In Memory

Walter "Jerry" Colbourne

November 11th, 1939 - September 4th, 2023

Born in Twillingate N., Newfoundland

Passed in Didsbury, Alberta

On Monday, September 4th, 2023, we said goodbye to our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, Walter Gerald “Jerry” Colbourne. Jerry was a gentle, loving and kind man who served as an Anglican Minister in various parishes throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Born in Twillingate and raised in Stephenville, Jerry excelled in athletics, including baseball, swimming, diving, and running before he went on to study theology at Queen’s College in St. John’s. There he became known by his peers as the “Blonde Bullet” for his frequent runs up to Signal Hill and his five minute mile.

Jerry married his university sweetheart, Eileen in 1965 at the Anglican Cathedral. Together they shared 58 beautiful years of marriage and later welcomed their three children, David, Helen, and Andrea. Jerry devoted himself to serving his community. In his nearly 60 year long career, he performed many baptisms and marriages, including those of his immediate family. A man of The Rock, Jerry loved hunting, fishing, and berry picking, making frequent trips to Labrador with David, family, and friends.

Amongst his many friends and family members, Jerry will be known for his tenderness, his discipline, his love for the outdoors and his heartwarming phone calls where he would sing Happy Birthday to his loved ones.

Jerry was predeceased by, his parents, Edwin and Annie (Anstey) Colbourne; and his brother, Art Colbourne. Jerry is lovingly remembered by his wife, Eileen; his children, David (Keesa), Helen (Rick), and Andrea (John); his grandchildren Jasmine, Sophia, Andrew, Kyra, Luke, and Leia; his great-grandchild Max;and his siblings Edwina, Charlie, and Denis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to Queen’s College at Memorial University in Newfoundland. This charity was close to his heart.

Cheques and e-transfers may be made payable to queens@mun.ca

Queen’s College – Faculty of Theology

210 Prince Philip Drive – Suite 3000

St. John’s NL A1B 3R6

Share a message or memory

The MacFadyen family

1 year ago

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He had such great stories to share. As a consummate reader, Jerry shared many of the same authors with us, trading books he’d so quickly finished. He will be missed!

Myra Colbourne

1 year ago

I am so deeply saddened by Jerry's passing. He was a wonderful brother-in-law and I was one of those who looked forward to his singing Happy Birthday to each year. I will miss that so very much. My condolences to all our family from all over.

Paula Green

1 year ago

Reverend Colbourne was the loveliest person. I grew up with him being our community minister and he had the most gentle way about him. I was so very sad when I heard of his passing. Sending my deepest condolences to Mrs. Colbourne and family.

Bruce & Ivy Acreman

1 year ago

Sorry to hear of Rev. Colbourne's passing . He married us 55 years ago, in Mary's Harbour, Labrador. Much condolences to his family.

Elizabeth and Alf wareham

1 year ago

Jerry was a dedicated priest who had a positive influence on others. Be assured of our prayers for you all.

Norma Gosling

1 year ago

Eileen, sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Hold on to all your precious memories. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you & all your family. Love & Blessings to all! Brud & Norma

Wanda Hunter

1 year ago

Sending my love and sincere condolences to you all 💞

Linda Wheatley (Nee Colbourne)

1 year ago

My family and I wish to send our deepest condolences to Aunt Eileen, David, Helen, Andrea and their families. Uncle Jerry has touched the hearts of so many, will be missed by all that new him.

Roland & Jean Herritt

1 year ago

Eileen & Family
So very sorry to hear of Jerry‘s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Cherish and hold onto your wonderful memories. They will help you through many difficult times ahead.
Jerry was such a kind & pleasant person. I remember well the day he married us, just like it was yesterday.
So pleased we got to visit him and you when we were in Calgary.
I am sure it is very helpful that your family is there with you.
Take care. Sending our Love & Blessings to you all.
Roland & Jean

R Hatcher

1 year ago

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Jane Herritt

1 year ago

To the Colbourne Family, sorry to hear of Rev. Jerry’s passing. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Brenda Hancock

1 year ago

Sincere condolences to Eileen and all his family. He was a wonderful person, very kind and compassionate to all.

Audrey Kendall .

1 year ago

Rev. COLBOURNE was a very kind & caring man. He always had a smile & a kind word for everyone. When my son was born 5 weeks early with health problems, Rev. Colbourn was the first to come to Grand Falls hospital to see me & my son. He also brought my daughter to see her brother. He talked to the doctor to find out how the baby & myself were doing. He was a very compassionate man. He spread God's word in so many ways. My husband & I send our deepest condolences to his family. RIP REV. COLBOURNE.

