Adam Alexander Neil Collie

ADAM ALEXANDER NEIL "Eddie" "Ed" COLLIE

The family is saddened to announce that Eddie passed away on February 18, 2021 in North Bay, Ontario at the age of 89. 

Eddie was born on February 9, 1932 in Edinburgh, Scotland, the second of two sons to Charles Gray Collie and Elizabeth (nee Neil) Collie who pre-deceased him.  He was also pre-deceased by his wife Catherine "Kay" (nee McGregor) Collie, and his brother Charles Grey Collie.  Eddie is survived by his son Neil Collie (Shirley Gordon), daughter Dawn Eckensviller (Brian), grandchildren Meaghan McMillan (Ryan Leclerc), Alex "Zander" McMillan, Tyler Eckensviller and Jordahnn Eckensviller, great-grandsons Logan Leclerc and Grayson Leclerc, and his long-term companion Andrée Achim.  He was very proud and supportive of his family, and always enjoyed their company. 

The early portion of his career was spent with National Cash Register in Edinburgh, Toronto, and North Bay, after which he was a founding partner of Northland Cash Register and Cambrian Cash Register.

An avid and successful golfer, he tallied 13 holes-in-one, won a series of match play championships, and most recently shot his age at 87.  While not long off the tee, Eddie was rarely far from the centre of the fairway, and it was common for him to chip in at least once in a round of match play.  While he could be fiercely competitive, he was always a good sportsman and fun to play with or against.

Having been a professional drummer as a sideline while in Scotland, he was a lover of many musical genres, and it was common to see him enthusiastically tapping along on the car steering wheel, his desk, or the dinner table.

His other interests included playing bridge, growing vegetables, taking and enhancing photographs, and keeping in touch with his geographically dispersed friends.  He was an enthusiastic early adopter of the internet, and computer guru for many.

Eddie was mischievous as a child, and as an adult often had a twinkle in his eye.  He was an unpretentious man who never took himself too seriously.  His integrity was one of his most cherished possessions.  He had a quick wit and right up until his final hours often had people in stitches.  He loved a good laugh and was always great fun to be around.  Eddie will be missed by everyone who knew him. 

We are grateful to the many wonderful physicians and nurses who have provide such terrific care to him over the years.  In particular, the since deceased Dr. Yasar Akyurekli who, in 1989, performed Eddie's second quadruple bypass surgery after he had been deemed ineligible, and Dr. Josee Michaud.  More recently, the care provided by Dr. Nilanga Abeysinghe has been tremendous.  His caring and attentiveness, and the assistance provided by Sherry and Pierrette will long be remembered. A special thank you to the nurses on Ward A3 at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, when it is safe to do so. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hillside Funeral Services, North Bay.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a charitable donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.