Thomas Colin Trowsdale

Thomas Colin Trowsdale was born in Victoria, BC on October 9, 1934 and passed away September 14, 2024. He is survived by his wife Claire and daughters Louise (Flavio), Ruth (Guy), Denise (Gene), and Colleen (Don), 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Colin attended Vic West Elementary School, the University school for Boys (now called St. Michaels), Central Junior High and Vic High. Colin enjoyed sports with boxing being a favorite. At Vic High, Colin attended school 6 days a week taking extra technical courses including carpentry, machine shop, electrical, sheet metal, drafting and automotive. No wonder Colin was a ‘jack of all trades’!

Claire and Colin met at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship during high school. After high school, Colin attended Western Canadian Bible school in Regina for 2 years. He returned to Victoria and spent 2 years volunteering with the Marine Medical Mission based on Thetis Island. Colin began his employment with the BC Forest Service as a Launch Engineer in Vancouver. He then moved to Surrey and continued working with the Forest Service as an auto mechanic repairing vehicles and equipment. Colin and Claire began their courtship in 1956.

Colin and Claire were wed in Victoria September 1957. Colin’s employment with the Forest Service required a lot of travel. They settled in Surrey as the family grew. Colin continued to work his way up, moving the family around the province until Colin received a transfer and they bought a house in Victoria. Colin’s position in the Forest Service was Mechanical Superintendent in charge of Victoria headquarters and Forest Nurseries.

In 1980, Colin's job was transferred to Burnaby. Colin bought a home in Tsawwassen where they attended the Tsawwassen Alliance Church. Colin and Claire enjoyed singing in the choir. In 1991 Colin accepted a transfer to Victoria. Colin retired soon after returning to Victoria. Claire and Colin devoted a great number of hours to the Victoria Alliance Church. Colin was treasurer of the board and worked on many renovation projects including helping to build a new kitchen.

During his retirement, Colin spent many years volunteering at the Bibles for Missions Thrift Store downtown. His garage and basement workshop were utilized to fix items to be sold in the store.

Retirement also provided the opportunity to travel. Colin and Claire spent these years travelling around the world. Cruising was a favourite mode of travel. Destinations included Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Disney World, Bahamas, Europe, Las Vegas, and China. Colin always enjoyed meeting new people and sharing a joke. He made friends wherever he went.

Colin and Claire have been a hardworking couple. They have been very generous throughout their lives, donating their time and money. They have made many friends and shown unending love to their family. Claire and Colin’s greatest joy are their 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Colin, we will miss your funny hat, your ready smile, quick wit and endless jokes. Take your rest in the hands of God. Love you always.