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BORN
1961
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Lincoln Colwell Obituary
Lincoln Brant Colwell, 54, passed peacefully on March 19, 2016 at Westchester Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends. He died as a result of injuries sustained in a work-related accident. He continues on his journey, soaring freely with the eagles, high above the river and trees.
Lincoln was born on August 12, 1961 in Nyack, New York to David G. and Phoebe T. Colwell. He grew up in Grand View-on-Hudson, and remained a proud and lifelong resident of Rockland County. Growing up on the Hudson River was formative, influencing his connection to all things natural. He lived for the outdoors, cherishing the fresh air, water, wind, trees, and all living things. He became a certified arborist and sole-proprietor of his tree business, working with and caring deeply for his employees.
Lincoln had many spheres of influence and was very active in the community, including St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Food Cupboard, and choir, The Rockland Camerata, Piermont Rowing Club, and TEBA Bowling League. He dedicated years of his life to fellow AA members.
Lincoln lived life his way. He was an irascible character, strong headed, and fiercely independent. He had firm opinions about most subjects, was usually able to see other points of view, and generally willing to agree to disagree. He read, sang, climbed, worshipped, rowed, bowled, met, talked, listened, held, helped, mentored, accompanied and loved - all with passion.
He is survived by his beloved Liza Barrie and daughter Isabel, father David G. Colwell of Fallbrook, California, sisters Megan G. Colwell (Bonnie Stewart) of Portland, Oregon, Honor Colwell (Ken Hazucha) of Binghamton, New York, Gabriela Villalobos of San Diego, California, and brothers Douglas T. Colwell (Carol) of Boise, Idaho, and Joshua L. Colwell (Kai) of King George, Virginia. He is also survived by 6 nieces and nephews, Mario and Douglas Bruzzone of California, Drew and Claire Colwell of Idaho and Oregon, and Max and Heidi Colwell of Virginia.
A memorial service will be held at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Pearl River, New York at 11 AM on Saturday, April 30, 2016. He will be interred privately. Thoughts, testimonials, and words of sympathy can be posted to the Guest Book on the Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home website (www.wymanfisher.com). Alternatively, pictures and comments may also be uploaded to www.facebook.com/lincolnbcolwell. Donations in his memory can be made to The Health Lifeline Clinic, 150 Third Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lincoln Colwell
Sponsored by Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc. - Pearl River.
John Soto
April 3, 2025
Sorry I let the days pass without making a comment. Gone too soon, missed deeply, remembered for always. Peace
John Soto
March 26, 2024
Sorry for the belated post. So sadly gone, but never forgotten. Peace...
John Soto
March 23, 2023
Another year has passed, the dream continues, you live now in the real. His life was gentle (noble) and the elements So mixed in him that nature might stand up And say to all the world "This was a man." John S
John
March 29, 2022
Another year has passed. I'll cherish the memory of you for as long as I live or until memory fails me, and even then I hope in some deep recess I'll silently remember and smile. Looking over the tributes I see someone mentioned your lack of suitable covering in winter. When I first knew you and asked aren't you cold, you simply replied cold is only the absence of heat. One in a billion. Sleep with the Angels. Peace
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John
March 30, 2021
I was very fond of Lincoln and would like to share his entry in my TZ yearbook 79 to highlight what I think was the quintessential Lincoln: john, your decency is outstanding. I'm glad that I got to know and respect you this year. Don't ever lose your consistency. Good luck but you wont need it. Your friend and mine Lincoln I'm honored that I got to know you too... peace
Frank & Donna Karlsson
March 18, 2020
Dear Lincoln, you will always hold a place in our hearts. We often talk about our very special memories of you. You were truly one of a kind. You will be forever missed by everyone & anyone who had the joy & privilege to know you.
Matt Donn
May 3, 2016
10 years ago I went to a water ski school in Florida and I convinced Lincoln to come because I didn't want to go alone. We were there for a week and had a good time and learned a lot and the last day Lincoln went to get lunch for us and I was talking to the water ski instructor about Lincoln. I told him that we didn't see much of each other anymore because I live in Maryland and he lives in New York and he's got his tree business and on weekends he moves people. I think half the county has had at least one piece of furniture moved by Lincoln because he had a truck and he couldn't say no to people who wanted his help. So the instructor who I'd only known for a week says "it's too bad that you don't see much of each other because he's good for you." And that's how it was with Lincoln - I was just better when I was around him.
Nelly & Peter Maristany
April 29, 2016
Our most sincere condolences to the family
Harriet Cornell
April 29, 2016
Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Lincoln Colwell and, most particularly, to his beloved Liza Barrie and Isabel who are longtime friends of my family. No words can express the sorrow of loss.
April 28, 2016
Wedding Day 10/14/89
Patrick & Helene Speeckaert
April 28, 2016
We will miss you, Lincoln. God bless you.
