March 16, 1940 - February 12, 2024
With great sadness we announce the passing of Patrick Russel McColman, father, husband, uncle and friend. He passed peacefully after a short illness at Health Sciences North on February 12, 2024.
Born in North Bay in 1940, Patrick married his beloved wife Madeline on Dec 31, 1961. They lived in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, eventually settling on Manitoulin Island, where they lived for 28 years. Although Patrick was involved in a life-changing mining accident in 1974, he never wavered in his commitment to his family and his community. He had a strong desire for service and he showed this trait as a councillor with the Billings Township on Manitoulin Island. Always devoted to serving his community, he was the founding Captain of the #2915 Irish Army Cadets of Canada (Capreol), a Life Member of 45 years as a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus member, and a long-time member of the Lions Club. Other non-profit organizations he volunteered his time with were the Red Cross and the Royal Canadian Legion.
He spent his retirement years woodworking, repairing small engines, and on the creative side, enjoyed working with stained glass and baking. He was a determined man who never took no for an answer. He spoke of the need to never give up, and many can attest to this trait with stories and experiences.
Patrick is survived by his daughters, Patricia Dunnet (Doug) and Cynthia Fitzgerald (Travis), grandchildren Kennedy Banyard (Robert), Avery Fitzgerald, Liam Fitzgerald (Jessie), Cameron Dunnet (Hilary), and Cas Dunnet. Fondly remembered by sister-in-law Barbara McColman, Cathy Pankuch (Tony), Eileen Sobkowich (Ed), Dorothy Doebele (Werner), Lawrence Oster (Kathy), Brian Oster, John Oster, Diane Senger (Larry), many nieces and nephews, and by special friends Steve and Helen Killam. He was predeceased by his children Ernest and Victoria, and loving wife Madeline; parents Gertrude and Ernie, and brothers Raymond (Alma) and Reginald, in-laws Leo and Margaret Oster, Leo Oster Jr., James Oster, Joan McTavish (Ken), Nora Paulenko (George), Rhonda Oster, and Norma Oster.
Funeral services will be announced at a later date. Donations can be made to The Royal Canadian Legion or a charity or your choice.