Arthur (Art) Collier
July 18, 1920 ~ October 29, 2015
Remembering Art Collier
Art was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, the son and only child of Walter and Alice Collier, both of English descent. Walter was a postman and WWI veteran, passing away when Art was in his sixteenth year. Alice was a wife, mother and homemaker. Together Walter and Alice provided a loving and stable home where Art grew to become a kind, gracious and responsible gentleman.
Art is remembered as a young boy whose fascination with birds later took sustained flight through his thirty-three year career with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
He studied aeronautics at "Tech on the Hill" in Calgary and served in WWII as a young man. He remained with the RCAF until 1972 when he retired and became an orchardist.
Art married his first wife, Penny, of whom their son Gary was born before Art served in WWII.
Art married Molly in 1948, of whom was born their daughters Caroline, Alice and Susan. Art and Molly embraced marriage and family life fully and thoughtfully. They raised the girls and connected them with their brother while Art continued to serve in the RCAF, with Molly a devoted "at home" wife and mother.
Art is remembered as a steady and loving father. He loved the family and making things grow in the garden. He was often found tinkering under the hood of a car. He liked to hunt, fish and camp.
He enjoyed gathering with family and friends, and met regularly with community over games of cribbage. In 1972 Art retired from the air force. He and Molly then enjoyed the next thirty years as orchardists and fine citizens in the Creston valley.
While in Creston they enjoyed and cared for both Art's mother and Molly's father during their parents' elder years. Sunday suppers were appreciated at the orchard home, and gave the family foundation, strength and warm memories to take forward.
Art is remembered as a working man and a family man. He is remembered as the proud and happy grandparent of eight grandchildren and great-grandparent of five great-grandchildren.
Art is remembered for his steadfast, loving committment to Molly through many happy, healthy years and through the years of Molly's illness with Alzheimer's disease.
He is remembered as a brave soldier through his own declining years. He graciously received care over the past few years as a resident of Swan Valley Lodge in Creston where he died of old age.
Art was predeceased by Penny, Molly, Lynn (granddaughter) and John (son-in-law).
He is survived by his four children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
On November 11, Warrant Officer Arthur Collier will be remembered with his group of veterans as the RCAF flyby gives honour and rememberance to an era of gentleman who served and gave their lives for the collective good and protection of those whom they had loved and left behind.
Family will gather at a later date in remembrance of their beloved Art.