Donald Colbourne

Obituary of Donald Lawrence Colbourne

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It is with great sadness that the family of the late Donald Lawrence Colbourne, 86, of Corner Brook, announce his passing on February 1st at Corner Brook Long Term Care.

Don was born in Corner Brook to Harold and Nellie Colbourne on October 21, 1938. He finished high school and went on to earn a trade certificate and became a welder at Bowater paper mill. He met the love of his life, Ida, while skating at the local rink. They fell in love and were married in 1959. They settled in Corner Brook and started their family shortly after. They had three children over the next decade. Dad was very proud of his family, and he took care of us. He found time to take us camping and fishing during the busy summer months around the baseball season in which he would be coaching up to 4 teams at a time, not to mention working full time at the mill and volunteering with the Corner Brook Baseball Association and Corner Brook Minor Hockey Association for decades.

Dad was kind and funny and had a heart of gold. He was humble and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was the first person to deflect praise and take responsibility. He had a smile and a wave for everyone and when asked how he was doing, you would usually hear “Not bad for an old feller.” 

Pop loved spending time with his grandkids. He spent hours in the back yard in the summer and workshop in the winter with the boys being a fun pop. He loved everything about being a grandfather.  

Dad was an animal lover and was always there for anyone or anything that needed help.            

Don was the first of the Colbourne boys to play baseball and went on to star for the Town Aces and Corner Brook Barons winning several local and provincial titles. He was good enough to receive an invite to pursue baseball as a career but decided his future was here in Corner Brook. Don’s passion for the game was passed along to his brothers who went on to storied careers locally, provincially and nationally. Don’s selfless contribution to baseball and hockey as a coach followed in the years to come. He led many minor and senior  teams to provincial championships in both sports. He had a coaching style which gave everyone confidence and believed that everything started with fundamentals. He trusted his players and empowered them to succeed. Today he would be called the ultimate player’s coach. Don was inducted into the Baseball NL Hall of Fame in 1988 for his efforts as a player.

Don is survived by his wife Ida, of Corner Brook, his children, Rikki (Grant), Larry (Beverly) and Darren (Lisa). His siblings Pauline, Fred, Ray, Brian (Sandra) and Pam (Jim). Grandchildren, Darren, Matthew, Craig and Jacob. Brothers and sisters in law, Mac Squires (Muriel), Hedley Squires (Betty), Trudy Neil (Wayne), Don Squires (Mary) and a large circle of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Nellie and father, Harold, and brother Ted, mother and father in law Aubrey and Berith Squires, sisters in law Elsie and May, brothers in law Ron and Allan.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Aunt Trudy and Uncle Wayne for their love and support in dad’s time of need. Special thanks to Dr Chris Whitten for providing years of care and support for Don. Thank you to the management, nurses and staff at Corner Brook Long Term Care 4 South and 2 South, and Bay St George LTC for their care and kindness during his short stays.

Dad was a very friendly and loving soul and will be greatly missed. We thank everyone, friends, family and neighbours who have helped dad or reached out with kind words and condolences. Your words and wishes truly mean so much at this difficult time. Thank you so much.

Granting his wishes cremation has taken place. There will be no formal visitation or funeral service held at this time as per Don and Ida’s wishes. There will be a celebration of life announced at a later date.  As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Corner Brook Baseball Association by e-transfer to paymentscbba@gmail.com, US donors may use PayPal to lynnemosher@hotmail.com  (note in memory of Don Colbourne), or NL West SPCA.

A Memorial Tree was planted for Donald
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Fillatre's Funeral Homes
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Donald Colbourne

In Loving Memory

Donald Colbourne

1938 - 2025

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