Colin Richard Chalk

Farewell to Colin Chalk - The Welsh Wordsmith with a Taste for Tim Hortons

We bid farewell to the one and only Colin ‘Chalky’ Chalk - a man who always hoped for the best in humanity, even when he constantly found himself getting let down. With a sharp wit and an irreverent tongue, Colin had a unique talent for bemoaning life's imperfections while still managing to find the humour in it all.

This vexation was perfectly encapsulated in his response to learning about his diagnosis. He vented; "I only came in with a broken leg and leaving with terminal *bleeping* cancer!"

His knack for finding humour in the darkest of situations was nothing short of remarkable. It's as if he had an unspoken mission to make us laugh, even in the face of adversity.

As a devoted husband to Suzanne, a caring father to Gareth, and a loving grandfather to Bethan, Seren, and Catrin, Colin's family brought immense joy to his life.

Chalky's journey began in Wales, where he embraced his heritage with pride. Rumours have it that he only moved to Canada in the late 1970s after hearing about the magical elixir called Tim Hortons coffee.

No day would start properly before a ‘smoke and a coffee’, and in retirement usually a good read of the newspaper and an exasperated comment about the state of the world … and if Sue wasn’t around, maybe a cheeky donut.

Colin's life was centered around a steadfast commitment to serving others. His journey began when he joined the charity 'Help the Aged,' which led him to Canada. Later, he devoted a significant portion of his career to the Ottawa Food Bank. During his tenure as a leader of volunteers at the Food Bank, fate brought him together with Suzanne. His involvement in managing Events and Public Relations for the charity earned him widespread recognition in the media, with frequent appearances on TV and radio appeals.

Many of Colin's Christmases revolved around the Heart & Crown, where he would selflessly distribute complimentary meals to those in need while taking breaks from his performances on the stage to entertain them. This was a continuation of a passion that started in Wales before Gareth was born, where he could be found spending his nights regularly volunteering for the ‘soup run’ for the homeless.

Although working for charities was a theme throughout his life, he embodied the mantra that ‘charity begins at home’. Colin tirelessly spent his ‘retirement’ entertaining and nurturing the toddlers running riot in his home where Sue ran her childcare business.

In between his employment for charities, he set up ‘Home Minders’, looking after house and pets for those at work or on holiday. This role allowed him to combine his rich love for animals with the flexibility to spend his evenings performing his sets and hosting ‘open mic nights’.

Many knew Colin via his musical talent, which is where much of his reputation was built. During his career playing in the Irish bars throughout Ottawa, he effortlessly wielded the guitar, creating melodies that could move mountains and hearts alike. He played the harmonica like an extension of his soul, breathing life into songs, adding a touch of enchantment to his performances. His voice, was a rare gem - rich, soothing, and undeniably beautiful. When he sang, listeners were left mesmerized, as if time itself had paused to listen to the beauty of his music. In the world of music, he left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of experiencing his artistry.

A true wordsmith at heart, Colin's linguistic prowess was renowned during the Christmas season. Back in the day, his holiday poems for friends were an ingenious blend of mirth and mischief, often giving dishonourable mentions to those who deserved a gentle ribbing. No one was safe from his playful jabs, but everyone adored the humour that danced on the edge of propriety.

Today, as we remember Colin with laughter and fondness, let us cherish the memories of this wonderful Welshman who left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. In his honour, let us raise a cup of Tim Hortons coffee (as he would have insisted) and toast to a life well-lived, filled with compassion, humour, and love.

Chalky, may your journey beyond be filled with laughter, music, and an endless supply of ‘double doubles’. Rest in peace.