Obituary of Colin MacDonald Blackwood

It is with profound sadness and faith in the Resurrection that the family of Colin MacDonald Blackwood announces the peaceful passing of a beloved husband and cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Colin died as he lived; with his devoted wife Joan by his side, and surrounded by his loving family. Colin was born in 1921 in Port Dalhousie, ON. At the age of 19, he volunteered with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. After completing basic training, he specialized as a RADAR technician. As a member of the RAF Coastal Command, he was stationed in Hastings, UK; Wales; Scotland, and Ireland. He was a war veteran who was proud to have served his country. It was while on assignment in Torquay, Devonshire in August 1945, that he met Patricia (Joan) Bowden, who was there on vacation. It was love at first sight, and this is where their love story of nearly seven decades began. After exchanging letters for three years, the two were married in Cornwall, England in August 1948. The couple lived in Toronto while Colin attended the University of Toronto where he studied forestry. They later lived throughout northern Ontario, where Colin oversaw the operations at numerous lumber mills, before their young family moved to Saint John, NB in 1959. A respected and well-liked physics teacher and guidance councillor, Colin taught at Saint John High for 22 years before his retirement in 1984. An active member of the community, he was the Chairman of the Saint John Town Planning Commission when the Harbour Bridge was opened in 1968. Colin was a longstanding and devoted parishioner of St. James the Less Anglican Church in Renforth; a committed member of the Church Army Mission Team, and a dedicated follower of the Cursillo Movement (sharing with communities the essence of Christianity and Christian values). But it was time spent with his family and good friends – whether at home, or at his cottage overlooking the St. John River – that meant the most to him. He was a true family man; always kind of spirit and generous of heart. He is survived by his treasured wife and loving partner of 68 years, Joan and their four children: David, Jennifer (Reid), Peter, and John (Heather Carson). He will be forever missed by his eight grandchildren: Beverly Mosher (Adam), Jonathan Blackwood (Michelle), Patricia Beaudet (Mike), Christine Collins (Josh), Mark Reid (Heather), Jessica Reid, Rebecca Blackwood, and Matthew Blackwood. He was blessed with 10 great grandchildren: Ella, Paige, Quinn, Harper, Marissa, Zachary, Neveah, Journey, Lydia and Charlie. He was predeceased by his parents David and Violet (Crow) Blackwood, and his brother Douglas Blackwood. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff and Chaplin John Martin at Ridgewood Veterans Wing 422 for their compassionate care and overwhelming kindness. We would also like to say a special thank you to Minister Eric Phinney for his guidance and comfort. Thanks also to friends and extended family for providing much appreciated food, flowers and support. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424), with visitation at St. James the Less Church, 1760 Rothesay Rd, Rothesay, NB on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Memorial Service will take place at St. James the Less, 1760 Rothesay Rd, Rothesay, NB, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 11 AM. For those who wish, donations in Colin’s memory can be made to Threshold Ministries(Church Army) or Partners for Youth – Safe Harbour House.