Colleen HOWARD

HOWARD (NEE ZAVISLAKE), Captain Colleen
September 21, 1950 - March 20, 2016
It is with great sadness that the family of Colleen Howard (nee Zavislake) share the news of her sudden passing on 20 March 2016 in Comox, B.C. at the age of 65.
Colleen was born on 21 September 1950 in Canora, Saskatchewan. After high school in Canora, Colleen obtained a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972. Her pharmacy career took her to Jasper and Edmonton, Alberta, and on to Comox, B.C.
Upon joining the Canadian Forces at the youthful age of 40, Captain Colleen worked as a pharmacist in Edmonton, then in Comox, B.C. Upon retirement from the CF, she continued to work at pharmacies in the Comox Valley, where she developed a deep and lasting affection for her new home. The great breadth of her many interests caused her to become close friends with an amazingly wide spectrum of people.
Music was a mainstay in Colleen's life, and she thoroughly enjoyed teaching piano and playing the piano and organ for several United Church congregations, as well as leading worship services for Seniors groups, which were just a few expressions of her faith and her giving nature. She also belonged to many choral groups, including the North Island Choral Society.
Walking and golfing were her other favorite passions and many in the Comox Valley knew her for her brilliant colored clothing and her cheerful smile. Colleen had as much love for animals as she had for people - the animal love of Colleen's life was Gypsy, the Chocolate Labrador Retriever.
Colleen became very active in fundraising efforts for the Kidney Foundation, Food Bank, Rotary Club, Ukrainian Cultural Society and others, receiving Volunteer of the Year honours on several occasions. She was always working for a good cause, with no volunteer job too time consuming to get her full attention. Many will remember buying a "Racing Rubber Ducky" from her.
Despite her own health problems, Colleen's tenacity and limitless energy - especially when helping others and contributing to the community around her - remains an inspiration to the many, many people that she touched during her life.
Following cremation, a Celebration of Life will occur on Saturday May 14, 2016 at 2 PM, at the Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive in Comox. A sharing of fellowship in the adjacent church hall will follow the Celebration.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Kidney Foundation of Canada - BC Branch, at http://www.kidney.ca/bc-home
Colleen is survived by her sister-in-law Evelyn (Duncan) Zavislake of Vernon, B.C., her dear uncle Ed (Donna Korchinski) Zederayko of Calgary, aunt Adella (Mike) Hanishewski of Yorkton, Sask., and numerous cousins who will mourn her passing and remember her in their hearts. She is predeceased by her parents Frank and Star Zavislake of Canora, Sask., and her brother Duncan.
Rest in Peace, Colleen, we will miss you dearly.