It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Colin Brown of Pinawa, MB on June 29, 2025, at the age of 84.
Colin was born in Maesteg, Wales. While he lost his father (Louis Colin Brown) in the war, his mother (Gwen) remarried and Colin enjoyed growing up in Wales excelling in school and rugby. He also met the first love of his life, Rita Merle Jones, and they were married March 9, 1963. At Merle’s urging, they emigrated to Canada in 1966 settling in Kingston, ON. There they welcomed their two children Eleanor and Alex. In Fall 1970, Colin took a new job with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited in the small town of Pinawa, MB. Colin worked through several different jobs at AECL, but to advance, he needed to receive a degree. Thus, in his mid-30s, he began taking correspondence courses from the University of Waterloo; he worked at AECL all day and spent his evenings listening to lectures (on tape) and studying. However, to achieve his ultimate degree goal, Colin took a leave of absence from work, moved away from Merle and the two kids, and spent one academic year as a full-time mature student (he was older than many professors) in Waterloo. He received his Honors BSc (Chemistry) in 1981. He continued a long career at AECL before his retirement in 2001.
Colin spent many happy years in Pinawa taking part in the recreational offerings (tennis, soccer, golf, bridge, darts) as well as making long-term friends. After his retirement, this freed up time for Colin and Merle to travel (even more), with Mexico and Nevada being favorite destinations. They enjoyed many travels together and with friends until Merle’s passing April 30, 2006.
Colin was then blessed to meet the second love of his life, Rita Elizabeth Bell, and they were married June 15, 2008. Rita and Colin enjoyed travel, including many river cruises through Europe and North America, as well as spending time with friends at home and at the Legion. As many people know, they were inseparable these past 17 years, always seen together and often walking hand-in-hand.
Colin leaves behind his wife Rita, daughter Eleanor, son Alex (Christine), step-daughter Fiona, his grandchildren (Abi, Caitlyn, Irena, Leah, and Roxy), and his extended family in Wales. He will be greatly missed by them and his many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at on July 11 at 2:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion,
45 McArthur Ave, Lac du Bonnet MB R0E 1A0, Canada
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to your favourite charity.
Friday, July 11, 2025
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)
Lac du Bonnet Legion
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