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DANIEL G. (DANNY) COLLETTE
Date of Passing: Sep 24, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
DANIEL G. (DANNY) COLLETTE
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 Northwestern Ontario and Southeastern Manitoba before eventually settling in Winnipeg in the early 1950s where he met his lifelong 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 1990s. 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
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 03, 2020
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Have very found memories of living across the street from the Collette family where we used to live on Ashburn Street. Mr. Collette (often known as uncle) was not only our friend but looked after all our insurance needs. Many great memories also staying with them when my parents went out on hockey travel events. Both Danny and Mary were fondly known as Uncle and Aunty of Ashburn Street. My sincerest condolences to the family. May he rest in peace until you you meet again. - Posted by: Carolyn Genyk (Family friend and neighbour) on: Oct 21, 2020
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To Mary, Bill and Bob I offer my sincere condolences. Danny was a good friend for many years and will be missed by many. I have good memories of Danny and the whole family in the years in Winnipeg. - Posted by: Bill Humphreys (Friend) on: Oct 03, 2020