December 24, 1939 - May 19, 2021
Howard John Collier, born December 24, 1939 in Creston, British Columbia, passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the age of 81 years. As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19 and the government recommendations, a private funeral service was held at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber, Alberta on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 3 pm.
Those who wish to view the service may do so by visiting Jack's obituary page on our website and choosing the 'service video recording' link. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Gloria; daughter Tracy and son-in-law Brian Pauls; grandchildren Nathan (Nicole) Pauls and Adrienne (Tyler) Fehr; great grandchildren Gavin, Kaden and Morgan.
He is also survived by his sister Ada-Lou (Art) Kerr as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
He was predeceased by his son Robert John "Bobby" Collier in 1994; parents Ray and Cavell Collier; in-laws George and Muriel Clark; sister-in-law Sharon Clark and brother-in-law Robert "Bob" Clark.
Jack was raised in Terrace, British Columbia. He attended the University of British Columbia then began his working career at Woodward's in Vancouver. Jack transferred to Calgary to open the Woodward's in the Chinook Mall. This is where he met his future wife, Gloria. He transferred back to Vancouver and Gloria followed. They were married in Vancouver on February 8, 1961. While living in Vancouver, Tracy arrived. Jack decided to leave Woodward's to go build logging roads in Port McNeill, British Columbia with his Dad.
There Bobby arrived to complete their family. In 1969 Jack and Gloria moved to the Queen Charlotte Islands (now Haida Gwaii) to build the townsite and logging roads in Sewell Inlet. "First family in, last family out!" Jack and Gloria moved between Holberg, Sechelt and Sewell Inlet before finally settling in Sewell Inlet until they retired in 2004.
After retirement they relocated to Lake Cowichan. Jack's love of gardening grew and they won an award for their yard. In 2009 they moved to Barnwell to be closer to Tracy and her family, then settled in Taber in 2011. Jack was truly a "Jack Of All Trades", as well an avid bridge player and a very social person.
He was fortunate enough to have made lifelong friends everywhere he lived and visited. Jack and Gloria traveled extensively throughout the world, eventually visiting sixty nine countries spanning every continent except Antarctica. Of all the places they explored, England was their favorite and they returned several times to reunite with friends they made there.
Jack was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved laughter, good times and playing jokes on his friends and family. He lived with all his energy and loved with all his heart. He was known as Jack, Dad, Howie, Chini, Igor Gunch and many other names by many different people. We will forever love him with all our hearts and will forever miss and treasure the time we had with him.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jack's name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 (www.tdhf.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber, Alberta. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.