I am very saddened to learn that Colin has peacefully passed on! He was indeed a most wonderful and kind gentleman and will be deeply missed but always fondly remembered. The first time I met him was during the 1997 MADC production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Joe Friggieri and where Nanette was the best Puck ever - full of raw, dynamic energy! Over the years, our paths crossed in other productions and I particularly remember that Colin had excellent diction and projection, both vital for successful stage performances. He always had impeccable manners, a kind word for everyone and a refreshingly witty sense of humour. His memories are certainly treasured. My deepest condolences to his family and extra super strong hugs to you, dear Nanette, as I know you will forever hold him dearly in your thoughts and heart. X
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I will always remember my uncle Colin with just fondness
He was always the big brother to my father and the man who loved to act, travel and share his love of the arts
I hope he has been reunited with Dad and is watching down on us with love and joy as he reflects on the life he lived
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Dear Colin, I remember you as Nanette’s loyal partner and helpmeet, but as a great actor and director in your own right. I was so gratified by your interest in me as an actress, once coming over to see me on stage in Gozo and handing over a script for me to read, interested to have me on board. You were such a good egg, Colin, now rest in peace. Sue xx
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My condolences to Colin's family. I first met Colin when we both got cast in the History Boys. I still remember how intimidated I felt in my first scene with him, playing the Headmaster of the School. Only few actors are able to channel the same energy, presence and poise that Colin had onstage - and still be an incredibly nice, warm & generous person. Colin will be missed!
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Few have loved acting and the stage with such purity and clarity. So long, Colin. I can never thank you enough for the chuckles, the anecdotes and the discussions you shared with me in several productions.
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I will forever remember sharing the stage with Colin during the Panto of Scrooge 16 years ago now - were it was Just me playing the role of Peter and Colin as the perfect embodiment of Scrooge on stage together doing a little scene! He will go down as one of the greats to grace the stage of theatre in Malta. Thank you Nanette for providing me this opportunity/memory that I will forever treasure.As I write this I also remember another time were he came to do a workshop at MADC at the time of it running 'Interact' - which was a little group of kids learning/doing theatre - If my memory serves me well it had got to do with direction but I do remember the passion he had for it and theatre in general. I only wish to one day match a fraction of the passion he had for theatre.
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Colin was a gentle soul who enjoyed life's simple pleasures - cricket, crosswords, travel, theatre and much more. His mischievous, twinkling eyes are unforgettable, especially when he was about to deliver one of his typical witty retorts.
His considerable contribution to Maltese theatre will not be forgotten - from Shylock to Scrooge, he fleshed out all his roles with incredible presence and professionalism.
To Nanette, Stephen, Tim and the rest of the family, I offer my deepest sympathy and wish you strength at this saddest of times. May your memories of dear Colin be of comfort - his was truly a life well-lived - and I imagine he would probably have added a final "Bah Humbug!"
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A super gentlemen with the most pleasant and positive disposition. I worked on a few productions with Colin and learned a lot from his patience and positivity. He never let anything get him down. Always ready with a quick joke or story to cheer anyone up. It is true that many times he was the only one that found it funny. But that was part of the charm. I will never forget his performance as Shylock in MADC's production of The Merchant of Venice. We'll miss you Mr Willis... here's to playing cricket in the sky.
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Colin occupies a place high in my best memories. One of the liveliest is of a weekend we spent together in 1995 when he was in Geneva. At that time the Swiss Canton Appenzell Innerrhoden was being celebrated for at last giving women the right to vote, and Colin and I and a few others crowded into a car in Geneva and went to Appenzell to deliver congratulations. The pub we were in called the local newspaper and we were interviewed, to the great amusement of other guests and the management. I won't go further down this track except to say that it was a wonderful exhibition of Colin's sense of humour and it has stayed with me top, of mind.We told the Appenzell newspaper that the next step for the Canton should be the adoption of cricket, but this is still some way off.Big condolences to all his family and friends, and especially Nanette. She will be a lifelong friend.Chris
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We will remember Colin as a true gentleman. As my sister, Nanette, always described him, he was a person who "didn't have a mean bone in his body". No truer saying can be found to describe his gentle nature and jovial spirit, which were always reflected through his smile. Throughout the last years, despite it all, he found laughter and joy in what he loved most. The memories of him, both as a person and as a wonderful actor, will leave us with that same joy. May you rest in peace, and condolences to all. You were, and will remain, so very loved by those who knew you.
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What an absolute gentleman. You'll be missed tremendously. Rest easy Colin.
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I had the absolute pleasure to direct Colin in my directorial debut in Malta. His charm and wit were infectious and I loved sharing our chats about cricket, particularly the Aussie/England rivalry. Even after his first stroke he lost none of that cheeky character and I was lucky enough to work with him again a few years later. Rest easy my friend you played an outstanding innings
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Colin was a true gentleman, a fine man, and a remarkable actor, with such deep passion and dedication.
We were so incredibly honoured to have him at our wedding. I can still picture the two of you together that day—you looked absolutely dashing!
Nanette, please know that Colin will always be with you in your heart and in the beautiful life you built.....In every wonderful memory you made together.... In the spirit of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him....In the legacy he left for everyone who watched him perform on stage.
Sending so much love and warmth to you, Nanette, and to everyone feeling the weight of his absence right now. He will never be forgotten 💔
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I think my favourite memory of Colin is of him on the trip to Marrakesh, long sufferingly herding a pack of loonies through the streets as we all scattered in search of a bargain. He was a man of the world, of good humour, and of kind consideration; he will be remembered fondly by those lucky enough to have known him.
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Colin was A Good Thing (he'll understand that :) ) A gentlemen and a superior brain. Always fun on and off the stage and always ready to lend books :) Colin as you embark on this next journey, remember, "Do not on any account attempt to write on both sides of the paper at once." much love xxx
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A gentleman with a wonderfully mischievous sense of humour and such a kind heart. You couldn’t help smiling at that twinkle in his eye, especially when ordering the next G&T! Deep condolences.
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Sending my deepest condolences. Colin played the best Ebenezer Scrooge ever - It was an honour to work with him in panto!
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On a trip to his Native homeland, Colin was giddily excited about taking me to Alice Springs to "Behold the grandeur of the Todd River".
Alice Springs is an Arid Wasteland. The bowling Alley is aptly named "The Dust Bowl". It felt like the kind of place old-timey prospectors avoided because of the poor conditions.
As I stood on a dusty tract of land, I asked Colin where this river was supposed to be. And he said "You're standing in it!" And he laughed his signature laugh and a core memory was formed.
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Colin was one of those rare people who made every conversation better just by being in it.
He always had a sharp quip, a piece of unexpected trivia, or a recommendation for an “improving work,” usually handed over as a book and a smile. I am still following that habit myself because of him.
His generosity, patience, and that unforgettable explosive laugh made a real impression on all of us who knew him.
He will be deeply missed, and very warmly remembered.
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