Obituary
Joan ‘Colly’ Scullion
September 23, 1933- July 4, 2022
A wonderful human being deeply dedicated to the North and to Inuit. A teacher, a friend to artists, and an art collector – Colly’s network of friends grew through the years from the UK to Montreal to Nunavut, Inuvik, Fort McMurray, Ottawa and Beckwith. Colly and her husband John’s early years in Canada were characterized by adventure, caring, and curiosity. In a fit of frustration at being unable to get a telephone line connected in their flat in 1950’s London UK, the young couple decided to go to New Zealand for a better life. The cheapest and fastest way there was a boat to Canada and train travel across the country, and on. On the way, they stopped in Montreal and liked it enough to stay awhile. Their daughter Susan arrived in 1960. A few years later, by chance, they saw a poster announcing teaching jobs in the North. The family headed to Clyde River in 1965. They later moved through Qikiqtarjuaq (Broughton Island), Pond Inlet and the arrival of son Chris, Resolute, Cape Dorset, Iqaluit (Frobisher Bay) and Inuvik, before moving “south” to Fort McMurray. Colly’s stories are legend from this time and went on to shape the rest of the Scullion’s family life.
Colly and John were known to throw fantastic parties with friends from near and far. Their love of Northern and Indigenous art, coupled with restoring antiques made for great discussion pieces and added such beauty to their pre-confederation home, “the farm” in Beckwith Township. Colly adored travel and great food, volunteering in her community, and was a great keeper of history, known to provide rhubarb and tomatoes or a little bouquet of seasonal flowers to anyone visiting the farm. Her son, Chris and his partner, Bronwyn promise to protect the careful heritage of the farm and safeguard the history of the pioneering Nesbitt family that lived there before them.
Predeceased by her husband John and daughter Susan, she is survived by her son, Chris, daughter-in-law Bronwyn and beloved grandchildren, Maeve and Willem, as well as family in Wales, Liverpool, London, Australia, Japan, the United States and New Zealand. While her friends were many, we would be remiss not to mention Fire Chief Bill McGonegal, who brought in the paper, and a coffee every day for so many years. We are forever grateful for Bill’s care of the property, and for the sense of peace that she had a trusted friend to call when she needed help. He was indeed the first person she would always call. We love you “Uncle” Bill.
Colly’s incredible life will be celebrated in late September 2022 at the farm when this wave of COVID has hopefully passed. If you wish to donate in her memory, please consider the Ayalik Fund that supports Inuit youth to adventure like she did or to the Inuit Art Foundation.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss – the staff at Alan R. Barker Funeral Home & Chapel Inc. (Affiliated with United Crematorium Inc.)
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Scullion September 23 1933 July 4 2022 (age 88)..

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Death notice for the town of: Carleton-Place, Province: Ontario

death notice Joan Scullion September 23 1933 July 4 2022 (age 88)

mortuary notice Joan Scullion September 23 1933 July 4 2022 (age 88)