Colin MacDougall Varley

It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Colin MacDougall Varley, 72, of Howie Centre, Cape Breton, N.S., on Sunday, January 11th, 2026.

Colin leaves behind his loving wife and soulmate of 44 years, Patricia (MacCormick); sons Kyle (Myeongjin Kwon-Varley), Liam (Freda), and Stewart (Monica Bouius); and two grandchildren, Davis and Mallory. He is also survived by sisters; Suzanne (Brian Doyle), Ann (Barry Forrest), and Marie (Keith MacKenzie); his first cousin Sandy Chisholm (Karen Bonnell); and nieces Jolene and Stephanie MacDonald (Jamie Griffin).

He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Agnes Varley; his brother, Allan; and sister Clara (MacDonald); as well as his aunt Mary (Varley) (Chisholm) (MacDougall). He was also predeceased by his mother-and father-in-law, Catherine and James McCormick; sister-in-law Claire Poppitt; and brother-in-law Brendon McCormick.

Colin is also survived by his in-laws James; Joe McCormick (Jacinte); Kevin McCormick (Anne); Michael McCormick (Diane); and David Poppitt; and by nieces and nephews Jenny, Christopher, and Katie Poppitt; Giselle Davis; Sheldon McCormick; and Matthew McCormick.Colin was inspirational as a selfless, dependable, husband and father. He was encouraging, humorous, intelligent, and thoughtful, dedicating himself to others. Colin represented the principles of fatherhood to his children. He believed “you should go to sleep every day a better person than when you woke up”. He cherished his role as "Grandpa", with wisdom, playfulness, and love. Colin lived a life of honesty, generosity, kindness, and humor, leaving smiles everywhere he went.

His siblings thought of him as a man of few words with an undertone of diplomacy, a loyal brother, and generous friend to many. He is irreplaceable. Colin had a long and distinguished career working on the railway, simultaneously running his own successful small businesses with his colleagues and wife.

Colin had many interests, but golfing was at the top of his list. Across many seasons on a wide variety of courses within Canada and the United States, he achieved two "holes-in-one". He treasured his weekly meetings over coffee with his close golf buddies. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved boating, fishing and hunting. He was a man who believed in the preservation of family history, a devotion to reading, and the sharing of knowledge with others, modeling the values of hard work, life-long education, and actions over words.Colin’s favourite place was his workshop - the garage. There he gathered family and friends to share food, drink, stories and humor, saying the most with a grin and a glance. In that room, he applied his skills as a craftsman, creating both beautiful and practical projects from wood and metal, which his friends and family continue to enjoy.

He assured his family and friends he led a fulfilled life with no regrets. He will be deeply missed.

The family would like to express their thanks to all the medical professionals who cared for Colin throughout this difficult time. Donations in Colin’s memory can be made to Lung NSPEI.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.