Wilmore Gerald Clarence Colbourne

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald (Gerry) Colbourne, age 81 of Halifax, NS on January 22, 2026.

Born in Deer Lake, NF, son of the late Arthur Colbourne and Lucy (Hann) Colbourne. His grandmother Drusella Hann (deceased) took responsibility for him at an early age in Hare Bay NF.

Throughout Gerald’s life, his faith, duty and service were evident. His dry humor and wit – his trademark. One of his most favorite past times was taking walks, often. However, few knew of his love for poetry. One of his major accomplishments and passion was overseeing The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaigns over a span of many years.

Gerald enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and served on board “The Iroquois”, later changing his career in the C.A.F. to finance. He served 43 years of combined military and Public Service. Posting included – C.F.B. Halifax, Windsor, ON (detachment), U.N Egypt, Detachment Debert, C.F.E Lahr, West Germany, and C.F.B. Halifax where he retired in 1985 as “Petty Officer 1st Class (Warrant Officer)”. Continuing work in Public Service – Stadacona, Halifax in “Movements Section” from 1985-2006. Gerald also worked for The Salvation Army across Canada – Kingston, ON, Fort McMurray, AB, Halifax, NS, and Miramichi, NB in various leadership roles. Most prominently in the role of Corps Sgt. Major (C.S.M.), as a lay leader, in Lahr, Germany, Sackville and Spryfield Corps.

Gerald leaves behind his wife, Major (Ena) Lillian (West) Colbourne (R) of almost 20 years. They were married on August 12, 2006 in Kingston, ON. Lillian became part of a ready-made family – a son, Murray Colbourne, daughter – in -law Janice (Miller) Colbourne and two granddaughters; Micaela (Colbourne) and husband Johnathan Smith, and Jenna (Colbourne) and husband Kevin O’Rourke. Gerald was predeceased by his first wife, Diane and daughter Joyce. Acknowledging his second wife Ruth Gosling and Courtney.

Gerald is survived by three sisters and spouses – Rosalyn (Ros) Bastows, Florence Shepherd and Sylvia Spring and other family members. His sister, Olive Halloway and his one brother, Chesley “Ches” Colbourne, both predeceased. Gerald will be fondly remembered by many friends and co-workers.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at The Salvation Army Halifax West Church, 50 Gesner St. (Fairview) Halifax, on Wednesday, February 4th at 2pm, with a reception in the church hall. Interment will take place at Dartmouth Memorial Gardens on Main Street on Thursday, February 5th at 2pm.

The family greatly appreciates those who added to Gerald’s comfort and care while at Parkland Retirement Home and the QEII Hospital 4.1, where he was Promoted to Glory. A memorial gift may be made to The Salvation Army Halifax West Church - Partners in Mission, or charity of choice.

“Well done, good and faithful servant” Mathew 25:21