on the table.  We also enjoyed many camping trips as a family. One particularly memorable trip had Dad in a face-to-face encounter with a bear outside our tent!  Needless to say, Dad prevailed and kept his family safe.

Dad was very involved with our extracurricular activities.  Dad was especially involved with our years in the Regina Lions band.  He would always take great delight and pride in our performances.  Dad would accompany us as a chaperone on the many trips we took with the band.  It was quite a task for him to help keep over 100 teenagers in line on our travels.  Dad endeared himself to so many of the kids over those years in his role as a surrogate father.  Our dear friend, Kathy, has remained a part of our family still to this day, nearly 50 years later.

Mom and Dad were rarely apart from each other.  They loved to travel, making trips to Europe, winter escapes to Arizona and Victoria, and many cruises (even though mom would inevitably suffer from sea sickness!).  They took great pleasure in planting flowers and gardens in springtime and sitting on the deck all summer long, enjoying their yard and BBQs with family.

Dad had a passion for woodworking.  He would spend countless hours in his shop, crafting beautiful small pieces of furniture and special projects for the boys.  He also loved to carve small pieces, especially figures at Christmas for the boys and grandchildren.  These carvings will be always be cherished mementos of Dad.

But perhaps above all else, Dad loved and treasured his four grandchildren.  They were the light of his life.  Spending time with them at family gatherings and when they would drop in for unannounced visits would bring Dad such joy.  The grandkids loved Grandpa very much and will miss him terribly.

Terry was loved so very much and will be missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Oncology Unit at the Pasqua Hospital and the Covid Unit at the Regina General Hospital for the support and compassionate care provided to Terry.  He spoke so highly of the nurses and would always have a smile when they would check in on him.

There will be a private celebration of Terry's life at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada, 508-36 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1A1.