Today@Dal

The Treasury and Investments Team is saddened to share the news of the sudden passing of their former colleague and friend Colin Spinney.

Colin served as university Treasurer from 1998 until his retirement in 2021, with responsibility for day-to-day oversight and operation of the University's endowment, pension and short-term investment programs. Ian Nason, former Vice-President Finance and Administration, remembers Colin’s “keen intellect, bountiful wisdom , and unwavering commitment which he applied to the prudent management of Dal's investment portfolios. These attributes were well recognized and respected in the broader investment community and he willingly shared his expertise with other institutions and organizations. Colin was an extraordinary colleague and great friend. He will be missed by so many.”

Colin’s full obituary can be read below. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 25 at 2 p.m. at the JA Snow Funeral Home in Halifax.

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Colin Douglas Spinney

12 May, 1954 – 18 November, 2024

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Born May 12, 1954 in Kentville, Colin is survived by Elizabeth (nee Nixon), his loving wife of 47 years; twin children Laura (Ian d’Entremont), Fall River; and Craig (Hilary), Corner Brook NL. He was a very proud grandfather to Ellis, Natalie, and Lily, who will dearly miss their Grandad. Colin is also survived by his brother Garth (Donna), sister-in-law Carolyn (Richard Meisner), brother-in-law Robert MacBride, brother-in-law David Nixon (Jackie), and many nieces and nephews.

Colin studied at Acadia University before obtaining his MBA from Dalhousie University and earning his designation as a Certified Professional Accountant. After graduation Colin held various finance positions at MT&T (now Bell Aliant), followed by a long career as Treasurer at Dalhousie University. Colin was well respected in his field, acting as a member on several advisory boards and committees on finance and investing.

Growing up in Kentville, Colin was a talented athlete, playing high school and collegiate basketball. He especially excelled at baseball, pitching several seasons for the Kentville Wildcats. Baseball remained a passion throughout his adult life, and his children share fond memories of “having a catch” in the backyard.

Colin loved to recount stories about his life and the antics of his grandchildren. His memory was legendary and he constantly amazed us with his ability to calculate large numbers and equations in seconds flat. He was at heart a family man and liked nothing better than to impart life lessons and wisdoms with a witty remark or his dry sense of humour. We will greatly miss having him at the head of our family dinner table.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 25 at 2:00pm at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr. Halifax, followed by a reception. Donations in Colin’s memory can be made to the IWK Hospital, the SPCA, or charity of your choice.