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FUNERAL HOME

Morley Bedford Funeral Services

159 Eglinton Avenue West

Toronto, Ontario

Colin DOBELL Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Colin on April 22, 2024, just shy of his 64th Birthday. Colin was the loving husband and best friend of Gail, proud father of Reid (Alisha), and devoted son of Jane and the late Peter C. Dobell. Colin's curious and quick mind was fuelled by a life-long commitment to learning. Colin's formal education started in Ottawa and continued at Trinity College, U of T, and then with an MBA from Stanford University in California. Informally, Colin pursued learning in community building, environmental issues, art and architecture, and youth wellness. Colin's professional pursuits represent an amazing journey from for-profit to not-for-profit and community service across three countries. Colin spent the last nine years of his career at the Ontario Water Centre and Clearwater Farm, where he derived much joy from building a community hub for outdoor education and from reinforcing our connections to the natural environment. Colin was an avid traveller from a young age, first with his parents, grandmother, cousins, and friends, then later with Gail and Reid, and like-minded friends. His adventures took him all over Eastern and Western Europe, the United Kingdom, many African nations, Central and South America, India, and the US, where he, Gail, and Reid lived for over 15 years. In his beloved Canada, he loved hiking, canoe tripping, kayaking, and cross-country skiing from coast to coast. Whether in an exotic hotel or a sleeping bag beside a river, Colin's thirst for exploration was infectious. Of all the places he traveled, Georgian Bay was Colin's emotional home base. It was there that Colin's love of the outdoors was most evident-nurturing trees, making trails, clearing brush, or most wonderfully, sitting on the beloved rocks and admiring the view with family and friends. Colin's greatest gift was connecting with people. Even in a crowded room Colin could make someone feel like the centre of his universe. He built friendships and connections with everyone he met. New acquaintances and long-time friends all felt seen and heard when they left a conversation with Colin. Colin will be dearly missed by Gail, Reid, Alisha, and Jane, as well as by many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, both here and across the globe. He will be remembered as a kind, quirky, curious, and caring man who made a difference in the life of everyone he met. Family and friends are invited to join us in honouring Colin's memory. A visitation will be held at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto (two stop lights west of Yonge Street), on Wednesday, May 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge Street (at Heath Street) on Thursday, May 2, at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow at the Badminton & Racquet Club. In memory of Colin, donations made to the CAMH Foundation (give.camh.ca) would be greatly appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Apr. 27 to May 1, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Colin DOBELL

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31 Entries

Ross Fattori

July 30, 2024

Gail, Reid and Family, my deepest condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Colin while co-organizing the Georgina Waterfront Harvest Run held at Clearwater Farm in 2019. I remember Colin with great fondness and admiration, especially his enthusiasm, his curiosity and his kindness.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Anne and Nick Baxter

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Ian Hector

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Owen Sanders

May 8, 2024

Gail, Reid, and others who have had the pleasure of knowing Colin,

I work at the Town of Georgina and had the pleasure of working with Colin on the approvals related to Clearwater Farms. Colin was one of, if not the most passionate person I've ever met. Colin had an intense drive for innovation, and seeing concrete positive results. Clearwater Farms, and the Town was fortunate to have Colin push for amazing community benefits.

I wish Colin's family and friends well.

Thanks, Owen

Eric Armour

May 7, 2024

Gail and Reid, my deepest condolences for your loss. My first interaction with Colin was through the GBA where he was a very passionate board member. I later learned of the mutual connections we shared. He was energetic and always a source of ideas. Many that carry on today. Nothing was an obstacle.

Take care, Eric

Emma Krause

May 2, 2024

Dear Gail and Reid,

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Colin, but I heard wonderful things about him from my parents Mark and Jennifer. He sounded like a lovely, kind, interested and interesting man. My condolences for your loss, and sending supportive energy your way for the days, weeks, and months ahead.

All the best,
Emma Krause

Henry Krause & Megan Shuffleton

May 2, 2024

Gail and Reid, I am so deeply sorry to learn of Colin´s sudden passing. Both Jennifer and Mark speak so highly of him, specifically his quick wit and kindness, but it´s clear from the graceful writing above that he was also steadfast in his commitment to his communities, intellectual pursuits and insatiable curiosity. I wish I had the opportunity to meet and know him. Meg and I are keeping you both in our hearts, and we are sending healing, loving kindness to the entire Dobell family. May you find comfort in being together and sharing in Colin´s memory.

With all our love,
Henry & Meg

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Kathleen E Hughes

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Kathleen

May 2, 2024

Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet this kind, caring, curious and compassionate man. My sincere condolences to family and friends. What an incredible legacy Colin left for others....A reminder that every moment matters. We must live life passionately and commit unflinchingly to that which one Believes.

David Kaplan

May 1, 2024

Dear Gail and Family,

Natalie and I are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Colin. May his memory be a blessing and bring comfort to all of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.

With heartfelt sympathy.

