James Harvey Collen

Suddenly, following a brief illness, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James Harvey Collen, with his son, brothers, nephew and great nephew by his side on March 5th, 2026 at the Grace Hospital ICU, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 79-year-olds.

Jim will be lovingly remembered and survived by family and friends left to cherish his memory. Those left to more are his son Wendell Collen (Ann Collen), grandchildren Abby and Laramie Collen.

Brothers George Collen and family, Bob Collen and family and sister Kathy Lamont and family. Along with countless friends and neighbors.

Jim is predeceased by his wife Merriel Darlene Collen (Clayton), his parents Leonard James Collen and Dorthy May Collen (Adamthwaite) and numerous Aunts and Uncles and cousin Jimmy Burwash.

Jim was born on November 10, 1946, in Minnedosa, Manitoba. Jim was the middle of three boys, George and Bob and younger sister Kathy. Jim was raised on the out skirts of Minnedosa, where he attended elementary and high school. Jim enjoyed the outdoors and with his family who took many trips to the lake where Jim became an accomplished water skier. Jim’s passion from a young age, through his teenage years, during hi career and into his retirement was to be in the outdoors, mostly hunting and a little fishing mixed in.

Jim started his career with Manitoba Hydro on June 23, 1965, along with his friend Dave Abel, working in various locations throughout the province working as a lineman. In 1967 Jim met Merriel Darlene Clayton, of Erickson, Manitoba and married in July, 1967 and moved to Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. Their son, Wendell James Collen was born January, 1968. When Wendell was old enough to go to school, Jim had been transferred to the Load Dispatch Office with Manitoba Hydro in Winnipeg. While in Winnipeg there were lots of miles made to the farm, both in Minnedosa and Erickson, and hauling Wendell all over for hockey, and yes, getting out hunting every chance he got.

Jim retried from Manitoba Hydro on June 5th, 2003, completing a 38-year career with a single employer. While maintaining their residence in Winnipeg, Jim and Merriel purchased a property in the RM of Clanwilliam where they built a log cabin, while staying in a wall tent until a camper was purchased. They enjoyed travelling with the truck and camper spending lots of time on the road visiting family and friends, when not building the cabin. They enjoyed their time at the cabin, but in latter years due to Merriel’s failing health most of their time was spent in their home in Winnipeg. Jim was forever grateful to his brothers and rural neighbors for helping with the cabin when he couldn’t be there, and to his good friends Rob Anderschuck and Barry Prescod for being there for him in Winnipeg. Wendell would like to make a special thank you to those that were able to be with Jim in his final days and to the staff at the Grae Hospital ICU in Winnipeg.

Interment of ashes and a Celebration of Life will take place in later June to mid-July in Minnedosa, Manitoba. More information to follow.