Obituary of Colin Bertram Guenther Eller
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Colin Bertram Guenther Eller in his 86th year, on July 1, 2023. Husband of Deborah, Father of Shelley (RJ) of Kitchener and Robert of Vancouver. Predeceased by his son, David (2018). Grandfather of Matt (Emily) and Erin Steele; great-grandfather of Jorge; brother-in-law of Scott and Nancy Harris; uncle of Janet Bakker and Ken (Diane) Eller, Rebecca and Philip Topa, Elizabeth Harris, Alexandra and Mike Gagnon, Courtney and Emily Avila; great-uncle of Lindsay (Dave) Paynter and Rylan and Carys Topa. Great-great uncle of Caiman and Skye Paynter. With special mention of his four-legged family, Max Gagnon and Pebbles Steele. Colin is also survived by many friends, not the least of which are 'The Old Farts', a group that goes back to their High School days and his long-time faithful friend Rhys Evans who he partnered with in Wheelchair Baseball - Bat left, buddy.
After a successful 30-plus year career, Colin retired as a Tool Engineer from General Motors; his hobbies included woodworking, gardening and singing. Colin sang for many years adding his beautiful bass vocals to the Mountainview Church Choir and Chorus Niagara. Colin also took up cycling with his lifelong friend, Paul Pattison and alongside his nephew, Phil raised thousands of dollars participating in charity rides that include: MS, Heart & Stroke, The Walker Family Cancer Centre and Autism Awareness. As Colin’s health significantly declined over the last several years, doctors called him the Miracle Man, and that he was, but to his family, he was and always will be OUR HERO.
With thanks to the Staff of Westhills Care Centre where Colin resided this past year and Dr. Charles Hu for his care and kindness.
Many thanks to Dr. Jonathan Crowson and staff at St. Joseph's Senior Mental Health Outreach Program.
With our love and gratitude to lifelong friends Bill and Bev Race for being with us and Colin these past difficult months and in particular every day these past several weeks.
To Ereni Girgis and staff of Shoppers Drug Mart at Lake and Carlton plaza. We are so very grateful for your love and support through the years; you are family to us and we are blessed.
My very special thanks and gratitude to Dion McParland from the Alzheimer Society of Niagara for your unwavering support for us along our journey, we could not have been in better hands.
To my sister Nancy and my niece Lizzie, my love and gratitude for being there for us always.
As per Colin’s wishes, funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. Cremation has taken place and a private family inurnment will occur at a later day. In lieu of flowers and donations, please hug someone you love today.
Colin, it has been my honour and privilege to walk through the past thirty-three years with you. I will hold you and the memories we made together in my heart forever.
Rest in peace knowing you have left a legacy of love, strength and courage in our journey forward. We know you will be with us in spirit every step of the way.
Be at peace.
For all time,
Deb ❤️
