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
Dear Henry, Susan, Darren, and the rest of the family,
My heart goes out to you in the news of the passing of Colin.
I met and new Colin as a friend. He was caring, kind, loyal, reliable, funny, light hearted, and sensitive. Colin was a great support for me during tough times in my life. He cared so much about his family and the people he loved.
His Mother, Susan, was the light of his life. He frequently spoke about her love and grace.
His Father, Henry, was a role model he looked up to and was a man he loved deeply and aspired to be in likeness of.
His Brother ,Darren, was his best friend, fishing buddy, golfing buddy, partner in crime, and one of his greatest supports to whom he looked up to with great admiration and loved unconditionally.
Colin was a wonderful person and his light shone in many people’s lives. I am lucky to have known him for a he time I did. You raise a good man.
All my heart felt condolences at this time go out to you all.
With love,
Hayley
Dear Henry, Susan and family
Our hearts were broken when we first heard your voice Henry to let us know about Colin’s passing.
We pray that you will find patience and peace during this time of healing.
May all the positive memories of Colin surround you …be your strength that that you can all keep looking up!
Love from Dan and Marilyn
Dear Henry and Susan and family
Please know that our hearts and prayers go out to you all. Our hope is that support from family and friends, along with the comfort of God, will help you find strength as you go through the pain and loss of this tragedy. May you remember that many are reaching out from afar in prayer and love.
Dear Henry and Susan
My heart breaks for your loss. Colin was a beautiful young man who enjoyed life fully. He learned to care about others from his very caring parents. He lives on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Dear Henry & Family,
So sorry to hear of Colin’s passing. We love our children and the loss of a child is tragic and heartbreaking. May you and your family feel the warmth in a smile when you recall good memories with Colin and support eachother in the sadness of his loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Diana Lokken
Dear Henry, Susan and family:
I am thinking of you and your family during this tragic time and extend my heartfelt sympathy.
Hold onto the love and joy that Colin brought to your family, it will never be forgotten.
Dear Henry, Susan and Family
To you and your family our most heartfelt sympathy. Wishing you strength and healing during this difficult time.
Gary & Shena Lafreniere