Thomas Allan Collison, 70, passed away 8:20 a.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at his home in Smithers, B.C. with his wife Becky by his side. He was born March 27, 1944 in St. Thomas, Ontario, to Thomas Wallace and Vera Grace Collison. He was married to Cheryl Merryfield from 1966 to 1984 and then married Rebecca (Becky) Everitt May 31, 1997.
Allan is also survived by his mother-in-law Chris Merryfield of Burnaby; two sons, Trent (Lisa) Collison of Port Moody, and Gord (Dawn) Everitt of Prince George; two daughters, Nicole (Kevin) Brooks of Campbell River, and Kathy (Keith) Barendregt of Smithers; seven grandsons, Aidan Collison, Torin Brooks, Thomas Brooks, Dan Barendregt, Joel Barendregt, Gauge Everitt, Gabe Lloyd and Graham Lloyd; seven granddaughters Sarah Collison, Crissy Barendregt, Ashley (Geoff) Grebliunas, Jana Barendregt, Kayla Everitt, Amanda Everitt, Tyrin Everitt; one great-grandson Kenneth Grebliunas; two brothers-in-law, Butch Ellis of Biggar, Greg Hampton of Wenatchee; four sisters-in-law, Marilyn Ellis of Biggar, Jean Merryfield of N. Vancouver, Linda Scoles of Bury St. Edmunds, Joyce McMillan of Salem, Joann Hampton of Wenatchee; one nephew Brandon (Melissa) Collison of Abbotsford and one niece Christi Collison of Vancouver.
Allan’s father Thomas Collison, his mother Vera Collison, father-in-law Bud Merryfield, mother-in-law Helen Hampton, brother Ronald Collison and brother-in-law Stewart Merryfield all preceded him in death.
Allan was a long time resident of Smithers where he lived since leaving his childhood home in St. Thomas at a young age. He and his bike were first employed as a telegram messenger for Smithers. He then graduated to employment with Longyear as a parts person and expediter. Allan completed his working years with a long career at Cariboo Central Interior Radio Inc. BVLD division. He was hired as a salesman in 1970 and then became the manager in 1982.
Allan loved to ski and officiate ski races, especially those including his racing children. He was a long time member of the Smithers Ski Club and was involved with the ski hill board of directors. Allan served the Smithers Volunteer Fire department for nineteen years retiring with the rank of Assistant Chief. During this time Allan attended many fires, large and small, and was one of the main members providing ambulance service to the surrounding area prior to the creation of the B.C. Ambulance Service. Fishing and golfing were favourite pastimes along with motor home trips near and far.
The funeral service and celebration of life for Allan is 2 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2014, at St. James Anglican Church, 1636 Princess St., Smithers. Ken Alton will be officiating. Refreshments to follow in the small hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bulkley Valley Hospice Society or a charity of your choice.