Colin Inkster: “A great father”

Colin Inkster has always been a caring, supportive, and dedicated father, raising his three children – Aaron, Glendon and Beth – with love and commitment. His family fondly recalls the many ways he has gone above and beyond for them, whether it was helping with homework, driving to early-morning hockey practices, or creating magical moments on family vacations.

Colin is known for his sense of humor and deep compassion. He is someone who brings joy and comfort to those around him, always willing to lend a hand. His children see him as a rock in their lives, someone who is strong but also warm and nurturing.

“My dad has always been there for us, no matter what,” said Aaron. “He’s the type of person who would drop everything to help someone in need. He’s our greatest supporter and an incredible role model.”

Colin began his career as a high school math teacher before pursuing a career in dentistry. He practiced for over four decades, sharing an office with his older brother Bill, also a dentist. Though they faced challenges – like rebuilding their practice after a devastating fire – Colin’s perseverance and dedication led to a thriving career that supported his family and built a lasting legacy.

“He never let setbacks define him,” Aaron shared. “Rebuilding after the fire was incredibly stressful, but he pushed through and came out stronger.”

In his free time, Colin has enjoyed a wide range of hobbies, from scuba diving and windsurfing to running marathons. He has a deep love for classic rock, particularly legendary guitarists like Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Family game nights playing cribbage, watching Canucks hockey games, and solving crossword puzzles are cherished traditions.

One unforgettable memory comes from a summer vacation at Lake Okanagan, where Colin woke up his son at the crack of dawn with a surprising adventure in mind.

“I was about 6 years old when he woke me up early one morning,” Aaron recalled. “He had spotted a family of loons swimming in the bay the day before and decided we should try swimming out to them. I was nervous but trusted him completely. We got surprisingly close to one of the birds, and I’ll never forget how massive and cool it looked.”

Colin’s love for storytelling also shines through in the way he read bedtime stories to his children. His animated voices for characters in “The Hobbit,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “Lord of the Flies” brought the stories to life and left lasting impressions.

His children also remember his determination and resilience in managing his illness, even when it created some intense family moments.

“There were times when his blood sugar dropped dangerously low, and we had to act fast,” Aaron shared. “Once, my sister Beth managed to bring him to his knees with a tap to the back of his leg so we could get some orange juice into him. Looking back, we can laugh about those moments, though they were scary at the time.”

The Inkster family has shared countless adventures and built enduring memories at their summer cottage at Lake Okanagan, despite facing threats from nearby forest fires. Colin also holds fond memories of growing up in the small town of Sidney-by-the-Sea on Vancouver Island, a place that shaped much of his early life.

Colin’s children are deeply grateful for the love, support, and unforgettable memories he has given them.

“Dad means the world to us,” Glendon said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better father. His love and sacrifices have shaped who we are today.”

As the holiday season approaches, the Inkster family looks forward to celebrating together, sharing stories, laughter, and, as always, plenty of love.

“I just want him to know that both myself and my siblings love you so much. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. We’re forever grateful for you.” – Beth