THANKS, COLLEEN

She became the first female publisher in The Citizen’s 104-year history in February 2012. Before that, she had served as the newspaper’s circulation director for 10 years. She started her Citizen career in 1991 in the business office.

Colleen has lived in Prince George since she was six, moving when her dad was transferred here. Her first appearance in The Citizen was in June 1977, when she won the 800 metres pee wee girls race at the elementary schools track meet.

Her name returned to the pages of The Citizen in 1988 when the Mr. G’s store she managed sold a winning lottery ticket.

She and her husband Mike, a retired CN Rail employee, raised their two daughters in the city.

“I can’t say enough about how this community has – through good, through bad – supported The Citizen, thank you so much for that,” she said. “We’ve been through a lot of changes over the years, especially since I have become publisher. I am sure there were times where the community questioned some of the decisions I was making because in many ways it would affect them. To the readers, thank you. Our readership numbers continue to grow and during this time you can see how valuable the Citizen is to them. So thank you for always believing that I really had the best interest of the newspaper and the community at heart and that’s why we made the tough decisions we did.”

Colleen said she will miss everyone at The Prince George Citizen very much.

“I am very proud to work at the Citizen. And from the very first day I walked through the door I was always so proud to say where I worked. I have been so fortunate to work with some absolutely amazing people who helped me get to the position I hold today.”

Looking ahead, she’s excited about what the future holds.

“The Citizen has been such a big part of my life, a part of my whole working career. Now I’m excited to be a grandma, a mom and just do those things for a while, especially during this crazy time we’re living in. I love this community. This is where my friends are and I am not going anywhere.”

Clockwise from left: Colleen in 2012 with a mural of herself when she was painted by artist Milan Basic for a Community Arts Council fundraiser calendar; Colleen last year with actor Lou Ferrigno, Judy Neiser, CEO of Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, and Cam Thun; Colleen cuts the Citizen’s 100th anniversary cake with Mayor Lyn Hall and Colleen Van Mook of Downtown Prince George at 2016 Summerfest; Colleen with Debbie Paulson on the front page in 1992; Colleen presents Dave Mah with his Ma Murray award in 2014; Colleen meets Trevor Linden (aka Mr. Colleen Sparrow) in 2015.