Family & Friends, Marilyn has asked me to remind you that we are here to celebrate Colin’s life. So, take a deep breath, drop your shoulders, relax and smile. We are here to celebrate and enjoy ourselves.
Marilyn also asked me to say a few words about Colin on behalf of our family.
Where do I start? Man about Town? Gourmet extraordinaire? Raconteur?…..sorry, wrong speech…..
Colin played his cards very close to his chest. So close in fact that I have no idea whether as a boy born in the north-east he supported Newcastle, Middlesborough or (god forbid) Sunderland. I have no idea which political party he voted for. I had no idea about his religious beliefs, although today probably provides some clues…
There are however six things I do know about Colin.
Firstly, he anticipated the recent appearance of Crocs on the fashion designers’ catwalk by several years, and was rarely parted from them; indeed he remained a man of fashion to the end.
Second, he normally adopted only two poses when drinking – either standing with a beer in hand in animated conversation with those around him or seated comfortably, probably by now with a whisky in hand, desperately trying, and more often than not failing, to keep his eyes open. I don’t recall any in-between conditions.
Third, his immense love of music – collecting and listening. His listening habits changed over the years – he started with a distinct hate of anything by Leonard Cohen, but with Marilyn’s drip, drip, drip approach, finally saw the light and embraced the magic.
Fourth, his masterful control of Tosca and Reiver. I have never seen dogs retreat and sit on the verge at the sound of an approaching car without a word being spoken. I don’t know if he applied the same techniques to Kat and Phil when younger, but whatever they were they were, they worked, with both dogs and children being so well behaved and well adjusted and clearly loved. His masterful control however, did not extend as far as Marilyn. Here the authority was shared, and, from a brother’s perspective, it was wonderful to see him enable Marilyn to be Marilyn.
Fifth, his incredible perseverance at solving problems and getting jobs completed, whatever the circumstances. Some might call is sheer stubbornness, but that’s not for me to say!
Finally, his absolute love of all things electrical. Never have I heard anyone talk with such passion about the details of switches, sockets and lighting systems. And rarely, if ever, despite his best intentions, did I understand more than a word or two of what he was talking about!
The precision he brought to his electrical work he also brought to the playing of Jenga – tower of wooden blocks. Whilst the rest of us pondered and timidly tried to remove blocks, he was straight in and out without a second’s pause – having considered all the options in his head beforehand.
But, what I will remember most, is the extreme calmness, patience and kindness he showed to all the family at all times. Indeed, wherever they both are, he’s probably still trying to sort out my father’s lighting idiosyncrasies with him as we speak.
Thank you.