We Remember
ELLIOTT, Colin
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Colin Elliott shuffled off this Mortal Coil on January 12th at the fine age of 93.
Colin was born in Nottingham, England on January 24, 1928. After school, he joined the Royal Air Force and went to college.
Dad left England on a ‘round the world adventure’ in 1951, with his ‘old mate’ Frank Butler. First stop was Toronto. Colin then journeyed to Saskatchewan to visit a nurse by the name of Marie Clarke. Dad had met Marie while he was a patient in Nottingham General Hospital. He thought she had provided him with exceptional care. That was the end of his ‘round the world trip. Their relationship flourished, and they were married, In Saskatoon, on December 4, 1953. In their spare time they had three boys.
In 1962 the family spent the year in England while Colin received his diploma in Health Administration. The family returned to Canada. Colin worked as a hospital coordinator in Humboldt and Yorkton and then as the Hospital Administrator in Prince George. The family moved to Kelowna in 1972. He was CEO of Kelowna General Hospital and retired in 1989 as CEO of the Okanagan Similkameen Health Region. Professionally, Colin volunteered as President of the BC Health Association. After retirement, he was a board member of the Nature Trust, Chairperson of Interior Savings Credit Union and of the United Way. He enjoyed many years as a member of the Downtown Rotary Club. He loved Kelowna!
Dad had many friends, particularly his ‘old mates’ Frank, Tony, and Malcolm. They went on many expeditions together, including a brief period lost in the wilderness. His friends at the Four Seasons Racquet Club acknowledged that he was an average racquetball player. He had a pass to Big White for many years. He exercised at CNC and then H20 until he was 88.
His eight grandchildren David, Mark, Nicole and Jeff, Cody and Kate, and Sarah and Michael will remember him for his many expressions …including hoy up, cloth ears and little tadpole. Dad loved his grandkids and taking them for rides in his Triumph TR3. Dad welcomed his first great-grandchild, Indira, into the world on October 14, 2021.
Dad was an amazing role model. He was hard-working, honest, intelligent and frugal. He taught us that a sense of humour made life more enjoyable. Our friends were always welcome in their home. His family cherishes the times spent together, especially those in their backyard pool, where he demonstrated his impressive jackknife We were also lucky to enjoy many tropical vacations together.
Colin leaves his dear wife Marie and sons Allan (Peggy), Philip (Linda) and Keith (Heidi). Colin was predeceased by Allan’s wife, Donna. A reception will be held at a future non-covid time, where single crown scotch will be served with a mouldy Stilton cheese.
Cheerio old chap.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Alan and Family: It was sad to read of the loss of your Dad. His obituary evidenced a full life filled with joy, humour and love. I met your Dad at many Rotary meetings over the years and I do remember his humour and joy for life.Im sure he will be missed but lovingly remembered. Jim Herperger
I was Chief Pharmacist at Prince George Regional Hospital when Colin was hired as Administrator so that was our first connection. He and Marie also bought the house next to us on Babine Crescent so we were neighbours and became friends. Our children also played with Alan, Phillip, and Keith so we had that close connection also. We can still remember Colin roaring off in the TR3 with several of them, all yelling “Chocks Away”. Colin and Marie were great neighbours, very social with many gatherings on their elevated deck during the summer. Colin was a great guy to work for, funny and cheerful but very clear as to what he wanted. It was a different and better time with a new hospital, young energetic staff and a vibrant local community. After Colin and Marie moved to Kelowna we made a point of visiting them on our annual trek to the Okanagan so we maintained that connection until the pandemic curtailed our trips but we kept in touch with cards and phone calls. We can’t think of Colin without thinking of Colin and Marie together; Marie will miss him terribly but the family will be there to love and support her. Colin will be missed by many of us. Rest in peace, our old friend.
Dear Uncle Colin, you weren’t my Uncle by blood but you will always be Uncle Colin to me, my Marie who is named after your beautiful wife referred to you as her Papa! You spent many holidays at our home in England and I cannot believe someone with such a huge personality and heart of gold has gone. You also welcomed us into your home when we visited Canada. I have some wonderful memories and lots of lovely photos. At just 6 months old, much to my despair, you introduced Marie Frances to ice cream! We had so many laughs, sharing stories about the past, visiting all your old haunts in England, drinking too much whiskey and arguing over who was paying the bill at a restaurant.. I remember sometimes pretending to go to the toilet and paying the bill, you would be so cross with me, but it was all good fun! Marie and I will miss you so much but we will never forget you. RIP Uncle Colin/Papa xxxxxx
Phil and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. We have no doubt your father’s legacy will carry on through his family.
Phil and family we are sorry for your loss will miss all your stories of your travel adventures with your Dad, Les and Jackie Edwards
Colin and I had some great times together particularly when we hiked across England.He was a good guy and i will miss him.
We are so sorry to hear of Colin’s passing. John and I spent many wonderful Saturday mornings having coffee with Marie and Colin and Trudy. He will be dearly missed. Our condolences go out to Marie, Alan and the family. John and Kirsten
We are so sad to hear of Colin’s passing. It has been several years now since he was able to attend our weekly Rotary meetings and I think I can say with confidence that those of us who knew him have missed his presence, and especially his good nature and humour, at every meeting. Our hearts go out to Marie and the entire family on this great loss. We were all better for having had him in our lives!
Colin was fun to be with; he had a great sense of humour, a quick wit, and exuded charm even if his wonderful wife Marie thought it over the top from time to time. His charisma and joie de vive was infectious; people wanted to be with him. He was a great hands on Rotarian and made a difference in our community. Colin will be missed
Bruce Telford
Dear Elliott Family, I am so sorry to learn of Colin’s passing. I worked with Colin at the KGH Foundation for many years and enjoyed many a Rotary meeting with him. A wonderful man so appropriately captured in this lovely tribute. While fiscally frugal, he was rich and generous with his friendships and humour. We truly have lost one of the good old boys. Condolences to you and all who loved him.
My condolences to Marie and all members of the Elliot family. It is sad that Colin won’t be around in person with a cheery greeting or some pearl of wisdom. However, I can see him now in his new quarters with a fine Scotch in hand, a broad smile on his face and entertaining his friends both old and new with a good story. He will do well in his new role and be remembered even better.
Our condolences to Marie and all the family. Colin was a good Rotary friend and a joy to be with. He lived a life to be proud of, and will be sorely missed..