Warren was born January 16, 1946 in Victoria and died April 22, 2024 in Saanichton.
Predeceased by his father Robert Drinnan, mother Ethel Drinnan (nee McLaren) and sister Cathy Brown, Warren will be truly missed by his wife of 40 years Elizabeth (Lisa) Forster-Coull, son Robert Drinnan, daughter Christine Drinnan, son-in-law Russ Oborne and grandsons Roy and Len Oborne, his sister Dawn Gaudek, brothers-in-law Frank Gaudek and Jim Brown, and his many cherished nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and colleagues. Warren loved his family unconditionally and was so proud of their accomplishments.
Warren grew up in Winnipeg and Calgary but returned to Victoria for graduate school. He had a rewarding career as a biological oceanographer, which took him to all three coasts of Canada. Warren established his own environmental consulting firm and finished his career teaching in the chemistry department at Camosun College.
Warren imparted his passion for science and nature to his daughter, son and grandsons. As an avid birder, Warren took great satisfaction in adding “lifers” to his life list, a quest that took him all over North America. He was happy to share his knowledge of birds with family and friends who often looked to him to confirm identifications. Opera was another of Warren’s passions. He liked swimming followed by time in the hot tub, being on the water in his wooden boat, and completing the daily crosswords in the newspaper. Warren and Lisa enjoyed travelling together, especially their house exchanges to Europe.
Warren would have appreciated donations in his memory to the Rocky Point Bird Observatory.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
14 Responses
We have so many fond memories of Warren from our many east and west coast ventures.
His warm smile will remain with us forever. Thinking of you Lisa and Robert.
With deepest condolences.
Hugh, Doris, Marianne and Neil
Dear Lisa and all of Warren’s cherished family,
We are so sad for your loss, and for ours — the Matriarch Society will never be the same without Warren, and we remaining 5 will carry decades of memories of him. One of my favourites is when Warren put a wine cork in one of the antipasto jars, by accident he said. We never did find out who got the cork. Another favourite is Warren’s rescue of a family of baby moorhens stranded in the workings of a UK canal lock.
Warren had a quiet wisdom and a generous spirit. Even after decades of great stories about career, family and travel, he always had something new to share. Warren’s last text to us acknowledged his family by saying, in his quiet way, “it’s hard not to brag.” He was so proud of you all.
We wish you peace in knowing his suffering is over, and comfort in your own memories of Warren.
Love, Brian and Nancy
Dear Lisa, and family of Warren
Richard and I send condolences to each one of you for your loss.
We belong to a group of six, who got together every November to make antipasto for Christmas gifts for friends. The men did all the chopping and the women did all the organizing. Warren dubbed us the“The Matriarch Society”. Warren championed this activity, and even after decades, remembered what anniversary of antipasto-making we were celebrating. The Matriarch Society enjoyed many dinner parties and outings over the years. Warren, we know you will still be with us in spirit.
Lisa, Christine and Robert
We are so sorry to hear about Warren. We are thinking of you at this sad time.
Warren was a wonderful man and led a fulfilling life. We have known him since we were all at UVic and through the years with the “2 and a Juice” gang. He was our family’s go-to whenever we saw a bird species we couldn’t identify and there were many because our knowledge of bird species in the beginning was limited to male mallards and “llbs” (little brown birds). He was always so gracious in providing the names of even the common species. Our bird knowledge has certainly increased because of Warren’s patience through the years. We will miss him not only for his incredible bird knowledge but also for his friendship. He was a lovely, kind, nice man.