September 24, 2020
On Thursday, September 24, 2020 Danny Collette, aged 93, passed away peacefully while in the transitions ward of the Nanaimo General Hospital.
The memory of Danny is forever etched in the memories of those fortunate enough to have known him. Often described as'The Salt of the Earth' Danny leaves to mourn his wife of 65 years, Mary (nee Stewart) sons William (Jennifer) and Robert (Dana), grandchildren Danielle (John), Rachelle, and Jackson.
Danny's biggest pride over the last couple of years was the addition of his Great-Grandson Charlie who was just beginning to call him 'GG,' short for Great Grampa.
Danny grew up in small towns throughout NW Ontario and Southeastern Manitoba before eventually settling in Winnipeg in the early 1950's where he met his life-long partner Mary. The two were married in a small church in Winnipeg on March 26, 1955 at a service officiated by Mary's Grandfather, on his 86th birthday.
Danny spent most of his working career in the Insurance Industry first starting with Metropolitan Life where he developed decades long friendships with many people in the industry. Following the 'The Met' Danny ventured into General Insurance joining Gateway Insurance Agency. He followed that with the introduction of his own business - Valour Insurance Agency where he worked until his retirement in the early 1990's.
In 1978 Danny and Mary purchased a lakefront cottage at Caddy Lake where they spent most every weekend, and upon retirement, every summer for nearly 20 years. Following that chapter in their lives the couple opted to leave Manitoba in favour of British Columbia where they would be closer to their sons and extended family. Settling in Vernon BC they absolutely loved their new home where surprise, surprise; they developed even more friends.
In 2011 at the urging of Bill and Bob who were both living with their families on Vancouver Island the couple relocated to Nanaimo where once again they made many friends at their new home in Kiwanis Village. Danny will be keeping watch over all at Kiwanis and especially over Jim and Joe. Be careful guys (Danny's words).
A small service will be held at a future as yet unknown date.
Memorial donations in memory of Danny can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada
www.alzheimer.ca