Obituary of Colin George Rafuse

RAFUSE, Colin G. Caribou River With broken hearts, the family announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Colin George Rafuse, at the age of 78. We are so grateful to the Palliative Care Team and the VON who enabled him to stay at home with his family during his lengthy illness and until his death on November 24, 2021. Collie was born to parents, Colin Rafuse and Roberta (Lochead) of Granton who died at a young age. Collie was fostered by Violet and Harry Falconer of Melville. He is survived by his siblings, Gayle Gollan, and John (Nellie) Rafuse; foster siblings, Angus Falconer (Linda), Robert (Marjorie), Thomas (Donna), Fred (Elaine) and Douglas. He was predeceased by brother-in-law, Charles Gollan; nephew, Troy; niece, Annette Gollan; sister-in-law, Janice McGaugh; infant nephew, David and infant niece, Kathleen Flowers. In Collie's younger years, he fished for a time and decided to find work in Ontario and throughout Canada which brought him across Canada as far as Cassiar, BC and the Queen Charlotte Islands. Missing the shores of the Northumberland Straight he returned home to marry the love of his life, Colleen Langille and settled down in Caribou River and was blessed with two wonderful sons, Darcy (Jill) and Trevor (Angela) of whom he was so proud; and blessed again with five grandchildren, Dylan, Autumn, Brittany, Dawson and Landon whom he loved and cherished. He worked at Michelin for 32 years. After retiring he took up mowing lawns for our neighbors at the shore and developed lasting friendships with them all. Collie's passion in life was to enjoy the simple things, such as the great outdoors where he walked and biked many miles through the countryside daily and could often be recognized by his green polka dot cap. He bought a motorbike at 70 and learned to ride and traveled about the country. He loved listening to the hoedown on Saturday night, up dancing with the grandkids and making them laugh. Visitation will be held Sunday from 12-2 PM at McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou, masks and proof of full vaccination will be required. Private graveside service will be held in St. James Cemetery, Pictou. In lieu of flowers, donations in Colin’s memory may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or the Pictou County VON.