“I thank you, God for most this amazing day, for the leaping greenly…spirit of trees…and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.” (E. E. Cummings)
Don passed away in his 95th year, May 14th, 2018. He was much beloved and admired by his four children, Donald (deceased), Kathe, Susan, Lyn; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and treasured by his neighbors and friends in his wider community of Sooke. Don lived and loved his childhood growing up in the neighbourhood of James Bay. Later, still a teenager, he signed up and served as a pilot and instructor for the RCAF in WWII. He married Patricia Payte in 1945 and soon after was employed as a Federal Forestry Research Technician.
His work in the woods rekindled his passion for all things “green” and the vital importance of respecting and living within the balance of Nature. He was an environmentalist before the term was understood. Don was well known for his prize-winning vegetables, fruits and berries, and his unique hand-crafted home on 14 acres.
He also gave back to his community by being the Otter Point Volunteer Fire Chief, driving for Meals on Wheels, and serving on the local Parks Board. He had a strong belief that wildland must be preserved for all to enjoy, today and in the future.
Don was a humble man, remembered for his thirst for life, his environmental stewardship and his joyous heart. If you wish to personally remember Don, please donate to an environmental agency of your choosing.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Sooke Baptist Church, West Coast Road.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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John Lyle
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Gillian Kadiri Don was a wonderful man who would take time to chat on his walk to the mail box or whenever he was in his wonderful garden. Sincere condolences to all the family.
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Susan Gallagher To Kathe, Susan, Lyn, and family members, Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss from Roger and Donna Gallagher and family. We have such good memories of sharing special moments with Don. Roger remembers the time he called him to tell him he had seen the first wood duck on our pond. Donna, for all the bouquets of daffodils, blueberries, playing tile rummy, square dancing, and much more. We are thankful for the many years of his friendship.
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Mimby Sangha My sincere condolences to the Collis Family.
Mimby Sangha
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Sam and Carol Pasta Dear Collis Family.
We too share in your grief.
We’ll miss Don’s visit to our home.
He and Pat will always remain in our hearts
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Hadyn Thomas What a privilege to have been in a position to spend a few years getting to know a true ‘Gentleman’.
There was a refreshing lack of pretense surrounding Mr. Colis; he was the real deal and his family, friends, and community have reason to grieve his passing. I will miss his measured opinions and his wonderful recollections…his oral history of our community was priceless!
This is a man who will truly be missed!
With the fondest of feelings from the ‘Thomas Clan’
Hadyn and Family
Dear Collis Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort in all the great memories of your wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather. We will miss him very much. He was a true inspiration to our family!
It has been a privilege knowing both your parents. On one of our first dates in 1984, John took me to Don and Pat’s beautiful property. That first visit had a lasting impression on me and John and I have always strived to have a similar lifestyle. We feel truly blessed to have known them.
Sending our sincere condolences to all the family.
Rosanne and John Lyle