James Randal Colbert

James Randal Colbert

1967 - 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of James Randal Colbert in the early morning hours of April 2, 2024, at his home in Swan River, Manitoba.

Born June 6th, 1967, in Swan River, Manitoba to parents James Colbert and the late Rae Colbert (Goodwin).

Randy was raised on a farm in the Minitonas Municipality along with his older sister Lynn and younger brothers Jason and Ryan.

Randy enjoyed numerous activities as a child and was very athletic - avid skater, figure skater, skier, and water skier. 

In elementary school, he was involved in square dancing, folk dancing, and choir. In his youth, Randy was involved in the Minitonas 4H club (carpentry, swine) for many years. He enjoyed working and spending time with his siblings on the farm, family vacations, camping and playing with neighbours' kids in the community especially the Babiuks, Nelsons, Kutynecs and Hendersons.

After graduating high school in 1986, Randy attended flight school through the summer at St. Andrews Airport north of Winnipeg and obtained his private pilot’s licence. In the fall he attended The University of Manitoba and studied economics. In the spring of 1989, Randy returned home to the family farm and began farming with his dad and brother, Jason.

In October of 1991, while traveling to Winnipeg for a farmer’s rally at the Provincial Legislature, Randy and his father were involved in a single vehicle, motor vehicle accident that left Randy a Quadriplegic at the age of 24 years old.

Randy returned to the farm the spring of 1992 under the care of his parents and continued to find ways to contribute with the family farm from his wheelchair. He got involved with learning computer skills and was a self-directed learner throughout the 1990’s as the internet era began to explode.

In 2010 Randy courageously moved out on his own to a house he had bought and had renovated in Swan River. With the skilled and effortful support of Home Care and modified family support, Randy continued to live independently in his centrally located homes in Swan River until his passing.

Randy continued to be involved in the community throughout his life. He held leadership positions in the Minitonas Lion’s Club and sat on the Board of the Swan Valley Credit Union. Despite his own physical limitations, he strove to help others. He was always good with accounting and had a keen financial sense. He provided help to many with their tax returns and as of late had an interest in trying to come up with solutions to the homeless problem.

Randy enjoyed travel and was able to experience a move to Vancouver for a summer with the help of an attendant in 2007. He was also able to experience travel throughout the USA, some of the Caribbean, as well as Great Britain and Europe with his parents.

Randy was fortunate to have been able to winter in a residence in Yuma, Arizona for several winters with his father and the help of a close local friend and care worker, Celia G. Chavez, prior to his passing.

Randy will be sorrily missed by his father Jim, sister Lynn, brothers Jason and Ryan (Patti Bresky), sister-in-law Gwen Hrappstead, niece and nephew Jordan and Eric Colbert, Aunt Esther Bradly (Colbert), Aunt Merle Hodge (Goodwin) and many cousins, friends, home care workers, and business colleagues.

A celebration of life and placement of Randy’s ashes is being planned for July 22, 2024.

If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Randy may be made to Community Foundation of Swan Valley- Randy Colbert “The Power of One” Education Fund PO Box 1509 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0.