On Monday, December 21st, Colin Kamphof passed away unexpectedly at the age of 37. Colin will be forever remembered and missed everyday by his parents, Henry and Susan Kamphof, his sisters, Lindsey (Alex Hoole) and Stacey (Jamie Crowder), his best friend and brother, Darren, and his friends both here on the island and in Thunder Bay. He will also be lovingly remembered by his nephews, Liam and Lawren, and niece, Abby, and his many aunts, uncles and cousins from the Anderson/Siegers, Finke, Hunt, Kamphof, Makkinga, Muller, Rinsma, and Vis families.
Born April 19, 1983 in Whitehorse, Colin called the Yukon his home until his family’s return to Thunder Bay in 1985. Colin attended the Thunder Bay Christian School and spent his summers swimming and fishing in the Kam River behind his home, as well as playing baseball and golfing at Municipal. During winters he loved snowmobiling, tobogganing, skiing, and playing hockey at both local and outdoor rinks with those who were most important to him, his many friends and cousins.
In 1996, Colin’s family relocated to Victoria. Colin attended Lansdowne Middle School and Mt. Doug High School. Here on the West Coast, Colin missed his friends and family in T.Bay, but he continued to play hockey, golf, and fish, and discovered the joys of motor/dirt biking, skim boarding, saltwater fishing, and weight training with his brother, Darren.
Colin continued his education by pursuing a Nursing Administration Degree from UNBC in Quesnel and Prince George. Colin was daring, adventurous, funny, outgoing, passionate, and had a larger-than-life personality that matched his 6’3” inch, 240 pound frame, but he was also introspective and very sensitive, and his career path revealed a man who truly wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. In his work, Colin had a capacity to care that transformed people’s lives, and he will be fondly remembered by the residents and staff at Pacifica Housing Advisory Association in Nanaimo.
We know Colin is now with Grandpa and Grandma Finke and Oma and Opa Kamphof, and is loved both here on earth, as well as in heaven.
When you think of Colin, celebrate the good memories you have of him. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” –Thomas Campbell
A celebration of Colin’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Colin can be made to Pacific Housing at https://pacificahousing.ca/donate-today/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
37 Responses
Henry, Susan, Lindsey, Stacey, Darren and extended family,
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of your dear son, brother, friend…
Although it has been a long time since we have come in contact with you through the Thunder Bay Christian School days, your write up about Colin’s life so wonderfully summed up what we remember of him. The people he came in contact with throughout his life were touched by his zest for living and his caring spirit. It was wonderful to hear where his paths took him and the good he did in his work.
May God comfort you during this extremely difficult time. We pray that you will be surrounded by the love and care from others and the peace that only God can provide. Know that you are being held up in prayer here, too.
Our sincere condolences,
Peter and Joanne Himanen
My condolences to you and family. I went to school with Colin in Thunder Bay last seeing him in grade three. He remember him and thought about him periodically throughout the years. He was even my grade three crush. Prayers for your family
Dear Henry and Susan and family. We are so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of your dear son Colin. Our thoughts are with you and we pray that the Lord will grant you His comfort and strength.
Love Gerry and Wilma
Dear Henry & Susan & Family,
I was so very sorry to hear about Colin’s sudden passing. What an incredible life he had and what a beautiful, caring soul. The obituary is truly a wonderful tribute to his all too short time on earth. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May his memory always bring a smile to your face before a tear to your eye.
My deepest sympathy,
Marsha
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to your family on this unexpected and devastating loss.
For all of us, there will be a time when God’s hand will reach out to bring us home. It is hard for us to comprehend why God decided to bring Colin home sooner than we would like.
We pray that our Lord will sustain you and give you the strength you need at this difficult time.
Dear Henry, Susan and family,
Our deepest sympathy for you all at this unbelievable time.
Sending you all our love and prayers,
Brian and Jennifer Michnik and family
Henry and Susan and family, my heart aches for you all during this time of unbelievable grief. I remember the time you came through Grande Prairie from Whitehorse, stayed overnight with a new born (Colin) and the rest of your family with your camper van. I’m sending you my condolences and love.
Dearest Lindsey, Stacey & Darren, Susan & Henry,
I just want to say how heartbroken I am for your family. I remember Colin as the cutest big-eyed, round-faced, sweetheart of a little brother. Darren and Colin and Billy were always running around the neighbourhood, up to who knows what – loads of mischief! While I never got to know him as an adult, I love learning that he worked in health & social care; your description of him here is so lovely. I am thinking of you all as you cope with the shock and grief at losing him, and figure out ways to commemorate his beautiful life given the limitations imposed by the pandemic. Wish I could hug each of you.
All my love,
Jacqueline
Henry and Susan. I was saddened to hear of the passing of Colin. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Peter Boban
Our condolences to you Henry and Susan and Family with the loss of your son, brother.
May the Lord give you the strength to continue and ease your sorrow.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.. Gerrit and Alice.