Colin passed away on February 22nd, 2022 in the sanctuary of his Whidbey Island home with his wife and partner of 28 years by his side. Diagnosed with lung cancer complicated by intersitial lung disease, nearly 2 years ago, he lived a year longer than anticipated with courage, humor and grace.
Colin’s life was a kaleidoscope of unusual experiences. Born October 13, 1946, in the London area, his family moved to Egypt when he was two. He lived a fascinating life there until the age of 12 when he was removed by duress due to the Suez Canal crisis. Colin left with the bare minimum of belongings, soccer boots strung around his neck. With his step father interned in Egypt, his mother Audrey raised four children as a single mother back in England. Several stories of thrift (bike tires mended stuffed with newspaper) formed a prudent man of responsibility. Yet Colin was primarily a person who believed and lived that you cannot control what happens to you, but you can choose to face life with a positive mental attitude. With a curious and engaging nature, he thrived on creating welcoming conversations with intelligence, care and wit. Colin’s generous and well-mannered nature was extended with politeness and kindness to all; he will be deeply missed.
Moving to the States in his late 20s as a Vice President of Operations, Colin initially managed acquisitions and turn-arounds for an English printing firm, and later key Operation roles in several companies. His career ultimately led him to the Seattle area where he worked at Wall Data, Real Networks and Vertafore. Colin retired at the age of 70 in 2017 to the home that he and Lynne built together on Whidbey Island. Colin loved his family, including his English relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, younger sister Hilary whom he fully cherished, and his beloved step brother Neil, who died tragically at 17. Living still and carrying his memory are his wife, Lynne, children JoAnne and Clive and 3 grandchildren, Lynne’s children (whom he considered his children) Bryn and Erik, and many relatives in England, including his youngest sister Celia and his sister Hilary’s beautiful family.
Colin fully enjoyed cooking and many benefited from the combination of his signature hospitality and self-taught culinary skills. He was a birder and loved being an amateur nature and wildlife photographer, and with his Canon in hand, delighted in exploring the Pacific Northwest and Whidbey Island. Many times, Colin would drive down to Driftwood Park on the west side of the island and absorb the beauty of the water, mountains and sunsets. He reveled in the oft fierce weather on that side of the island. We are making arrangements for a memorial bench to be built and installed at Driftwood Park for anyone to visit and take time to contemplate. Special mention to fate that resulted in Colin having the best pal in Roscoe, a faithful rescue dog, by his side for the last year. It was Roscoe’s purpose to provide Colin with love and comfort throughout his illness and that he accomplished in full.
Colin, with love soar strong, pure and free with the eagles.