Lacey Phillips

May 1, 2024

Dear Gail and family,
I am so sorry for your incredible loss - my deepest condolences to you all. I am thinking of you and sending supportive thoughts your way.

Single Memorial Tree

Tanya Murray

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Single Memorial Tree

Natoora (Franco and Federico)

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David Geene

April 30, 2024

My condolences to all of you. I was Executive Director of Georgina Trades Training when Clearwater Farms was starting out. Colin and I had many discussions about potential collaborations between our organizations. He was a smart and creative guy. I enjoyed our conversations. My daughter Hannah worked at Clearwater for three summers and really liked Colin too. We were both sad to hear the news of Colin´s passing. David

Single Memorial Tree

David Geene Hannah Neveu-Geene

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Julie Hickey

April 30, 2024

I first met Colin when I volunteered at Clearwater Farm in summer of 2016. He was encouraging when I doubted myself, always cheerful, lent me a sympathetic ear on many occassions when I was struggling mentally myself, and I respected that he was not afraid to get his hands in the weeds and dirt (literally).
Sending so much love to his family and to the Clearwater/Ontario Water Centre crew.

Lynn Dionne

April 30, 2024

Gail, Reid, Alisha, and Jane. My deepest condolences to you, your family, friends, and all who loved Colin. I was deeply saddened to hear of his sudden passing. While I didn't meet Colin, I fondly recall the many conversations Gail and I had about him and family adventures. His obituary is a wonderful tribute to an extraordinary man.

Single Memorial Tree

Casey Douma

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Lisa Salapatek

April 29, 2024

Dear Gail and family,
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you find some comfort in good memories. My sincere condolences.

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Tomasic Family

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Alison

April 28, 2024

I met Colin when he was about 9 years old. It was years later when we became long term renters of the Jordan cottage at Lake Ida Quebec that we reconnected. Colin was always so helpful, reasonable and thoughtful whenever we had issues or things needed attention. I remember our last conversation last May and the sweet note that he sent us wishing us well on our move to Almonte saying « we will see each other again ». Colin has been a part of our lives for a long time and we will miss him.
Our condolences for your huge loss.

Jan Beaver

April 28, 2024

Prayers rising for a wonderful kind compassionate man. I only met him once but his passion for including more Indigenous perspectives in Clearwater Farm programs was truly inspiring. He will be greatly missed and remembered with fondness by many people. I have arranged to have a memorial tree plant in his honour.

Single Memorial Tree

Jan Beaver

Planted Trees

Michelle Richards-Clermont

April 28, 2024

Colin was a wonderful friend, and supported me through my own mental health challenges. His love for Clearwater Farm was evident in everything he did for the farm and our local community. He brought me in to create art for and with the community, which I will continue to honour Colin as well as provide a creative outlet for those in need. My sincerest condolences to all. He will be with me always. With love light and Universal energy.

Danyal Martin

April 28, 2024

Dear Gail and family - I am so sorry to read of Colin's passing. I remember Gail mentioning stories of adventures that the two you embarked on. I hope that, in time, happy memories will make these sad moments a bit more manageable. I'm thinking of all of you and sending love and peace your way.

Curzon Dobell

April 28, 2024

This is such painful news. Colin had such a keen and curious mind, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Like most bright people, he was a good listener. I'm sorry we didn't spend more time together. Our sincere condolences to Gail, Reid and Jane.

Valerie Bince-Stuart

April 28, 2024

Sincere condolences, Reid and Family. You are such a wonderful and exceptional person that I am sure your father was as well.

Jennifer Schipper

April 27, 2024

We met Colin only once but what a memorable afternoon it was. We were deeply struck by his curiosity, thoughtfulness and kind soul and only wanted to get to know him even more. We hope you can find comfort in all of your beautiful memories and the incredible legacy he leaves. We could tell that he was a very special person and we know, dear to you all. All our love, Jennifer and Mark

Harvey Glower

April 27, 2024

Dearest Gail and family. I was devasted to hear the news of Colin's untimely passing. I cannot sufficiently express my most sincere sympathies to you, Reid, Jane and your extended families. I am truly sorry for your loss. May Colin´s memory be for a blessing. I know you will keep his kindness and goodness and all his attributes alive by always speaking his name and carrying on his legacy.

Mary Gilmour

April 27, 2024

It is with much sadness that I learn of Colin´s death. I worked with his mother for some years as a trustee of the Ottawa Board of Education and I remember, vividly, her pride in him and love for him. Please convey to her and to the rest of the family my sincere condolences.

Lida Palalas

April 27, 2024

My heartfelt condolences Gail, Reid and Jane. Fond memories of Colin, eternal be his memory

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

Memorial Events
for Colin DOBELL

May

1

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Morley Bedford Funeral Services

159 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4R 1A8

May

2

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Christ Church Deer Park

1570 Yonge Street (at Heath Street), ON

Funeral services provided by:

Morley Bedford Funeral Services

159 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4R 1A8