COLWELL, John Colwell

With deep sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Dutchie, in his 71st year, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, surrounded by his loving immediate family, after a short, intense battle with Lymphoma Blood Cancer and an unknown weakened heart condition.

Dutchie will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary (nee Cascagnette).

Loved father to Clayton (Marielle) and Kristine (Gabriel).

Grandpa to Hailey and Hunter.

Predeceased by both parents, Robert & Anne, and parents-in-law Lawrence & Charlotte.

Dutchie leaves behind brother David (Jacqueline), sisters-in-law Rosemary (the late Larry), Joan (Greg),

and brothers-in-law Brian (Jane), and Paul.

Uncle to Melissa (Tyler), Travis, Gary (Christy), Nicholas (Brittney), Paul (Katherine), Joshua, Danielle (Josh), Courtney, and Brittney (Kyle). Great-Uncle to Zachary, Jayden, Izabella, Calvin, Emery, Tucker, and Tristan.

Dutchie was born in Herefordshire, England, on November 19, 1954. He moved to Canada in 1957 and settled in Bowmanville in 1963.

Whether fishing quiet lakes, walking the Haliburton Forest trails, riding snowmobiles or side by sides, hunting with patience and respect, watching the sun rise and set, or simply sitting by a campfire sharing stories, Dutchie felt most at home in the “natural” world.

Many have learnt from him how to bait a hook, read the weather, and track a trail of footprints. But his most proudest accomplishments were being a loving husband of over 41 years, an amazing dad for 37 years, and an adoring Grandpa for 7 years.

His smile and happy whistling will be missed and always remembered by many family, friends, and pets.

Special thank you to all of our family and friends, Bowmanville Legion Branch 178, and the wonderful team at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, who provided great support over the last few months.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home,

53 Division Street, Bowmanville, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm

at the Bowmanville Legion Branch 178, 109 King Street, Bowmanville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre in Oshawa and/or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. You are also welcome to plant a tree in memory of Dutchie’s love of nature.