KOLLEN John William CD-
It is with sinking hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad and Opa, John William Kollen, of Hanover. Dad passed away at the Guelph General Hospital, on a sunny day, July 28th, 2022 at the age of 73. He had at his side special invisible old friends, Phil and Brien.
Born in St. Catharines, Ont., on the 23rd of April 1949. He was the son of the late Koob Kollen and Arendje (Nieuwenhuis) Kollen. Dad was passionate about his time at sea with the Navy and was proud. He served:
HMCS Cornwallis – May 1966 to Sept 1966
HMCS Fraser – Oct 1966-Dec 1970
Marcom HQ (FMG) – Dec 1970-Jul 1972
HMCS Protecteur – Spring 1971
HMCS Preserver – Spring 1972
HMCS Huron – Aug 1972-Jul 1977
NRS Newport Corner – Jul 1977-Jun 1978
HMCS Athabaskan – Jun 1978-Jun 1981
HMCS Terra Nova – Jun 1981-Jun 1984
HMCS Miramichi – Spring 1984
201 CFTSD Montreal – Jun 1984-Jul 1987
Dad/Opa, will be greatly missed by his children, Lisa, Martin (Rose), Dion (Kathleen), and grandchildren Megan, Reiner and Heyden. He was also survived by his daughter Jo Anne and his special nieces and nephews from all over Canada and the world. Also surviving John are his two younger sisters Althea (Hans), Dini (Steve) and younger brother Dennis (Hilary). They are now dreading knowing the Kollen sibling expiry date.
Dad enjoyed life to the absolute fullest up to his final days. He enjoyed drinking, carousing, eating fine foods and talking. Yes, he enjoyed talking, sometimes too much. One great regret Dad had was that he never got to see his beloved Montreal Expo’s win the World Series, even though the Cubbies won while he was relatively still young. Dad’s sense of humor, enormous personality, generous heart and unique sayings are going to be missed. He will also be remembered for living his life without fear and his incredible devotion to his family and friends. The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out to offer their condolences and support.
To honour his wishes, cremation has taken place and committal will take place at sea at a later date. A Celebration of Life will also be held at the place he loved most- The Royal Canadian Legion in Hanover at a later date.
Memorial Donations in Johns’ memory can be made to the Hanover Legion- Poppy Fund or to a Church of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover.
May there be “Fair Winds & Following Seas”
Sailor’s Rest
When my sailing days are over,
and I sail the seas no more,
I shall build myself a refuge
by the ocean’s murmuring shore.
As I watch the foaming breakers
when the tide comes rushing in,
I will contemplate my lifetime
With it’s virtues and it’s sins.
Where the azure of the heavens
meets the undulating blue,
where the sweeping, soaring seagull
flies it’s endless quest for food.
It is there that I would rest,
when my work on earth is done,
At the endless blue horizon
‘ Neath the crimson, setting sun.
– Dr. Block
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Kollen 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Hanover, Province: Ontario