Terri Parrill

1 year ago

Eileen and Family, Bob and I send our sincere condolences on the passing of such a wonderful man…Jerry was well known and well loved in our diocese of Western Newfoundland. He was a very kind, caring, respectful and thoughtful man and there was always this underlying sense of good humor in all he said and did. He was “one off a kind indeed” and he will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. We know that the grace of God will keep you strong in the days ahead!

Calvin and Ann Strickland

1 year ago

Our sincere condolences to Eileen and family.

linda jamieson

1 year ago

Thinking of you at this time, and trusting that your many memories of your life together will get you through the days ahead. Hugs and kindest regards...God Bless!!

Sharon and Blair Sparkes

1 year ago

Condolences from both of us for your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Mary n charl bolt

1 year ago

Remember him and Eileen used come to church services in grand Le Pierre, wonderful people. Keep in touch Eileen, god bless you all.

Connie Walsh (Sutton)

1 year ago

Sending love to Reverend Colbourne’s family. He was such a big part of our community of Head Bay, and I will always cherish the memories. Hugs to all 💞

LORRAINE Folkes Mangrove

1 year ago

Condolences to his family. I remember him.

Eugene and Judy Kendall

1 year ago

Sending our condolences to Eileen and the families.

Raymond Blake

1 year ago

Condolences to the family. I remember when he arrived in Hermitage as the new priest and what a difference he made to the community. He will be missed.

Joan Kane

1 year ago

My deepest condolences on Rev. Colbourne's passing. I have many fond memories of Jerry and Eileen's time in the Parish of Trinity.

Roy &Isabel Fiander

1 year ago

We are saddened to hear of Rev. Colbourne,s death! Earths' Loss is Heaven's Gain. He was a wonderful man in every way, well respected as our Minister in the Parish of Hermitage, and surrounding district. Your memories will be kept through out the year has a devoted Pastor and Friend.
Deepest Sympathy to Wife Eileen and Family

Jeff Oldford

1 year ago

Many fond memories of Jerry, spent lots of time with David & Andrea. Very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you all!

Audrey Kendell .

1 year ago

Rev. Colbourne was a very caring and kind man. He always had a smile & a kind word for everyone. When my son was born 5 weeks early with serious health issues, he was the first one to come to Grand Falls hospital to see me.

Phyllis Pack

1 year ago

Sorry for your loss, our prayers and condolences to all the families

Lloyd Gillam

1 year ago

My condolences to Eileen and family. Jerry and family were always family to us. Mom in particular always kept Jerry close to her heart throughout her life. I regret having personally lost contact over the years with my being in the Army and away from Newfoundland. I can still picture him in his many visits to our home in Grand Falls when he would challenge me to a game of pool on our miniature pool table. 50 years ago in August, Jerry officiated at my marriage to Joy and then toasted us at our wedding reception. His kindness and sense of fun and humor were always at the forefront. Even now, when the name Jerry comes up in conversation, we all know the Jerry we are talking about.

Roland &Marie Kendell

1 year ago

Deepest sympathy to you Eileen & all the family. Rev. Colbourne was such a gentle man & will be remembered always by the people that knew him! Will keep you all in our Prayers.

Allan and joyceanne brake

1 year ago

We are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Our sincerest sympathy to you, Eileen, and your family.

Joan and Phil Bull

1 year ago

He was such a wonderful person and friend of ours. Our deepest condolences to all his family. He always had a smile for everyone and always had words of encouragement.
Thinking of all his family at this sad time,
Phil and Joan Bull
Southern Bay

Colleen Kelly

1 year ago

We (Clarence and I) were saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. Condolences to you Eileen, your children, and families. May your memories give you comfort at this difficult time. It makes me smile when I picture you both waltzing across the floor at the Christmas dances in Milltown, you glided so effortlessly, it was beautiful. Hugs my friend, thinking of you.
Colleen

Vina Penney and Gordon Brown

1 year ago

Eileen, David, Helen and Andrea and families! Please accept our condolences on Rev. Colbourne’s passing! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers!

Carl Major

1 year ago

Knew Jerry as a good friend growing up in Stephenville and having many good fishing trips together. A fine Priest that is remembered by many people.

Kim Powell (Muggridge)

1 year ago

I have lots of memories of spending time with his daughter, Andrea, and her family in Eastport growing up. So sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family at this sad time.

