John Wesley Colburn, 68, of Westfield, passed away at home on August 18, 2026, surrounded by his family.  John was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and moved to Wilbraham, Ma. as a young child.  He attended the Wilbraham Public Schools and graduated from Minnechaug High School in 1976. Growing up he loved playing tennis and hockey. He went on to attend STCC and Westfield State College, graduating in 1980.  Throughout his career as a chemist, John worked for the City of Springfield Water and Sewer Commission and later for United Water/Suez where he directed the Water Treatment Lab for the city and surrounding towns.  He retired in 2022.

John was a big outdoorsman.  He loved biking and hiking.  In the winter he loved skiing and snowshoeing, especially with his grandkids.  He loved pheasant hunting with his dog Stanley.  His favorite hobby was fishing in a lake or a pond or in the ocean. He was passionate about fly fishing and tying his own flies.  He loved birdwatching and seeing wildlife of any kind and gardening.  John taught himself to play the guitar and loved to play soft rock and folk songs. Dennis Port on Cape Cod was his second home, and the entire family and extended family spent lots of time there.

John was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Westfield.  He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Westfield Sportsman's Club.  The Montreal Canadiens were his favorite team along with the Patriots and the Red Sox.  John's favorite way to spend time was with his family either at home or at the beach and there was usually ice cream or some "sweet treat" involved.

John leaves his wife of 43 years, Alison (Gaumond) Colburn and his children Heather Mead (Hank), Molly St. Peter (Chase) and Neal Colburn (Katie). He leaves his 5 amazing grandchildren; Mackenzie, Owen, Robert, Teddy and Fiona.  John leaves his brother and sister-in-law Glenn and Cindy Colburn of Monson, Ma. and his sister and brother-in-law Susan and James Pickrell of Farmington, Maine. He leaves behind a sister in law, Mari-jo Ulbricht of Princess Anne Maryland. John leaves a multitude of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents David and Helen Colburn and brothers-in-law Steve and Richard and sister-in-law Carol. 

Before he passed, John told his family that "he hoped anyone who knew him would remember that he was kind.  If that was how he was remembered, then he would feel he had led a wonderful life".

His family would like to thank all the family and friends for the support during his illness as well as the nurses and MDs at Baystate Noble, Baystate Medical Center, The Damour Cancer Center and the Dana Farber Cancer Center for the wonderful care and compassion he received.

Calling hours for John will be held on Monday from 5-7 PM in Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. The funeral for John will be held on Tuesday at 1 PM at First United Methodist Church, 16 Court Street, Westfield. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations in John's name may be made to The Damour Cancer Center and the Dana Farber Cancer Center Medical Oncology Division. www.firtionadams.com