Viola May Colyn

She was born on February 27, 1935 in Didsbury, Alberta to Otto and Eral Harder. Otto drove Eral by horsedrawn sleigh to the hospital during a snowstorm. Viola was the eldest of eight children. They grew up in and around the Crossfield, Alberta area. Viola wanted to be a missionary and so in preparation for that she decided to become a Registered Nurse. In 1958 she graduated from Calgary General Hospital. Viola moved to BC and attended Northwest Baptist Theological College where she received a Batchelor of Religious Education. It was there that she met her future husband, John Colyn who was attending there also. They were married August 17, 1962. Together they moved to Princeton, BC where Viola worked in the small hospital and Marita was born. In 1966 John and Viola moved to Nanaimo where their second daughter Tannis was born. Kevin was born in 1968. Viola worked at NRGH and soon after began to work in the ICU unit. She continued her career there until she retired in 2000.

As a child Viola committed her life to Jesus. Although she technically never became an overseas missionary, Viola faithfully served the Lord in many ways throughout her life. She impacted many lives as a Sunday School teacher, Pioneer Girls leader, singing in a church choir, leading many different Bible studies, organizing women’s’ events and serving on various committees. As a prayer warrior she spent time in prayer for many of us as well as in prayer groups and a monthly prayer group for Operation Christmas Child. This was done firstly at Departure Bay Baptist Church and later at First Baptist Church Nanaimo. Viola also faithfully financially supported many missionaries and often invited them into her home for meals and fellowship when they were home from the mission field.

Cooking was one of Viola’s gifts. She regularly invited people into her home where she and John had great fun and laughs visiting and playing games with guests. Fast track was a great favourite! Another favourite of Viola’s was garage-saling! John and Viola would head out on Saturdays whether they were at home in Nanaimo or somewhere visiting. The bounty from these excursions was often given to others. They also enjoyed travelling. This included many visits to their children and grandchildren, exploring Vancouver Island, Alberta and as far away as Europe and Senegal, Africa.

Viola enjoyed crafting of many kinds but in particular making beautiful handmade cards which she blessed many people with. Tending her herb and flower gardens brought Viola much enjoyment. This past time inspired all three children to enjoy and grow gardens of their own.

An inspiration to many, Viola, touched peoples lives with her amazing ability to make them feel loved and cared for. This helped guide many people to Jesus and inspired believers to a closer walk with Him. Her humility encouraged people around her to feel accepted and welcome. The determined spirit she carried helped her accomplish many things. Many will also recall the mischievous twinkle in Viola’s eyes when telling of the pranks she pulled on her brothers and cousins or telling a funny joke.

Viola is survived by her sister Joan Keegstra(John), brother Duane (Marva), brother Leon(Kathy), sister Ann Minkley (Bernard)and sister-in-law June Harder. She is also survived by her daughter Marita Bergen (George), daughter Tannis Warm (Jim), son Kevin (Jodi) and grandchildren Makayla, Melynda, Joel, Carl, Mattaya, Elyse, Ben and Taylor.

Viola is predeceased by her parents, her husband John and her brothers: Lynn, Laverne and Eugene.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Ted Wall's Ministry in the Philippines. Cheques can be made payable to Youth With A Mission, YWAM Laguna (Account #YL12) and mailed to Project Funding Office, PO Box 57100, RPO East Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V5K5G6