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
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Hayley Claughton
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Dan and Marilyn Boot 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
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Jack and Jo-Ann Vis 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.
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Carol Rusak 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.
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Diana Lokken 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
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Karyn French 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.
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Gary & Shena Lafreniere 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
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Peter and Joanne Himanen Henry, Susan, Lindsey, Stacey, Darren and extended family,
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of your dear son, brother, friend…
Although it has been a long time since we have come in contact with you through the Thunder Bay Christian School days, your write up about Colin’s life so wonderfully summed up what we remember of him. The people he came in contact with throughout his life were touched by his zest for living and his caring spirit. It was wonderful to hear where his paths took him and the good he did in his work.
May God comfort you during this extremely difficult time. We pray that you will be surrounded by the love and care from others and the peace that only God can provide. Know that you are being held up in prayer here, too.
Our sincere condolences,
Peter and Joanne Himanen
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Angela Gomez My condolences to you and family. I went to school with Colin in Thunder Bay last seeing him in grade three. He remember him and thought about him periodically throughout the years. He was even my grade three crush. Prayers for your family
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Gerry and Wilma Makkinga Dear Henry and Susan and family. We are so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of your dear son Colin. Our thoughts are with you and we pray that the Lord will grant you His comfort and strength.
Love Gerry and Wilma
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Marsha Goldford Douglas Dear Henry & Susan & Family,
I was so very sorry to hear about Colin’s sudden passing. What an incredible life he had and what a beautiful, caring soul. The obituary is truly a wonderful tribute to his all too short time on earth. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May his memory always bring a smile to your face before a tear to your eye.
My deepest sympathy,
Marsha
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Paul & Helene Our deepest heartfelt condolences to your family on this unexpected and devastating loss.
For all of us, there will be a time when God’s hand will reach out to bring us home. It is hard for us to comprehend why God decided to bring Colin home sooner than we would like.
We pray that our Lord will sustain you and give you the strength you need at this difficult time.
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Jennifer and Brian Michnik Dear Henry, Susan and family,
Our deepest sympathy for you all at this unbelievable time.
Sending you all our love and prayers,
Brian and Jennifer Michnik and family
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John Buitenhuis Henry and Susan and family, my heart aches for you all during this time of unbelievable grief. I remember the time you came through Grande Prairie from Whitehorse, stayed overnight with a new born (Colin) and the rest of your family with your camper van. I’m sending you my condolences and love.
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Jacqueline Maloney Dearest Lindsey, Stacey & Darren, Susan & Henry,
I just want to say how heartbroken I am for your family. I remember Colin as the cutest big-eyed, round-faced, sweetheart of a little brother. Darren and Colin and Billy were always running around the neighbourhood, up to who knows what – loads of mischief! While I never got to know him as an adult, I love learning that he worked in health & social care; your description of him here is so lovely. I am thinking of you all as you cope with the shock and grief at losing him, and figure out ways to commemorate his beautiful life given the limitations imposed by the pandemic. Wish I could hug each of you.
All my love,
Jacqueline
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Peter Boban Henry and Susan. I was saddened to hear of the passing of Colin. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Peter Boban
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Gerrit and Alice Brink Our condolences to you Henry and Susan and Family with the loss of your son, brother.
May the Lord give you the strength to continue and ease your sorrow.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.. Gerrit and Alice.
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Alive Marie and Fritz Veurink We are very sorry, Henry, Susan, and family for your deep loss. May God’s love hold you all tightly together and comfort you each day. Our hearts break knowing the loss of a child.
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Gerry Kowalchuk Henry, Susan and family…..
Our condolences and love during this difficult time.
Gerry Lise
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Patti Becoming friends with Stacey, I instantly learnt the love she had for her family and the connection she had with her siblings. I soon got to know Colin. What a character he was! He was strong, passionate and always a gentleman. He loved his family, was proud of his niece and nephews, had a bond with his siblings that was undeniable, and respect and love his parents. I’ll never forget his sense of humor and the way his smile lit up the room.
My heart hurts having to write these words to you: Henry, Susan, Lindsay, Darren and Stacey, and the entire extended family- My Deepest condolences.
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Glenda Cunningham Dear Henry, Susan and family,
I am so saddened to hear of this tragic news! My thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to process your grief. May you find a source of strength and comfort in your faith and your wide support system of friends and family.
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Nelson From your friends in the Bay Area who had the opportunity to meet the Hoole family when they were here we send our greatest condolences and thoughts. We are saddened to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you.
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Josie Bernhard Lindsay, Alex, Liam, Abby and family, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you and wishing you strength and peace in this difficult time. Josie and Gene
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Grace Louis Dear Henry, Susan & Family;
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Words cannot adequately express our condolences. You are in our prayers.
Grace, Eddie & Justin (#6)
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Ken and Anna Henry Susan and family: Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you! We hope that you will find strength and comfort knowing that Colin went to a Heavenly home and is free of all of the worldly problems! We share in your grief!
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Cye and Cathy Ypma Sincere condolences to you and your family, Henry and Susan. May God grant strength and comfort.
– Cye and Cathy Ypma, Barrie
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Amanda Klages I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Colin. I remember him as a young boy who enjoyed spending time with Darren and friends on the river in Vickers Heights. My deepest condolences to the family and friends.
Amanda Klages
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Christine Culham I’m so sorry for your loss, Henry and Susan. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
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Bastian & Ena De Peuter Dear Susan & Henry,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Colin. The grief and pain that you must be feeling is overwhelming. We remember Colin as sweet, happy and energetic young boy. The picture of him in your church bulletin shows him as the same person as a young man.
Please know we are keeping you both and your family in our thoughts and prayers, especially during this time over a saddened Christmas. We pray that you will find comfort and remember the wonderful times you had with Collin. Although we are far apart in distance, we are keeping you close to our hearts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences and all our love,
Ena & Bastian
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Rob Hunter We are so sorry to hear about your sons death. It is a terrible thing to lose your child , always with you.
Just know that so many people are thinking of you, sending prayers and positive thoughts of comfort.
Rob and Shirley Hunter
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Dave Campbell Dear Henry & Susan (& family) we are saddened to here the news of your sons passing. There is no greater pain than loosing a child and although I know you will learn to go forward, the pain never goes away. You and your entire family will be in our prayers and sadly Colin will be added to that list of loved ones who Molly will look out for in heaven. Love & prayers, The Campbell Family
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Alice Bellavance Henry, Susan and family: my deepest sympathy to you all with the passing of Colin. May you find comfort in the Lord’s infinite grace. Lovingly, Alice and family ❤️
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Juanita Rattray Oh, Lindsay, I’m so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. While I don’t know him or the rest of your family, my heart and my prayers go out to you all. What a difficult path to navigate through. I pray for the Lord to walk this journey with you.
Juanita Rattray
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Bert and Lydia Dear Henry Susan and family. What a sad time you are going through. Please know that you are in our prayers. May our God wrap his loving arms around you and grant you His peace. Our sincere sympathies Love Bert and Lydia and family
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Ann Maloney Dear Henry & Susan and Family:
Deepest condolences in the unexpected passing away of your dear son, brother and uncle Colin. You are in my thoughts and prayers that the Lord will provide comfort, strength and hope now and all the days ahead. With love and sympathy.
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Eero and Jenny Tuuttila Henry and Susan, we are so shocked and so saddened to hear of the passing of your son, Colin. Our hearts are hurting for you as you have to move forward in life with out him. May God bless you and keep you in his loving arms through this very difficult time.
Love you guys.
Eero and Jenny
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Ed & Henrietta Breukelman Dear Henry; Susan and family
We are so sad to hear of the death of your son, brother and uncle Colin. We pray that God will uphold you all during this difficult time and grant you the peace that passes all understanding. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our condolences
Ed & Henrietta
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