March 27, 2000
COLLINGS William Edward Aged 69, beloved husband and best friend of Lee Emerson, died at home in her arms March 13, 2000, after a brave two-year struggle with cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres in 1954. He was the son of the late George Edward Collings and Irma Louise Hodgson of Toronto. Dear father of the late Christopher Collings, Robin Parker (Elizabeth), David Parker, Ronald Collings (Lisa) and Stephanie "Tess" Collings. Brother of the late Clara Louise Allen of Woodville, On. He leaves six grandchildren. We appreciate the kindness of the medical team at the CLSC Aylmer and staff of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre. After a 25 year career in the Royal Canadian Navy, he spent five years as Badges and Insignia Officer for the Canadian Forces New Uniform Project. He then became Life Cycle Material Manager for their Load Carriage and Survival Systems. Having retired twice, he worked until his death as the Badges and Insignia Technical Specialist. It was too soon for a man who enjoyed life so much. There were still many things he wanted to do. His quiet passions were sailing, golf, skiing, great food and wine, jazz, opera, bridge with friends and listing to horse stories. To a gentle, greatly beloved husband, loyal and patient friend, kind dog daddy and exciting bridge partner, you will be in our hearts forever. It was Bill's wish that all of our friends and family would bring a favourite food and wine and gather for a "Celebration of His Life". This will be held on Saturday, April 1st (April Fool's Day) at our house, ******, Aylmer, Quebec at 5:30 p.m. For further information, call Monica at ###-###-####.
Well, that more or less sums things up. I'm not really torn up over it though; I've been preparing for this eventuality since he was first diagnosed. I accepted it some time ago, and when I got the news wasn't upset or sad. In fact, I felt a sense of relief in a way, knowing that he would no longer have to deal with that horrible disease on a daily basis; that he was finally free.
Just a quick entry today, if only to let you know I'm still alive. I'm not much for writing lately; the dearth of entries is proof of that. Haven't been terribly inspired; haven't had that spark. It's beyond me how some people are able to update on a daily basis.
Had a pretty quiet birthday and March Break week off work. 36 doesn't feel much different than 35. (Eek! I'm on the downside of my thirties, hurtling towards that 4-oh number!) We went through our storage room and chucked out a bunch of old crap that we're never going to use. We then went through the office and moved a bunch of stuff down to storage and reorganized things. Hey, we can see the floor again!
Anyway, must dash. First day back to work after the break, and time to get my sea legs again. I'll see if I can get that spark going again over the next while and put up more than one entrie every 6 weeks. :-)