John Jerold Collison

Dad was predeceased by his wife Jean (2002), his parents Lorna (Coburn) and R. Noel Collison, and sister Daphne Wiggs. He is survived by children Bob (Jean), Tony (Bev), Rory (Cindy) and Laura (Les). Also survived by 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren with the eighth on the way.

Dad was a proud Victorian, raised in Oak Bay on St. Patrick Street and King George Terrace. He went to Oak Bay High and Vic High and was on the rugby teams at both schools. Dad could be seen some Fridays after school riding his bike from Oak Bay to Shawnigan Lake, with his rifle over his shoulder. Many Saturday’s his father would take him to work, National Motors, where Dad would assist the mechanics in the farm tractor department. Dad was a Steam Engineer, third class, by trade with Sydney Roofing & Paper. He made the move to Vancouver in 1957 when the firm relocated. He formed his own company, Shawn Holdings, in the mid 70’s when he moved back to his beloved Shawnigan Lake, the family property, and built his home, named Bilney after his grandparents long time family home on Rutland Road, Uplands. Jerry was the grandson of John Wood Coburn and John Jacob Collison. In 1986 Dad was made honorary Conductor for the 100th anniversary of the E&N Railway. His grandfather J.W. Coburn was the inaugural, first conductor, of the E&N Railway. Jerry was never very far from the lake or ocean. An avid sailor, Dad’s 37ft Tayana, Sea Shaman, was his pride and joy.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and the support staff at Cowichan District Hospital, 3rd floor, for their dedicated care and compassion of our father in his final weeks.

There will be no service, per request. Ashes will be spread, per request.