Colin Wilson McConnell
August 12, 1951 ~ January 29, 2021

Colin died in Vancouver General Hospital 3 days after an attempted kidney transplant.

Colin is survived by his wife, Betty (nee Brown); his son Craig, (Theresa) Pemberton; his daughter, Bronwyn (Adriaan); his grandchildren, Caden and Dylan, Amsterdam; his brother, Ross (Shirley); his nieces, Davina, Canberra; Melinda (Brendan) Lennix and Marley, Melbourne; his sister-in-law, Lois Good, Saanich; his mother-in-law, Muriel Brown, Prince Albert; many family members on Bettys side, an uncle and aunt, and many cousins in Australia. He was predeceased by his parents, Wilson & Ruth McConnell of Australia; his brother, Ian McConnell of Vancouver; his father-in-law, Gerald Brown of Prince Albert, SK; and his Golden Retriever, Jesse.

Colin was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, and immigrated to Canada in 1978 where he settled with Betty in Prince Albert, SK until the family moved to Vancouver in 1996. Affectionately known as Col, he was also known by his nick names: Muggsy and Giuseppe in true Australian style. He was a kind, gentle and loving man who took pride in providing for his family. He preferred to live a simple life, leading by example the qualities he wanted to impart to his children.

Colin worked as a mechanical designer for engineering firms in Melbourne (Clyde Riley Dodds), Saskatchewan (PS and E), and BC (Raute/AMEC) that supplied machinery across Australia, North America and China until his loss of sight brought an end to this career. He travelled extensively around the world for work as well as for pleasure. He had a love and a talent for all sports, but especially cricket, Aussie Rules football, or anything requiring a racquet. He proudly sported a Melbourne Demons cap.

Colin had a great love of the written and spoken word. He could be counted on for his incredible wit, often with a well-timed pun or joke. He had a savant like knowledge of music and could bring lyrics of obscure songs into any conversation. A friendship with Colin endured. His gentle, affable personality endeared him to family, work mates and his faith community. In his later years, his health declined to the point of needing daily dialysis and other interventions. His Faith and love of God did not falter and if anything it grew stronger with the help of his “study buddy” Bernice to whom the family is eternally grateful.

His body will be placed in his “hole in the ground” at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens, in Prince Albert, SK. A virtual service is being prepared by his children to be viewed at a later date.

His family would like to thank Andrea, Home Made Seniors Care for all her love and help, and The Peritoneal Dialysis Team of St Paul’s hospital for all their guidance, and support.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a Kidney Foundation. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/colin-wilson-mcconnell/62318 . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Don Moriarty, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2021-01-29
• Location : Vancouver, BC