Colin passed away peacefully at the Jubilee Hospital, within a few weeks of his being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He leaves his wife of 58 years and best friend, Maggie, his much-loved children Rebecca (James) and Owen (Christine) and his adored grandchildren Sarah Wood and Oliver Barrett.
Colin left his home in Pitsea, Essex in 1964 having graduated from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. Armed with an Ontario Graduate Scholarship he headed to McMaster University, intending to study and explore Canada for a year. However, the opportunity to earn a PhD in Geography led him to a distinguished 32-year career as a Professor at the University of Victoria, along the way serving as Chair of the Geography department. He was ahead of his time in championing many causes, especially in support of female and junior faculty, that later became university policies.
Endlessly curious and a true scholar, Colin was impressive for the depth and breadth of his knowledge. His scholarship always sought the relevant and pragmatic, seeking to contribute to contemporary issues. He was unassuming, clever, articulate, and witty. With a gentle and persuasive manner, he was not afraid to challenge policies and practices with which he did not agree. He loved teaching and generously gave his time and knowledge to generations of students. After retirement he maintained his academic link with the department, and faithfully practiced his soccer skills at the never-to-be-missed Tuesday/Friday UVic kick-around!
Family was supremely important to Colin. He was our biggest cheer-leader, supporting all our endeavours, hare-brained or not. He himself was a man of endless enthusiasms, ranging from farming organically, to entering his paintings in the Sidney Fine Arts Show, to singing and playing the ukulele, hiking the local trails, involving himself in local and provincial politics, travelling far and wide, and of course, playing soccer—his last hurrah in 2019 coming on the Victoria Masters tour of Eastern Europe. Another personal milestone was the publication of his autofiction book Essex Man, the story of a working-class lad growing up in post-war Britain, where education changed the trajectory of his life for the better.
Colin’s experiences made him deeply empathetic to those who suffered inequities, injustices, or simple bad luck. Much loved and highly respected, he was a good man who has left the world a better place for his being in it.
Thank you to the staff at Saanich Peninsula and Royal Jubilee Hospitals for their compassionate and excellent care. Memories of Colin and condolences may be shared at www.mccallgardens.com, where a celebration of Colin’s life will be announced later.
McCall Gardens
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Moira Gardener
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Jacki, Ken, Darci and Chelsea Roberts Colin was such a lovely man – a friend to all who met him right from the hop. He was indeed clever, witty, gentle, persuasive and also fun! I’m so glad we all got a chance to know him. So sorry for your loss.
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Andrew Wood Dear Maggie, Becky and Owen. My condolences. I will always have very fond memories of Colin. As my dad was Colin’s cousin, I was fortunate enough to have had some opportunities over the years to spend time with Colin and Maggie. I thought Colin was an awesome person. I always enjoyed spending time with him even though it was a rare event due to living in different countries. I’ll always remember Colin’s generosity when I visited Colin and Maggie in Canada all those years ago. I was looking forward to seeing Colin when I come to Canada later this year, but sadly it wasn’t to be. I’ll always remember his wit and humour and feel lucky to have known him. All the best at this difficult time.
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Joanne Thomas To Maggie and family – I send sincere condolences to you at Colin’s passing. I got to know and respect Colin when I worked in the Geography Department at UVic from 1979 – 81. He was well regarded and liked by his colleagues and I know that like me, they will be saddened by this news.
Joanne
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Dave Walts Dear Maggie and family. Leslie and I are so sorry to hear of Colin’s passing. I remember playing with and against him at UVIC when I first retired. I was so pleased to have someone a little older than me to show me how it was done. Leslie and I have fond memories of the trips to Europe with both of you. Thinking of you and your family at this time. Leslie and Dave Walts
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Alan and Frances Vyse Colin’s last card to us, this past Christmas, was full of the usual self-deprecating humor that we came to know so well. We met Colin nearly sixty years ago when Frances was a fellow graduate student at McMaster. And although the frequency of our meetings waxed and waned over the years, Colin’s warm greetings never varied. He was always the same smart, funny, caring man we met so long ago.
We have lost a good friend, but the memories of lazy Sunday afternoons at the stone house on Cedar Hill Road remain.Thinking of you all
Frances, Alan, Adam and Rachel
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Kathryn Robertson Our condolences to you, Marg, and all the family. I know Col will be sorely missed and have very fond memories of my stay with you in 1997. Sending lots of love from New Zealand. Kathryn, Robbie, Joe, Ella and Hannah Robertson xx
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Herman and Louise Westra Maggie and Family
Please accept our sincere condolence.
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Pat and David David and I are still shocked at Colin’s death – it all seemed so sudden. We only knew him for a few years but really loved being in his company. His obituary is very true and reflects our impression of him; he was kind, gentle, and very bright. How lucky you were to be with your soul mate for so many years, Margaret. We are glad for you to have had that, and join we you in mourning his death which happened far too soon for us.
Much love,
Pat and David
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Craig Girard Dear Maggie, Sue send our condolences as we were very sad to hear about the passing of Colin. I Remember a meeting that was held to talk about the master’s soccer trip to Europe in 2019 and the two of you showed up. i didn’t realize that I knew both of you from different circumstances, one from teaching and the other chasing down a very fast left winger (whom I could never catch) on the soccer pitch. Colin was a very wonderful, down to earth kind of guy and he will be sadly missed by many people. Take care Maggie……..love, Sue and Craig.
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Dave Stothard Had a long chat with Colin a couple of months ago on the Sidney Pier, at which time
he seemed his usual self, so I was very shocked by the news of his sudden passing. We shared many hours on many soccer fields over the years, and I can only say that he was a fine man both on and off the pitch. My sincere condolences to you Maggie and your family.
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Ron and Lynn Gardner Maggie our condolences to you and all your family. We were both so shocked to hear of Colin’s passing. May your good memories get you through these tough times. Ron and Lynn Gardner
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Bill Shoichet A true gentleman both on and off the field of play – I smile when I think of him.
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Ted Godwin I only ever knew Colin on the pitch at UVic and he was always a great team mate or opponent. His smiling face and great sense of humour will be missed.
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Rick Hoogendoorn My condolences to Colin’s family, friends, and teammates on Peninsula Masters. I played soccer with and against Colin for many years, both at UVIC “prof ball” and in the South Vancouver Island Classics’ Soccer Association. I will remember Colin as both an ever-friendly face and a player who was deft on the ball. It is always a shock to me to realize that the last time I saw someone I was completely unaware that it would be the last time I would ever see them. There should be a little reverence with every wave goodbye. Thank you for being a kind and friendly part of my life, sir.
Rick
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Brian Schofield I met Colin in 1980 when I entered 3rd year at the University of Victoria. I was in his Resource Geography class. I have good memories of Colin as a teacher, and remember meeting with him from time to time in his office, discussing aspects of the course. I also loved playing soccer, and fondly remember the kick-arounds at UVic. Years later I was one of Colin’s teammates on the Peninsula Masters soccer team. Colin wore #20, and was one of the fastest runners on the team. Before and after the matches we would reminisce about UVic days, and talk about the things we were both currently up to. I last saw Colin in 2020 while walking one of the local trails. I remember we had a good chat then. I was looking forward to meeting up again. I’m so sorry Maggie for your and your family’s loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Brian Schofield
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Colin was such a an encouragement to the library writing group. I was always so grateful for his willingness to edit. Loved all his stories.
Moira Gardener, fellow writer.