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Patrick G. Collette

Patrick George Collette (85) of Ashburn, VA and formally of Milford and Merrimack, NH, passed away suddenly at his home September 26, 2018. Patrick was born July 20, 1933 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Eleanor (Mackee) and Henry Lake Collett.

A resident for the past 9 years of Ashby Ponds retirement community in Ashburn, VA, Patrick enjoyed the fellowship of the other residents, woodworking, singing in the choir, playing bridge, bocce and watching hockey games. He raised his family in NH where he was active in Scottish Country Dancing, leading Boy Scouts, coaching FIRST Robotics Teams and attending Highland Games. He also enjoyed tennis, golf and camping. He was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregations in Milford, NH and Sterling, VA.

Patrick was educated in Alberta and obtained his Certificate as an Electronic Technician in 1955. He returned to Alberta to complete his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics at the University of Alberta in 1962, and Masters in Engineering Management from Northeastern University (Boston) in 1970. He was active in Army Transport (Canada) for seven years, retiring with a rank of Captain. He worked as an engineer for 40 years at Bendix Radio, Sanders Associates, Digital Equipment Corporation and BAE Systems.

Patrick is survived by Donna Collette, his loving wife of 57 years, four sons and three daughters in law: Murray and Denise of Temple, NH, David of San Diego, CA, Wayne and Jaymie of Lake Oswego, OR, and Daryl and Lori of Ashburn, VA. He also leaves behind his sister Victoria Poffenroth of Okotoks, Alberta, twin brother John Collette of Glen Mills, PA, and brother Terrance Collette of Vancouver, British Columbia as well as four grandchildren: Lindsay, Brian, Kevin, and Cadence, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 10am, October 8 at Farmwell Hall at Ashby Ponds, Ashburn, VA.

Patrick was active helping to preserve and improve the UU Church building in Milford, NH before beginning nearly two decade battle with Parkinson’s disease. In lieu of flowers, the family offers opportunities for donations to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Milford Building Fund, 20 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055, or the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area, 8830 Cameron St #201, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

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