Auntie Mac & Uncle George, you raised such a beautiful daughter. Adventurous, loving and so happy. In her shortened life she experienced so much and knew you both loved her so greatly.

We cannot imagine the pain you are experiencing so sending as much love as we can, and hope your cherished memories help to fill your heart.

Love Trevor and Leanne

Gerhard, we are thinking of you as you mourn the loss of Colleen, love of your life. Our words cannot express the loss you must be feeling but know, she was so loved by you, had an unforgettable life of adventures and memories with you, and so much happiness from you.

Sincerely, Trevor and Leanne

My condolences to Colleen's family on her passing. Colleen and I worked at Bennett Jones and Colleen was my lifeline in the library in assisting me find the case law that I needed for briefs, factums and which related to litigation. She always had a big smile on her face.

Gerhard, I am so sorry to hear this sad news about Colleen. I always enjoyed talking to her when you both came into Central Library. The stories of your travels were so amazing, and she was always so happy to tell them. I hope the memories of these, together with the love of your family and friends will comfort you in this sad time. I wish I had known Colleen better.

With much love,

Maureen Smith

It is a week today Colleen left us and I am still overwhelmed with sadness for her, for you Gerhard, and for her dear parents Maxine and George.

My biggest regret when when I think of Colleen is that I didn’t meet her in Kindergarten. I told her that in one of our recent conversations, and she agreed, that we would have become even greater friends than we already were had that happened.

April 3, 2023 will always be a special day as that was when we had lunch at PZA. Colleen was showing off her “attitude socks” with great delight, just as she did at a previous lunch showing off her massive Ruby ring from the dollar store! What a girl!

I owe your dear neighbour, Elweira, a debt of gratitude for introducing me to Colleen at “crafts” as that became our ritual meet up on Wednesdays. I am enclosing a painting Elweira created for Colleen on the day she passed.

Colleen was a bright light . . . always positive, insightful, helpful, and kind. May she rest in peace now and forever ❤️

Dear Gerhard:

I am so so sorry to hear about Colleen's passing. She had the most unforgettable smile, I am sorry I didn't get to know her better.

She was such a trooper walking every day from home to Imperial Oil, downtown, and back with you. I know you have many fond memories of your wonderful travels together.

Thinking of you,

Barb Landes

I don’t have words to express my feelings of sorrow when I saw the notice of beautiful Colleen’s passing. We worked together at a Calgary law firm for many years, and I truly loved her. We had many great laughs

and she was my guru when it came to anything relating to grammar or spelling. She was brilliant. When I think of the many years I worked at that firm, Colleen’s name comes up as one of my favourite people. I felt true affection and admiration for her. We worked on different floors and in different areas - but I always felt we had a wonderful connection and a friendship. She was exceptional. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to her beloved husband and family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

So sorry for your loss Auntie Mac and Uncle George, we hope you find comfort in all your beautiful memories with Colleen. We love you! -Emily and Casey

When tomorrow starts without me,

Don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time you think of me

I’m right here, in your heart

My deepest condolences to Gerhard, Auntie Mac & Uncle George. My heart is broken at the loss of my dear cousin Colleen. We have shared so much laughter & fun together. I am so grateful that we were able to go on a cousins road trip to the island last April. We had so much fun, we laughed, we listened to our road trip tunes, we made many wrong turns,we visited relatives and just everything in between: I will cherish those memories forever. Until we meet again my beautiful cousin, I will hold you forever in my heart ❤️

Thanks to both of us retiring, my relationship with Colleen evolved from waving at each other as neighbours to regular coffee visits, talks and walks. As our friendship solidified I increasingly appreciated what a privilege it was to be her friend. She had so much warm and caring energy and such contagious enthusiasm! Her acceptance of her shortened earthwalk and her commitment to make the most of her time here has inspired me no end. Thank you Colleen, for everything.

I'm so sorry to hear of Colleen's passing. I remember fondly the couple of months I stayed with her and her parents, in fall 1979, while on a co-op work term in Calgary. I got to know her much better during that time and we got along really well. I'd even go so far to say we felt a little brotherly-sisterly towards each other (I have only one brother and she had no siblings). I got to see her really show what a fine daughter, wife, and person she was. And Gerhard and she just fit together so well as a couple.

My deepest condolences go out to Gerhard, her parents Auntie Mac and Uncle George, and the rest of the extended family and friends that knew her and loved her.

One year ago this week, we got to share a wonderful afternoon and evening with Colleen and her traveling sidekick-cousin, Marilyn. Such a fun day of sharing family memories and laughing at some of the antics of the girls on their little vacation together. A day we will cherish. A very sweet gal, taken way too soon. Our condolences and love to Gerhard, Mac and Geo. Arlene and Norm

I first met Colleen at the Tyrrell Museum as one of our librarians, when the project was in its infancy. She quickly became known as a dynamic powerhouse who always appeared to be in motion, and who always had a smile and a solution to obscure inquiries. Long before the internet came to rural Alberta, Colleen was a font of knowledge on where to source this or that piece of information. It was not long before she came to the attention of her partner of nearly forty years, Gerhard. Soon the two were inseparable, and we witnessed them bloom, radiating a love and energy that remained constant during fair seas and rough. Colleen brought love and light wherever she ventured, be it the Mongolian desert or entertaining a few friends at home in her beloved flower garden. Colleen’s smile, quick wit and laughter will remain indelible to all who were fortunate enough to know and spend time with her.

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

~ Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel