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
I am so sorry for his passing. My condolences to his family. He was wonderful. I was privileged to know him and to work for him. He literally launched me into my career. I learned so much from Warren. He was fun, kind and intelligent. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. I will never forget Warren.
Sorry to read of his passing Lisa. Good memories of being neighbours.
In sympathy,
Helen and Brian Merritt
Our deepest condolences to Lisa and the family on Warren’s passing. He will be sincerely missed by all.
Jonathan & Nancy Secter
Dear Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss of Warren. He is in a better place, free of pain. There is no doubt that your son, Robert, and your family and many good friends will help you through this sadness. I look forward to seeing you soon.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of birding with Warren while at Camosun College in the environmental technology program. I often think of Warren when I go out birding even now many years later. My deepest condolences.
Warren was a work colleague from the 1970’s and a good friend for over 50 years. I have fond memories of collecting water samples with the 2 of us bouncing in a zodiac through various regions of the lower Fraser River. In recent years when I lost mobility, I sure appreciated Warren’s encouraging phone chats and his special efforts to drive me to restaurant outings. These past few years I’ve been so impressed by Warren’s great bravery as he endured multiple hospital operations and ongoing pain. Warren greatly enjoyed birding and the biology side of his career. Warren repeatedly told me his great love of family.
To my dearest friend and “sister from another mother” Lisa, Robert, Christine and extended family.
There are no words that can adequately express the deep sadness we feel about Warren’s passing. We treasure the many adventures and wonderful times that we had with you. Our kids fondly remember Robert pointing out and naming birds in your magnificent backyard while playing “spit the pit”. Phil and I remember and treasure the wonderful times we have had staying with you, going out for dinner and to Butchart Gardens together. We love you very much. We appreciated Warren’s often quiet but thoughtful, caring and wise presence. We loved hearing stories of your wonderful travel adventures together.
Lisa, you have been an incredible wife and loving partner to Warren. Our thoughts are prayers are with you now as you walk this difficult road. I look forward to seeing you in person later this year and planning our own little memorial celebration for Warren’s life – a life well lived filled with love of family and nature and service to the natural world.
With deepest love and condolences,
Marilyn, Phil, Alex & Jordan
Lisa and family, I was saddened to hear of Warren’s passing. I spend many Friday mornings birding with him at Maber Flats and truly enjoyed his company. We all were hoping for a time he would be pain-free and able to join us on the regular birding outings again. I always appreciated his help with the Christmas Bird Count even when he was unable to participate in the field. He will be deeply missed and always remembered. Thanks to your family for your support of Rocky Point Bird Observatory, too!
I have known Warren since UVic days in early seventies. He was a passionate birder, teaching birding courses, helping with censuses at Rocky Point, weekly Maber Flats birding and organizing his area for the Christmas Bird Counts. I had a great field trip with him to the Oregon coast, chasing a rare goose (successful). In recent years, his ability to walk was severely hampered and most of his birding became a home exercise at his feeders. A distant memory was Warren organizing a game of Squamish ( as described in Mad magazine) that involved an ice rink, swimming flippers, and a deflated ball. He enthusiasm for all natural things will be missed.
So sad to hear that Warren has passed away. I really enjoyed my time with him as colleagues in the ET program, especially sitting around the fire at camp and of course identifying birds. Every time I hear a Swainson’s Thrush, I think of Warren. Deepest condolences.