David & Linda Reeves

1 year ago

Eileen and family, Our deepest condolences on Jerry’s passing. He will always be fondly remembered by our family for his friendship, leadership in the community and his church . Thinking of you all at this difficult time and keeping you in our prayers.

Darren Kendell

1 year ago

Rev Colbourne was a good man, always had words of encouragement for me when I served on the alter for him in my youth.Rev Colbourne and
Eileen were the first people to come to my family home to offer condolences and prayers and comfort to my family when my brother in-law passed suddenly the night before. He always had a smile and kind word for me.

Doreen Poole

1 year ago

Condolences to Rev. Jerry’s family and friends.

Marie ( Heffern)Lane

1 year ago

I will always remember Rev. Colbourne with great fondness from his time spent with the Parish of Salvage on the Eastport Peninsula.
A deep sense of compassion mingled with a wonderful sense of humor are my take away from my involvement with the Rev. He certainly had a personality that served his profession well.
Eileen, David, Andrea and Helen please accept my heartfelt condolences for you and all your family. Take care of yourselves!

Rod and Joanne Oldford

1 year ago

We would like to send our sincere condolences to the Colbourne Family.
While in Eastport NL the Colbourne’s were close to our family. On Sept. 11, 2023 we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary which Rev. Colbourne made special arrangements to preside over. It was greatly appreciated. Our thoughts are with the Family.

Roy Mangroves Lewis Labrador

1 year ago

Sorry for your loss

Roxanne Greene

1 year ago

I am so sorry for your loss. It’s been some time since we have been in touch but I remember him well. Such a kind and gentle person. Sending you all my deepest condolences and prayers at this difficult time. Hugs to all❤️

Robert and Lillian Goods

1 year ago

So sorry for your loss, deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Heather Wiseman (Dowding)

1 year ago

Mr. Colbourne was such a kind and gentle soul. I have many memories of him as Rev. Colbourne in Milltown. May he rest in peace. Sending thoughts and prayers to you all.

Brenda Hurley

1 year ago

Eileen and family I am sorry to hear of Archdeacons passing. My prayers are with you through the difficult days ahead. He was a great man. I feel blessed to have worked with him.

Bridget and Cec Kelly

1 year ago

Our deepest condolences on your loss. May he rest in peace.

Claudia Fehres

1 year ago

I am pretty sure we all know Jerry as a story teller! I had the opportunity to drive him to a few places and so enjoyed listening to his stories!

Deborah (Morris) Ross

1 year ago

Sincere condolences to Rev. Colbourne’s family. Thinking of you Eileen. Hugs.

Beaudin Delores

1 year ago

My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. He baptized my oldest son, and when he was in high school his daughter taught the son he baptized. The heavens gained a angel. Hugs to all his family and friends.

Edward Cokes

1 year ago

We send our heart felt sympathies to all members of his family .

I will always remember Rev. Colbourne as a very friendly, understanding and caring gentleman . I really enjoyed our time together salmon fishing in Labrador. I also enjoyed working with him in the fund raising for the construction of Christ Church when he was our parish priest in Bay d’Espoir .

I will always remember him in our runs during the year we resided at The Old Queen’s College on Forest Road.

May he Rest in Peace.

Sheila Mercer

1 year ago

So sorry to hear of Rev. Colbourne's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of this beautiful soul. He could bring a smile to anyone's face with his stories and smart jokes. Always dedicated to his perishioners and gave his all in everything he did. May he rest in peace and may God give you all the strength and courage to face the days ahead.

Myra Hounsell..

1 year ago

I have many memories of Rev. Jerry when he was living here in Corner Brook. When he was the Arch Deacon of Western Diocese, he always put his parishioners first and foremost. He spent a weekend with us at Killdevil Fall Conference, and kept us entertained for most of weekend. Because he lived in the area of St. Michael parish he became part of our congregation. We all loved him very much . I remember one night, we were running a Rock a Thon, the object of the game was to stay awake as long as possible, he showed up properly dressed for the occasion and kept us entrained for the whole night. Rest in peace Rev. Jerry and rise In Glory
Myra

Elizabeth Barnes

1 year ago

Eileen, so sorry to hear of Rev. Colbourne passing. Thinking of you Larry.
Elizabeth Barnes Harbour Mille,NL

Wade Sutton

1 year ago

Rev. Colbourne was an amazing man who I remember fondly. I knew him well throughout my childhood, being great friends with his son Dave. I have cherished memories of him that I will never forget. He was part of an amazing family that will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of his friends.

Paula King

1 year ago

So very sorry for your loss .Thinking of everyone at this difficult time.

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