Colin Rudyerd Gemmell Haddock

Colin Rudyerd Gemmell HADDOCK passed away suddenly on February 8, 2023, at the age of 70 years.  Colin was always a giver - from volunteering for Virgin Islands Search and Rescue during his years living in the BVI, to acting as unpaid treasurer to several non-profit organizations, and, finally, to donating his organs. Colin will live on in the three people who have a new chance at life and in the hearts of those who loved him for his hospitality, generosity, his sense of humour, and loyalty.  

Born in Aldershot, England to a military family, Colin spent his formative years living everywhere from Germany to Thailand, but he most loved visiting family in Edinburgh, Scotland.  He started his career taking his articles of accountancy in the Channel Islands with Coopers & Lybrand, then moving to their Canadian offices in the early 1980’s.  Colin learned to sail at a very young age and that passion stayed with him: his first boat, "Blewit", was upgraded to "Blewit Again", and finally, "Blewit Big Time". Colin loved history, art, literature, tennis, dogs, and Jeopardy; he once qualified for the show but was travelling and missed the invitation.  He kept learning all his life; there was no doubt he would still qualify for Jeopardy.  

Colin and Najia met in 2010 and married in 2012. The couple retired from their respective careers and founded Cheers B&B in West Kelowna where they enjoyed hosting guests from all over the world for 5 years.  Both Colin and Najia loved acting in the Crossing Creek Community Theatre productions and volunteered for everything to support the theatre. As the director said, Crossing Creek would not be what it is today if it weren’t for Colin.  

Colin and Najia adored each other; he will be forever missed by Najia.  He leaves behind stepsons, Christopher Kerrin (Molly), Jordan Kerrin, and Elliot Kerrin, sister, Jean Walton, 'Mother in love' Arlette Alis Lewallen, and many loving cousins around the globe.  He is sadly predeceased by parents, James & Elizabeth Haddock and brother-in-law, Clive Walton.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Potter’s House Community Church, 2221 Moose Road, Westbank, with Wayne Campbell, pastor, officiating. For those unable to join us in person, please join us via live stream by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorwaynecampbell/streams.

Colin would be thrilled to encourage continued support for the community of artists that he helped create; memorial tributes may be made to CrossingCreekTheatre@gmail.com as part of his local legacy or to the World Central Kitchen (WCK.org/donate).