Thano Schoppel
April 8, 2016
He was one of a kind- and a monster rower. I will cherish the many memories of rowing with him.
March 28, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of Lincoln's passing! I didn't know him as an adult, but everyone's recollections of him makes me wish I did. I was a few years younger than Linc but I grew up with the "Grandview guys" and have many fond memories of Linc from high school. He was always a wry, rebellious dude. My heart goes out to his family and friends...
Sarah Finlay Tutjer
March 28, 2016
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Lincoln sang in the choir with my father more than 20 years ago. It's probably been that long since I've seen him, but I'll always remember him fondly. He made a great impression for his kindness and joyful spirit.
irene McCarthy
March 27, 2016
Sorry for your loss, Lincoln was always so nice, Always a hello and how are you. I knew him from Nyack. God bless.
Stan & Joan Marszat
March 26, 2016
RIP Lincoln. Our sincerest condolences to Lincoln's family in this time of such a loss. Met Lincoln a few years ago at the bowling alley. He always had a "Hello, how you bowling?", smile on his face, joke or story to tell as he came down to our end of the bowling alley each week. Saw him again at St Stephen's one Sunday morning. Came over to us, made us feel very welcome in the Church and at the gathering after Mass. He had an engaging presence that gravitated to all who knew him or met him. You are missed, Lincoln.
March 25, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 25, 2016
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Although words alone can never diminish your sorrow, please know that others share in your grief. May loving memories bring peace to your heart. May God lovingly provide your family with peace, strength and loving comfort. (John 3:16)
Lynn-Marie Schnalzer
March 25, 2016
I keep hearing - "he was one of a kind" - and wow is that true. Kind, yet stubborn (like me), Lincoln and I butt heads more than once - but there was never animosity afterwards, just a quick smile and a nod and it was gone. I had the pleasure of singing with Lincoln at Grace and he and the chatty bass section made more than one choirmaster go slightly mad!
Lincoln returned to Grace Church to record our Christmas CD with us this past fall, and it was then that I realized how much I'd missed his spirit and almost childlike enthusiasm.
The world needed your soul here, but I guess the heavenly choir needed you more. You are missed.
Chris G Murray
March 25, 2016
Saddened to learn of Lincoln's accident. The years that passed are many since our poker games, feeding those in need at Rockland Interfaith Breakfast program Spring Valley, and oft-times in passing at Grace Episcopal. A warm smile, a delightfully skewed take on our society, and a jovial, kind word for all. Lincoln was a joy to me when I was a Rocklander.
Joan
March 25, 2016
He was my friend in high school. We were 15 or 16 (= trouble) we went to the city to see the original animated version of The Hobbit ('77) at the Ziegfield theater. I made him promise me he would wear a coat, because he usually didn't . We took different busses and he found me in the terminal, my hero. Lincoln made you feel safe. That's how I will remember him. He's that guy who took control of a situation. Funny, smart, strong. A true individual. I haven't seen him in years but I'll miss him forever.
Emily Kratzer
March 25, 2016
My condolences to the extended family. Liza and Isabel, may you find peace and comfort in the compassion and sympathy of your family and friends.
March 25, 2016
I will really miss my wonderful brother-in-law and great friend, Lincoln. He was generous and kind, funny and thoughtful. Everything was better when Lincoln was around; he shared his warmth and good humor so freely. William Butler Yeats expresses my feelings in these lines: "Think where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends."
With love always, Maria Tonkin
Angela DeCicco
March 25, 2016
Ah Lincoln, so sad you are no longer here, with us. Darlene said to me as I cried in Church, the place that brought us together, don't worry he's laughing at us. I learned so much about your life, who you were, by reading all these "moments". You were certainly an amazing man, I knew it, but it was all reinforced. Heaven got an angel and I am certainly jealous.. Godspeed my friend.
Lisa Mahoney
March 24, 2016
As Steven Marsh wrote of Lincoln, "He radiated joy" A description that to me really captures Linc's spirit. I will miss the conversations, and ponderings of various words of the English language, about books, and so many other topics, always with good humor, silliness, and laughing.
Always a true gentleman like no other, a scholar with a unique view, and a dear friend. A new light in our sky tonight radiating upon us, Lincoln, you are loved and missed, until we meet again.
Jerry Ventola
March 24, 2016
RIP Lincoln you'll be missed, bowling will not be the same without
Roderick O'Loghlin
March 24, 2016
RIP Lincoln. I have fond memories of your trips to Paris and sharing cigars. Roddy
Marge Arlt
March 23, 2016
Our deepest condolences for the passing of Lincoln.
Many of us had the privilege of singing with him.
The Rockland County Choral Society
Danny Yoffee
March 23, 2016
I am filled with deep sadness to hear of Lincoln's passing. A high school friend and rowing buddy. He had a great love of life.Peace my friend!
