ANTHONY (TONY) COLLARD

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ANTHONY (TONY) COLLARD March 2, 1940 August 7, 2011 After a lengthy battle of health complications, it is with deep sorrow we announce that our beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle to many, peacefully surrendered his soul into the arms of our Heavenly Father. Tony was surrounded by many family and friends in his final days. His sense of humour and wittiness will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Tony has gone to reunite with his Mum, Dad, brother, two sisters, baby Jade Barbara and many aunts, uncles and cousins who all shared great times, happiness and mischievousness together, as the stories were told. Left to cherish and celebrate Tony's amazing life, are his loving wife Barbara (a.k.a. Barbie to Tony); son Shaun (England); daughters: Maria (Chris), Wendy (fiancé Jason); granddaughters: Tia, Carrie-Lynn and Rae-Anne; his extended family Mia and Jessica, Lisa, Bob and goddaughters Jenny (Doug), Andrea (Rees and Tessa) whom he loved unconditionally. He is also survived by his brother Robert and family; sister Linda (Andy) Binding; also dearly loved by his in-laws: Wendy and John Selway and the extraordinarily large amount of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews that loved him dearly and that he cherished each and every one on his Christmas visit back home to England in 1997. Tony and Barb came to Canada with a young son in June of 1968 from Bristol, England to join The Winnipeg Transit System as a driver and then on to a trucking company and then also was a caretaker to apartment buildings for many years till his illness in November of 1998. Tony lived a very happy and full life, proud of all his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and would relish the chance to talk about them at any time to anyone. He was always there for anyone, lending a hand with any problem big or small, nothing was ever too much for him. His jokes and punch lines, his genuine nature and very memorable Christmas dinners will be missed far beyond what you could imagine. The family would like to thank all the caregivers at the Golden Door for taking good care of Tony for the many years that he was there; as well as the staff at Riverview for their kindness and patience; also the doctors and nurses on the 6th floor at the St. Boniface Hospital for the excellent care and compassion given to Tony and his family during this very sad time. Cremation has taken place, and in keeping with Tony's spirit for a good nosh up with family and friends with games, jokes and stories, we are having a celebration BBQ of his life at his favourite site in Birds Hill Park. It will take place on Sunday, August 28 (open invitation) starting at 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All who knew him, wishing to celebrate and share a story of this truly amazing man, are most welcome. For information and a map of the site please contact Wendy at krazy collard@yahoo.ca John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. God bless your precious soul, you are sorely missed. Rest in Peace With all our hearts, thoughts and prayers - Barbara, Shaun, Maria, Wendy and families. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2011