Colin Crombie McAneny, 86, died in Jackson from complications following surgery.

Colin was born in New York City and raised in Princeton, N.J.

After graduating from Princeton University in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956, remaining active in the U.S. Naval Reserves until 1968.

Following his active duty in the Navy, Colin earned a master’s degree in geology from Johns Hopkins University in 1964.

Over the course of his career, Colin worked for Kennecott Copper Corp., McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., the U.S. Public Health Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

He worked in geotechnical engineering at Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg from 1975 until his retirement in 1995.

Colin was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Vicksburg, singing bass in the church choir. In retirement, he also became active in community theater, following in the footsteps of his parents, Herbert and Marguerite McAneny, who were founding actor-director members of the Princeton Community Players.

Colin played the role of “Father” for many years in Vicksburg Theater Guild’s annual production of Gold in the Hills. He also volunteered his time generously, serving as volunteer treasurer for the Warren County Habitat for Humanity for many years, and as a volunteer for Serenity Premier Hospice in Vicksburg.

Colin was an avid sailor and enjoyed seeing the world. Over the course of his life he traveled to six continents, recent trips included Iceland, Zambia, Nova Scotia, and Bali.

Colin is survived by his loving wife, Danielle McAneny of Vicksburg; his sister, Wendy McAneny Bradburn of Arlington, Va.; his children, Jean F. McAneny of Albany, Calif., Joseph C. McAneny of Oakland, Calif., and Marjorie McAneny Page of Richmond, Calif.; and five grandchildren, Marika, David, James, Madeleine, and Corinne.

He was predeceased by his sister, Leslie C. McAneny (2005); and his daughter, Teresa M. Sousa (2006).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Colin’s name to the Warren County Habitat for Humanity, 820 South Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180.