Danny Yoffee
March 22, 2016
To our dear Lincoln,
Many hearts are full of sorrow with your passing.
Your free spirit and light heart made us all love you. Heaven has a new angel.
God Bless.
Jean O'Connor
Frank & Donna Karlsson
March 22, 2016
This is a very sad time indeed.
We wish to express our heartfelt sympathy to everyone who knew and loved Lincoln Colwell, especially his family.
A uniquely wonderful human being.
We will miss everything about you.
Rest in peace, our dear friend, Lincoln.
Peter DeCamp
March 22, 2016
...so sad to lose someone so full of life, so many interests, so many friends. Lincoln lived life everyday with his foot firmly planted on the accelerator, an inspiration for us all...
Pat and Nancy Murray
March 22, 2016
The Bowling Alley will never be the same without him. May He rest in peace.
March 22, 2016
Got to know Lincoln when we were Seniors TZ 79. He was one in a billion, a truly great soul. I lament his passing and extend deepest sympathies to his family and friends. (he sleeps among the rainbows; we will see him again) john s class of 79
Kurt/ Ivy Liebmann
March 22, 2016
We heard the news the day it happened. He was in our thoughts every day since we heard. Our love and hopes for healing to all that knew and loved Lincoln. His smile always light up the room.
Ruba Rizqalla
March 22, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Lincoln's friends and family. We will truly miss him around Piermont. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Ruba Rizqalla, Virginia, Lyndsey, and Diana
Wendy Brenner and Ralph Vigliante
March 22, 2016
We were so sorry to hear the news. Such a sweet man who has gone much too soon.
Maureen O'Connor
March 22, 2016
Lincoln was my son-in-law long ago, and he was unforgettable. I can not get his death out of my thoughts and prayers, and I send condolences to his brother Josh.
Maureen O'Connor
Venice, Florida
Ronald LaValle
March 22, 2016
RIP my old friend.
Caro Gannett
March 22, 2016
Had many happy times with Lincoln. He will be loved and missed by many. Never forgotten.
Anne O'Connor
March 21, 2016
A huge loss, a tremendously painful loss. One man who had it all-humor, intelligence, good looks, a sense of adventure, the gift of music, energy, a great friend, and someone you could turn to for anything. We got married in 1989, and even thpugh that may not have worked out, we remained true, dear, real friends ever after.I'll love him always, and I was very proud to be his wife. A thoughtful, gentleman, Lincoln was the real deal. Miss you deeply, love you always. Annie xxxxxx
Anne O'Connor
March 21, 2016
A huge loss, a tremendously painful loss. One man who had it all-humor, intelligence, good looks, a sense of adventure, the gift of music, energy, a great friend, and someone you could turn to for anything. We got married in 1989, and even thpugh that may not have worked out, we remained true, dear, real friends ever after.I'll love him always, and I was very proud to be his wife. A thoughtful, gentleman, Lincoln was the real deal. Miss you deeply, love you always. Annie xxxxxx
Lisa Scher
March 21, 2016
Such a good, kind man. I knew him from church and he was so nice to everyone. He taught my oldest how to drive and always had good advice for my younger son. I am so sorry about this.
Jo Ann Barnard
March 21, 2016
When I first came to Grace Church, Lincoln was a young man of 25. He was welcoming and always kind. We served together on Vestry for two years, and later became giggle partners in Choir. Lincoln always had the knack of cutting through to joy, even in difficult times, I missed him so much when he left Choir and Grace Chirch. He was a man of true and simple faith, and is at peace, I believe, with God.
Marenka
March 21, 2016
I will always think of you when I see fifth. Rest in Peace.
Karen Diefenbach
March 21, 2016
There is less sunshine in the world now. He is missed.
Danny Autoparts
March 21, 2016
Always a smile on his face. Never mad. Never left my store unless we discussed for over an hour, politics, life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness. Always just happen to come by on several occasions when trees fell down in my yard. Will sadly be missed.
kenneth olsen
March 21, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Chuck Callan
March 21, 2016
He was a good man and neighbor and we had many enjoyable conversations over a cigar. He was sometimes hard to get a hold of. But he came through bravely during Sandy. He cut a downed tree away from my power line at the height of the storm. Then he rescued Antonia who had a newborn at that time. The salt of the earth. You will be missed.
Cynthia Anselmo
March 21, 2016
We have known Lincoln for 24 years. He was a regular over at Dinny Price's house. Dinny was my son's baby sitter and we would see and chat with Lincoln on a regular basis while Anthony was at Dinny's. When Anthony was older, he would come by our house and plow the snow. We considered him a friend. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.
Ardis DeCamp
March 21, 2016
So very sorry to learn of Lincoln's death. He was truly one of a kind.
He will be missed.
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