MCNAUGHT

It is with great sadness that the family of Colleen Fay McNaught, of Rimbey, Alberta, announces her passing at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the age of 69 years.

Colleen was born in Bentley, Alberta on April 19, 1955.  She completed her public schooling in Bentley and Lacombe.  In 1979, Colleen was involved in a car accident that left her with serious lifelong challenges.  Despite these injuries, she managed to achieve so many impressive things.  Colleen received a  diploma in social work at Red Deer Polytechnic, working  tirelessly  with  at-risk  youth at the Red Deer Outreach School.  She became an accomplished photographer, and she created hundreds of her famous crossword puzzles.  Colleen also happily served as the manager of the Bentley Farmers Market for several years, winning Market Manager of the Year for all of Alberta!

Colleen truly loved horses, and anything horse-related.  She loved her dogs too, and always had a dog at her side.  She took part in many rodeos, gymkhanas, and other horse-related events, and also volunteered with special needs kids in horse therapy.  Colleen was always quick to help family and friends.  She moved from Red Deer to Bentley and looked after her mom and dad in their senior years. From giving shelter and comfort to someone in need, to listening to people who needed a caring ear, Colleen continuously stepped up.  Throughout her life, she was always there to assist those less fortunate.  She was never one to turn down someone in need of time, energy, shelter, sympathy, or anything else she could provide.

And no one who met Colleen, even briefly, could fail to recognize her amazing humour and wit – so quick with a goofy remark or cheeky comeback.  She was the most remarkably kind and funny person.  Words and writing were another passion!  From proofreading newspapers, to crosswords, to writing a children’s book – she never stopped playing with words.  Even with all the obstacles in her path, Colleen managed to live a full and fruitful life.  She befriended everyone she met.  Colleen will be missed by so many… she was truly one-of-a-kind. 

Look at me.

I can bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye,

or a thought to your mind.

What am I ? 

Your memories.

Colleen’s bright light lit the path for her beloved family and many friends… her three sisters and very much-loved brothers-in-law and their families:  Sheryl and Bruce Boyes and their family, Rick and Karen, and Tammy; Merle and Claude Diot and their family, Andrea and Matt, and Vince and Christa; and Janice and Kent Cadman and their family, Jodi and Reid, and Jessie and Kesler.  She will also be greatly missed by many great-nieces and great-nephews; too many cousins to count (but Colleen could name every one of you); many, many school chums who stayed in her life; in addition to all the young people she guided with her kindness.  Colleen was predeceased by her parents Roy and Mary McNaught. 

Colleen’s family will host a Celebration of her Life at the Bentley Community Hall, 4821 – 50 Street, Bentley on Sunday, December 8, 2024, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.  If you would like, please wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt to honour our most stylish sister.  If desired, memorial donations in Colleen’s memory may be made directly to the Central Alberta Humane Society, 4505 – 77 Street, Red Deer, Alberta  T4P 2J1 (https://cahumane.com).  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

Cremation Arrangements for the Late Colleen Fay McNaught entrusted to the care of