We Remember
COLLETT, Basil
September 6, 1932 — August 3, 2024
Basil Collett, age 91, died peacefully in the Kelowna General Hospital with Brenda, his loving wife, by his side. His children and grandchildren were able to say their goodbyes from Ontario and to hear their dad and grandpa say he loved them one last time. A special thanks to Dr. S. Scott and Nurse Cheryl for their sincere compassion; and to the care team at Spring Valley.
Basil was predeceased by his parents Nancy and Horace Collett; and his siblings Leicester Collett (Betty) and Barbara Brown. He is survived by his sister Nancy Talbot (Patrick). He was the loving father of Leicester Collett (Rosalind Gilchrist) and Natalie St Lawrence (John Drexhage) of Ottawa; beloved grandpa of Sophie (Liam Smith) & Maia St Lawrence and Noah & Charlotte Collett; uncle of Cindy Given, Jamie Brown, Gerald & Ralph Talbot; and brother-in-law of Brien Rodger.
Basil was proud to be from the Okanagan Mission and recalled his youth on the lake with great fondness. He began his successful military career with the BC Dragoons in 1951. Basil quickly became a sergeant and took his officer training. He then joined the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary. His career brought him to Calgary, Germany, Petawawa and Kingston (where he taught at the Staff College), Ottawa and Brussels (NATO). He commanded the armoured squadron in Germany and won the NATO Tank Gunnery Trophy in 1967. Basil retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982 and went to his second career as Executive Director of the Canadian Equestrian Federation. He enjoyed family and local history and was President of the Father Pandosy Mission.
He loved Brenda dearly, enjoyed travel, golf, sailing, playing cards, Brenda’s cooking, and indulging his sweet tooth with his grandchildren. Although Alzheimer’s stole some of his memories, his love for Brenda and his family always allowed him to recognize and connect with them. Basil had a great big heart that will be missed.
A Celebration of Life will be announced through Springfield Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Dear Brenda and Family…
I grew up on Collette Rd in the late 40’s…and 50’s, and my grandparents were neighbours of the Collette’s. … Everyone in “ okanagan Mission” knew Basil, and was proud of Basils accomplishments…speaking highly of him…. ..
We would occasionally run into each other, and he was always smiling and happy , and the perfect gentleman,
Arms around each of you..…..
Penny Ivens Baker
And the Ivens family.
Basil, you were loved by so many people because of your kindness and your amazing demeanour. We were blessed to know you.
Sending love and hugs to Brenda and family.
Love Heather and Bud
Dear Brenda, my deepest condolences on the death of Basil. I was so sorry to see his obituary and the announcement of his passing. I have nothing but beautiful memories of both of you and your love for each other.. The fun days of Ottawa and the many Mayflower and Friday memories still bring warmth to the heart. Thinking of you Brenda and sending sincere sympathy to you and Basil’s famiy.
Sincere condolences to Brenda and family from Marjorie and Ian Galbraith. Basil and Ian served together in years gone by and we met Brenda during a very pleasant visit to mutual friends in Kelowna in 2001.
Dear Brenda and Family, It is with broken hearts that we send our sincere condolences to you on Basil’s
passing.. What a stellar gentleman who loved his Dear Brenda dearly. What great memories we had of times past. RIP Basil and know tht you left a large footprint for which we will always be grateful!!
Tons of love, Grace and Brian
Brenda, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your dear Basil. I met you both while working together at various elections. Basil and I were often paired together at a station and how I enjoyed spending time with this lovely gentleman. His humour and positivity, and his knowledge of Kelowna history made for wonderful conversations. It was always such a pleasure to meet up with the two of you around town and have a chat. Your love for each other was evident, and I know how you will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to you and all of Basil’s loved ones.
Lee-Anne