Colin was born in Coventry, England to parents Joyce and Stanley Sharp. It was during the 2nd World War on June 1st 1944 that he decided to make his grand entrance into this world. Coming from a very small family of Two parents, One Aunt & Uncle, One cousin, One Grandmother and One sister he would recall many happy years growing up on 18 Alfred Road, Coventry.
After completing primary and secondary grade education he went onto High School and then Coventry Technical College receiving a diploma or what is called Ordinary National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering in 1963. Upon further studies he graduated in 1966 from the Lanchester College of Technology with a higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
During this time he was also employed at Courtaulds Ltd. England as an apprenticed fitter/turner, and later as a draftsman. Working days and studying at nights to better his education was no small feat. But he did it.
In 1967 he answered an article in the local newspaper. This was Unbeknownst to his mother (as he didn’t want to alarm her) in case he wasn’t successful. So he never said anything about what he was planning on doing. But he always said it was either Canada or Australia that he would like to immigrate to. He knew there was better employment elsewhere.
Pulp & Paper Manufacturing from Northwestern Ontario and Quebec Canada were looking for Draughtsmen-Chemists-Engineers for their mills. He applied and was interviewed for a position as Design Engineer for the Dryden Pulp and Paper Mill. He ended up Traveling to London, England for this interview. Can you imagine what a sneaky cheeky devil he was? And the idea of having to tell his parents he was immigrating. So this is how he became a Canadian Citizen.
In 1967 when he applied and was accepted for the position in the mill as a Design Engineer in Dryden, Over the years he had seen at least 8 changeovers of ownership. His last position was Pulp Production Manager until 2004 when he retired due to health reasons. He was also member of the Canadian Pulp & Paper Association. In the mid 80’s during the large expansion of the Mill he and 4 other executives travelled to Europe to visit various mills in Sweden, & Finland. They were there to purchase boilers required to run the mill effectively.
Over the years he has built two homes and remodeled two that we lived in. His first home was the year we were married in 1975. He was meticulous in everything he put his hand to do. I never had to hire a carpenter, plumber or electrician as he did it all, and when the houses had to be inspected for approval they passed with flying colours.
He loved hockey “The Habs” Montreal Canadians were his favourite team and even though they were on a loosing streak that never deterred him.
Curling Golfing fishing camping and canoeing were also what he liked to do. He was involved in the leadership of the Beaver Cubs & Scouts group acting as Akala for 10 years from 1985 to 1995. In the early nineties The Dryden United Church underwent a big expansion as well, and relied on all volunteers to do the work so he was acting resident chief engineer of construction per the request of Rev. Ken Rentz who was the minister. This responsibility he took very seriously as he did with anything he put his hand to. While living in Dryden he was a Rotary member for over 30 years, acting as President and also chair person for the Rotary Radio Bingo which was a fairly new endeavor for the club but is still a big success in raising money for charity.
When we moved to Winnipeg from Niagara Falls in retirement we became active members in the Winnipeg Westview Ballroom Dance Club and he became Treasurer taking his turn on the executive.
But he never stopped doing his hobby with carpentry. The workshop in the garage was filled with tools of all kinds needed.
Colin was predeceased by his Grandmother in 1972, his Mother Joyce, in 2014 & his Father Stan, in 1987 of Coventry England and his only sibling Susan Ritchie in 2023. Also her husband Grant of Caerphilly, Wales. His Aunt Iris & Uncle Les Walker of Nelson, NZ and cousin Ron Walker of Nelson, NZ.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years Betty-Lynn Sharp of Winnipeg, Man. Sons Stephen, (Shelley) of Kamloops, B.C and Michael, (Krista) of Gatineau, Que. Daughter Angela Canfield (Jeremy) and three grandchildren Brooke, Zoe, and Connor. Two nieces Shona of Pontypridd Wales, and Elaine (Ross) of Caerphilly, Wales.
“We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again. Rest in peace my dear loved one And thank you for all you’ve done, I pray that God has given you, The crown you’ve truly won.”
A Funeral Service will be held on July 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home with Peter Savage officiating.
Final resting place will be at the Dryden Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Arbor Memorial, https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en.html
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