Colin passed away peacefully at the Jubilee Hospital, within a few weeks of his being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He leaves his wife of 58 years and best friend, Maggie, his much-loved children Rebecca (James) and Owen (Christine) and his adored grandchildren Sarah Wood and Oliver Barrett.
Colin left his home in Pitsea, Essex in 1964 having graduated from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. Armed with an Ontario Graduate Scholarship he headed to McMaster University, intending to study and explore Canada for a year. However, the opportunity to earn a PhD in Geography led him to a distinguished 32-year career as a Professor at the University of Victoria, along the way serving as Chair of the Geography department. He was ahead of his time in championing many causes, especially in support of female and junior faculty, that later became university policies.
Endlessly curious and a true scholar, Colin was impressive for the depth and breadth of his knowledge. His scholarship always sought the relevant and pragmatic, seeking to contribute to contemporary issues. He was unassuming, clever, articulate, and witty. With a gentle and persuasive manner, he was not afraid to challenge policies and practices with which he did not agree. He loved teaching and generously gave his time and knowledge to generations of students. After retirement he maintained his academic link with the department, and faithfully practiced his soccer skills at the never-to-be-missed Tuesday/Friday UVic kick-around!
Family was supremely important to Colin. He was our biggest cheer-leader, supporting all our endeavours, hare-brained or not. He himself was a man of endless enthusiasms, ranging from farming organically, to entering his paintings in the Sidney Fine Arts Show, to singing and playing the ukulele, hiking the local trails, involving himself in local and provincial politics, travelling far and wide, and of course, playing soccer—his last hurrah in 2019 coming on the Victoria Masters tour of Eastern Europe. Another personal milestone was the publication of his autofiction book Essex Man, the story of a working-class lad growing up in post-war Britain, where education changed the trajectory of his life for the better.
Colin’s experiences made him deeply empathetic to those who suffered inequities, injustices, or simple bad luck. Much loved and highly respected, he was a good man who has left the world a better place for his being in it.
Thank you to the staff at Saanich Peninsula and Royal Jubilee Hospitals for their compassionate and excellent care. Memories of Colin and condolences may be shared at www.mccallgardens.com, where a celebration of Colin’s life will be announced later.
McCall Gardens
16 Responses
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Colin was such a an encouragement to the library writing group. I was always so grateful for his willingness to edit. Loved all his stories.
Moira Gardener, fellow writer.
Colin was such a lovely man – a friend to all who met him right from the hop. He was indeed clever, witty, gentle, persuasive and also fun! I’m so glad we all got a chance to know him. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Maggie, Becky and Owen. My condolences. I will always have very fond memories of Colin. As my dad was Colin’s cousin, I was fortunate enough to have had some opportunities over the years to spend time with Colin and Maggie. I thought Colin was an awesome person. I always enjoyed spending time with him even though it was a rare event due to living in different countries. I’ll always remember Colin’s generosity when I visited Colin and Maggie in Canada all those years ago. I was looking forward to seeing Colin when I come to Canada later this year, but sadly it wasn’t to be. I’ll always remember his wit and humour and feel lucky to have known him. All the best at this difficult time.
To Maggie and family – I send sincere condolences to you at Colin’s passing. I got to know and respect Colin when I worked in the Geography Department at UVic from 1979 – 81. He was well regarded and liked by his colleagues and I know that like me, they will be saddened by this news.
Joanne
Dear Maggie and family. Leslie and I are so sorry to hear of Colin’s passing. I remember playing with and against him at UVIC when I first retired. I was so pleased to have someone a little older than me to show me how it was done. Leslie and I have fond memories of the trips to Europe with both of you. Thinking of you and your family at this time. Leslie and Dave Walts
Colin’s last card to us, this past Christmas, was full of the usual self-deprecating humor that we came to know so well. We met Colin nearly sixty years ago when Frances was a fellow graduate student at McMaster. And although the frequency of our meetings waxed and waned over the years, Colin’s warm greetings never varied. He was always the same smart, funny, caring man we met so long ago.
We have lost a good friend, but the memories of lazy Sunday afternoons at the stone house on Cedar Hill Road remain.
Thinking of you all
Frances, Alan, Adam and Rachel