MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Born in Newport, Wales to Norah Kathleen Banfield, Colin led a life that took him from Christchurch Rd, Newport to Newfoundland and finally Cobourg, Ontario.
Living an academic life, Colin started at St Julian’s which brought him to earn his Doctorate at University of Wales (Swansea). Colin’s next adventure was to travel to Memorial University of Newfoundland where he had a distinguished research and teaching career within the Geography Department.
Colin leaves his wife Helen Banfield (nee Davies), children Cate (Nigel) and David (Jessica) and his beloved grandchildren Dafydd, Ella, Ben, Jack and Gemma.
Colin loved nothing more than watching Welsh Rugby, spending his time outdoors, hiking and observing the geography and climate wherever he was. Colin and Helen spent a life travelling, which saw them experience cultures and adventures throughout the world.
Colin leaves behind memories of kindness, learning, adventure and above all else, a lifelong passion to give to others.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, May 26th, 2025 at MacCoubrey Funeral Home 30 King street East, Cobourg, On from 11:00 - 2:00pm. Colin's family will be sharing words of remembrance at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society - Ontario Division.
Helen, we offer sincere condolences to you and your beautiful family for the loss of a such an inspiring man. For us, he was a compassionate leader, a loyal friend and our go-to person for weather related inquiries. He will live on forever in our mind's eye.
Colin was a member of our bicycle club for a number of years. He will be remembered as a very sweet and compassionate man, whose tales of adventure never failed to entertain and inspire us. He had a wonderful way of making weather the most entertaining topic of the day. He will be very much missed. (Randy & Anita)
As a volunteer, I was on the same team as Colin at Capitol Theatre for several years. He had a quiet, friendly manner. Lots of smiles - such a joy to work with. So sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to the family.
His long battle over, his suffering at an end, Dr. Banfield has earned his sleep. A lovely man has shuffled off this mortal coil, and we are all better for his presence in our lives and for having had him in them. I'd like to think that Colin has left us with only happy memories and good stories. His journey continues now in the undiscovered country. May he rest in peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Dear Helen: We are so sorry to hear of Colin's death after such a long battle with cancer. We will remember his cheerful and kind nature and the many happy times we all had at Dinner for Eight. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Milton and Sandra Parcher
Our condolences to Helen, Cate and family. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. We share in your sadness and are here for you. ❤️
Helen,Cate,David and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have such fond memories of you here in Nfld. , Coubourg. and especially our week with all of you in Wales. God Bless.
So very sorry to hear this news. I have many fond memories of Mr. Banfield especially his many attempts to get me to call him Colin instead of Mr. Banfield when our families spent time together. My thoughts are with you and the whole family. Jennifer Porter (Smith).
David and I were so sorry to hear about dear Colin’s passing. Our deepest sympathy go to Helen and their family. Only recently over a wonderful meal with them, we shared our camping adventures in Newfoundland last August. All the time we were there Colin was sending us tips about the best trails and places to visit. He was such a kind and caring man, and had so much respect for the environment. I fondly remember hikes and trips that Colin organized and the wonderful stories he shared. He will be missed by many. Rest gently, Colin.
Dear Colin We will miss you here on earth. Both Heaven and Earth have always been integral to you and your life... hiking the many trails and hills and valleys whilst always keeping an eye on the sky above. You were and still are a beacon of light and kindness where ever your soul now resides.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Federation of University Women - Northumberland Scholarship Trust
My deepest sympathy to Helen and family. May Light perpetually shine upon Colin and his many treasured memories bring comfort. A life well lived.
Deeply sorry for you Helen and families loss. Long but courageous battle with illness. Thank you for many beautiful memories. Rest in peace sincerely. My heart is sinking with sorrow.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Helen I am so sorry for your loss You two did have a very full life and I know wonderful memories you will cherish Lynn
So sorry, Helen, and children, for your loss. I know Colin has had poor health for several years and it has been a difficult journey for Helen and the family for some time. The only consolation is that Colin's and Helen's together journey was eventful and joyful for many years. My sincere condolences. Jane McCaig
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Such sad news to hear! Sending heartfelt condolences to Helen and family. I had the privilege of participating in a wonderful hiking trip on the East Coast trail in Newfoundland that Colin organized. It was always a real pleasure hiking and chatting with Colin as he had a grand sense of humour and was full of interesting stories to share on the trail. He shall be missed dearly by members of the Pine Ridge Hiking Club. Rest easy, Colin.
To Helen, David, Catherine, Dafyyd, Ella and all the family, you are in our hearts and thoughts at this difficult time. Colin lived life well. It felt a fitting tribute that there was record rainfall on the morning of Dr. Cloud’s passing. I think he would have enjoyed that.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Helen, Catherine and Dave: We were so sorry to hear this news. We only hope the wonderful memories you all must have will help you through this difficult time. We send our love to you all.
Saddened and sorry to learn that Colin has left us. Only tempered by knowing his long medical battle is over. Masaki and I enjoyed many fun get togethers. I will carry many happy memories and think of him often. Warmest of hugs and wishes to Helen and their family.
Oh Helen, we are so sorry to read that dear Colin has passed on. What a gem of a man he was. A gentle and kind-spirited soul. It was a privilege to hike with him over the years. We wish you peace and strength as you travel your paths without Colin. All the best to you and your family.
Meeting Colin when sitting on the Health Unit's Trails Committee was a joy. He helped with many aspects of the Northumberland County's trails publication; we were so very fortunate to be able to feed into his passions of land and sky. My deepest sympathies.
Our sincere condolences to Helen and all of Colin's Family. It has a privilege to have known both of you since you moved to Mathew Street here in Cobourg. We will certainly miss Colin's friendly wave and hello as we so often saw each other on the street. We wish you all the Best Helen as you move to your new Home. Allan and Debbie Elder
To Helen & family - Deepest sympathies and condolences on Colin's passing. I have huge respect and regard for Colin. I knew him from when he was a participant in my Prime Time fitness class at the Y. We had great conversations before and after class about the world and world of education. He will be missed by many. Best regards to you and your family
We will always remember that Colin was so friendly and welcoming when we were newcomers to the Cobourg area. He will be missed by many but now is free of the pain that he bravely endured. We will miss you Helen when you move to your new home but hopefully we can stay in touch. Take care, sending love and hugs, Shirley and Marcus.
It's tough to put into words the impact our dad had ....on my brother and I, our families, our group of friends and their own incredible friends from the UK to Canada. Lifelong bonds created, amazing stories told and epic adventures travelled. A lifelong learner and proud Welsh Newfoundlander, our dad loved his family, friends, travel, rugby, his grandkids and our mum - and and never met a cloud he didn't like. We already miss you dearly dad - aka - Dr Cloud xoxoxo
To David aunt Collins family condolences from the rugby family of Newfoundland and Labrador. Your dad was one of the first referees in the 1970s to allow us to play the game. We love. A quiet man very unassuming was respected by all.