Douglas S. Colborn

Age 81, of Elmira, with his loving family by his side, died at his home on Wednesday, January 13, 2010. Doug was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 19, 1928, the son of Douglas and Anna Zerbey Colborn. He is predeceased by his son Kevin Colborn, daughter Susan Colborn, brother Robert Colborn, and brother-in-law Edward Thelen. Doug is survived by his wife of 53 years Norma Tunnicliff Colborn; children, Rodney S. Colborn of San Diego CA with children Corey and Glen; Carolyn A. Colborn of Rochester; Brian D. Colborn of Elmira with children Samantha and Brian; Susan’s son Erik, who was raised by Doug and Norma; sister-in-law Eleanor Thelen of Fairport, NY; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Doug was attending Southside High School when he left school to join the U.S. Army, serving his country during World War II. Upon his discharge from the Army he returned to Southside High School, graduating in 1947. He then attended Indiana Institute of Technology. As a Broadcast Engineer, Doug’s career took him to Elmira Video, Teleprompter, WELM Radio, and then SCT-BOCES from where he retired. He was a member of the Elmira Masonic Lodge #95, where he was a 32^nd Degree Mason. He was also Past Master of the Jesse L. Cooley Lodge #966. Doug was also a member of the following organizations….Elmira Heights American Legion Post #154, where he was a Past Commander and Past Chemung County Commander, Past Chief of the Scottish American Society, Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter 1; Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers, Elmira Grotto Club, Southern Tier Yacht Club, Elmira Kiwanis Club, and proud member of the Chemung County Military Honors Squad. Doug’s other interests were geneology, railroads, and he was a ham radio operator – WB2OCO. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Elmira. First and foremost, Doug loved his family and the time he spent with them….he will be missed, but never forgotten. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of Water and Walnut Sts., on Monday, January 18, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. A Masonic Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., followed by military honors. Doug may be remembered through a donation to a charity of one’s choice.

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