February 18, 1948 to December 11, 2009
Since pictures are worth a thousand words, we’ll let the following pictures tell you about Colin. If you feel so compelled, you can send me some words and I will post them here along with a picture of Colin.
A Farewell to my Dad
My dad always stood by me and always showed me the way. When I first heard of what had happened, I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs… life is not fair. But how could I possibly say such a thing when I have been so honored and so privileged to be raised by one of the kindest, gentlest and most thoughtful of men. My mom always taught me to say thank you. So I say thank you dad. Thank you for everything you have done for me and thank you for being my father.
My dad always told me that he loved me. I used to think that he said it too much. But I cannot stress the peace he has given me with his last words before he left on his trip. “Your wife is a wonderful woman, so make sure you take of her. And I love you!” I love you too dad!
Behind every great man is a great woman. Please tell my mother that you love her. But mourning and sadness is a journey, not a destination. So please, please don’t just tell her you love her today, but also tomorrow, next week, next month and in the years to come.
I used to think that if anything ever were to happen to my mom or dad that I would cry endlessly. But I can’t help but experience some laughter and joy in between the tears. And that is because I have so many fond memories and so much love and respect for my dad, that I cannot help but smile and think to myself… not bad for a little boy from Scotland.
I love you dad! And I dare not say goodbye, only farewell until we see each other again.
Alec
I believe you measure the success of a man not by how much wealth he accumulates but rather by the relationships he builds and how he gives back to his community. Judging by the outpouring of support, Colin was a very successful man.
We want to celebrate Colin’s life and the way in which he touched us. We are all blessed to have known him. To some of you, Colin was a fellow firefighter, a driver, maybe your back up. To others he was a boss, a coworker, a colleague. For some he may have been a mentor, a coach or even a sponsor. For all of us, he was a kind and caring man, a friend.
A few of us were doubly blessed. To us he was a cousin, a brother, a father, a grampy and a husband.
My father taught me and perhaps many others a lot about life – not so much by what he said, but what he did through his actions and by just being Colin.
He taught me patience – he would spend hours indulging his granddaughters in games or puzzles – never once did he become frustrated. In fact he seemed to revel in each and every second with them.
He taught me about unconditional love. No matter what the circumstances, he loved his family – without reservation.
He taught me optimism and to always look at the bright side of life. Colin used to say that he had bad luck, but good fortune. For example, while taking a stress test, he was unlucky to fail his test but was fortunate that he was in the medical center already.
He taught me the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community. Not once do I remember him telling me that it was important – he simply showed me through his commitment to the West I 10 Volunteer Fire Department.
I encourage all of you to take a moment to fill your hearts and minds with the joy that Colin brought you and hold on to that each and every day. Colin would insist on it.
Jamieson
Footprints
One night I had a dream–
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
“I don’t understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me.”
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
“When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.”
Poem by Mary Stevenson
Maggie
