Colin Francis "Hawk" Steele

Colin Francis “Hawk” Steele
May 12, 1956 – June 15, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Colin Francis “Hawk” Steele at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 12, 1956, he was the son of the late Colin Francis and Annie Mae (Handley) Steele.

He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Darlene (Knott) Steele, with whom he shared 49 wonderful years of marriage. He also leaves behind his beloved daughters, Linelle (Kenny) and Leanne; his cherished grandchildren, Gabrielle (Aaron) and Channing; and his precious great-grandchildren, Paisley and Kacey Hawk.

He is also survived by his brothers, Sandy (Arlene), Eddie (Denise), Art, and Martin; and his sisters, Kay (Johnnie), Liz (Levi), Carolyn (Ernie), and Sherri.

Hawk will be fondly remembered by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Claude (Alice), Rex (Georgie), Lloyd (Linda), Glenn (Fanny), Leonard (Londa), Donna, Linda (Ted), Brenda, and Nancy (Michael).

Colin was welcomed home by his heavenly family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Maxwell and Lavinia Knott; his brothers, Ronald and William “Bill”; his sisters, Annie Mae, Rebecca “Becky,” Marguerite “Peggy,” and Theresa; his brothers-in-law, Edward Forrest, Mike McNeil, and Duncan Gallacher; and his sister-in-law, Joyce.

Hawk was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a family man in the truest sense of the word.

His nieces and nephews will always remember his home as a place where they were welcomed as if they were his own children.

Hawk’s hardworking nature was evident in the pride he took in restoring his family home. Along the way, he taught himself carpentry, putting his heart into every detail and always working toward the vision he had for it.

Cooking was another of Hawk’s passions, and he found great joy in trying new recipes and sharing them with the people he loved.

Hawk could always be counted on to lend a hand when someone needed him, often with a sarcastic comment along the way. His humour was part of who he was—quick-witted, sharp, and always rooted in fun and love. Above all else, his love for his family came first.

Hawk never had to be the loudest person in the room for his presence to be felt. Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated his 70th birthday, a day he greatly enjoyed with family and friends. It is a memory we will cherish forever.

A very special thank you to the Heart Function Clinic, Renal Clinic, his cardiologists, the Palliative Care Team, and our wonderful friends at Capital Drugs for their care and support. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to his nieces, Jennifer and Jenna, for their exceptional in-home care. We can never thank you all enough.

A funeral mass to celebrate Hawk's life will be held Saturday June 20, 2026 at 11 am in Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

“To the world, you were Poppy. To me, you were Dad in all the ways that mattered. Forever loved.”
— Gabrielle

Hawk often said, “It all takes time.” Though our time with him feels far too short, the love, lessons, and memories he leaves behind will last forever.

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