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Suddenly at his Cobourg home. Much loved son of the late John Daly Caldwell and late Janet Galbraith (Woodruff) Caldwell. A scholar and a gifted linguist (MA in Classics, University of Toronto), Colin travelled widely, teaching English and becoming fluent in Mandarin, German, French, Latin and both classical and modern Greek. Colin spent years in the book trade; he worked at Toronto’s The Book Cellar and later owned his own book store in Hamilton, ON. In Cobourg Colin began a new career working with Don and Carol Owen at The Oasis Bar & Grill, and through this found a new home and a new family of friends. He also had time to pursue other passions. Colin wrote a tour guide for Cobourg. In 2002, his history The Cobourg Peterborough Railway was serialized in the Cobourg Daily Star. He volunteered with restoration of the old barracks in Cobourg, now the Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre, and wrote text for their display panels. At his death he was translating poems from Latin. He was known and loved for his endless supply of stories, told with wry wit and vivid wording. He loved showing off Cobourg’s homes, churches, harbour, railway lines, Christmas lights and, of course, the Oasis. Colin’s easy laugh, general good cheer and trademark black beret (memento of years in Switzerland) made him a well known Cobourg figure. Colin was married twice, to Billie Hatton and Elizabeth Leamy; both marriages ended before he moved to Cobourg. He will be missed by his many colleagues and friends. He is survived by his loving brothers Warren and Dr. Paul Caldwell, and by his nieces Jennifer, Lucy and Nina Caldwell, Amy Allen (nee Caldwell), nephew James Caldwell, grand nieces Quinn and Everly Needham, Renee and Claire Allen, Adelaide and Matilda Caldwell and grand nephew Grant Caldwell.
A celebration of life will be planned in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, a local charity where his niece Lucy works.
Paul and family. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My condolences to the Caldwell family. Colin was a great friend to my late father, and I was also fortunate to enjoy his friendship. He was truly and deservedly a gentleman and a scholar, a proud historian of all things Cobourg, and a kind, caring human being. I shall miss the tales, the explanations, and, most of all, the uproarious laughter. Thank you, Colin.
I'm so very fortunate to have known Colin over some 20 years. This era is rich in it's own right and much more so, for his presence. "Cobourg Rocks". Thank you Colin, you are an inspiration for a Life time. My condolences to the Caldwell family and to all of Colin's friends. "Rainier".
Deeply saddened, friends of Colin ( and Eric), fellow patrons of "The Old Oasis". With fond memories, Kate and Paul Beck-Brady
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre
So sorry to hear Dr Caldwell of your brothers passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. 🙏🙏
Dear Paul and family members, please accept Horizons of Friendship sincere condolences on the loss of your brother.
A gentleman and a scholar.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre
My condolences on the loss of your brother - a difficult time.
My sympathies and prayers are with you all at this time! Thinking of you. Val
Met Colin through the Cobourg Museum Foundation's Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre and the heritage tours of the downtown. A unique personality that few will forget. Never hesitated to express his views, agree or disagree with others, but always honestly, sometimes with humor, but never with insult or condescension. Will be missed.
Our sincere condolences go out to the Caldwell family. Colin was a very good friend. Lively and inspiring, he definitely enriched our lives. We hope he joins Ian Wright and Eric Haworth again to discuss the great issues!
Dr.P.Caldwell and family; Condolences on the loss of your brother/uncle. Hugs and hopefully 2021 will bring a less stressful year.
Always affable,he never flaunted his knowledge of languages and in latter years,he could be found on the street coming from or to the public library, books in hand. I shall never forget Colin and feel blessed knowing him.I offer condolences to his brothers and family.
So sorry for you loss. Condolences to all the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My husband and Colin loved to talk history in the Oasis. He came to our Thanksgiving celebrations and we loved to see him. My sympathy on your loss.
Dr. Caldwell and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother, uncle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Susan Giddings.
Dr. Paul our thoughts are with you and family at this time sincerely
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND
Colin was such an interesting, multi-faceted, meticulous and kind person. We loved our interactions with him and he always had amusing and detailed stories to share. He was a real gem and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with the family.
Colin was always the first to say hello when you would meet him A very cheerful person Will miss running into him down town and at the Oasis RIP colin You and Ian Wright can have a nip together Cheers
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre
Colin, you've touched so many lives in our little town. I'm going to miss your sense of humour and great wit. I'll be there to raise a glass as well to you, in the place I knew you best. My condolences to your family.
It was truly a pleasure to know you Colin, everything felt just right when you were there. A brilliant man and a caring soul. I will miss our chance meetings on the street and conversations that ensued. You were a treasure my friend. Peace to you and condolences to your family. ❤️
Colin and I dated girls who were best friends and lived next door to each other back in Port Credit in the early 70’s. I guess fate brought us back together so many years later. It was an amazing discovery and one we often laughed about. We will miss those stories and laughs.
Life’s true blessings... “Friendships” I will miss your welcoming smile Colin and concern for all life's obstacles and your great acceptance of what will be will be!!! ❤️ A true Gentleman 🍻
Colin had the kind of cheerful and open demeanor I think we would all love to carry through the world with us. He was always quick to engage with a smile and a friendly hello whether you met him on the street in Cobourg or on a visit to the Oasis. His knowledge of the classics was epic and you always got the impression that, as a humble person, he was hiding significant light under a bushel. When the world allows us to do it once again we will visit the oasis, have a drink and toast him as, in our memories we see him on his stool at the end of the bar.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Colin always loved hearing Rob Page sing his version of working man blues. It’s comforting to know now that he will be able to request that song up in Rock n Roll heaven from the original.
Dr. Caldwell & family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your your brother, uncle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Sincerely, Tom & CarolAnn Heffernan
Colin had "character" in abundance; we will miss him. God speed, friend....
Colin will be missed. Always friendly and helpful and as you say, a real character. So sorry for your loss. Liz and Dean
An understatement to say that Colin will be missed.... A great story teller, he and I shared many a joke and story. It was lovely to go into a local pub and meet a truly interesting character. I remember the Robbie Burns nights at the Oasis when he and good friend Ian Wright paid me the honour of making me an honorary Scot - but just for one night. I'll truly miss, "Joe, I've got a new one for you...." I'll raise a pint of Wellington to you, Colin, some day soon... ...Joe.