Saddened to discover that Colin has passed away. I knew him when he was attending Maungawhau Primary School as we were in the same class during the years from Primers to Standard 4. We went to different schools for our Intermediate and Secondary education, but then our paths coalesced during our time at Auckland University and Ardmore Engineering School. In latter years Colin was the "glue" that kept us engineering graduates of the "Class of '68" together, convening several reunion opportunities over the years. I will miss his friendly smile and cheerful demeanour.

I felelvery fortunate to have had Colin as a Church volunteer in my class when I taught at Mairangi Bay School. He came every Friday full of smiles and stories and always with an interesting tie. The students loved him - it was like having a class grand dad. He helped with their spelling and always had the most amazing patience with those who struggled. The children loved it when he shared his news about his wife and daughters and grandchildren, and photos and tales about himself when he was a child. They were fascinated that he had designed a bridge they knew! He was always so supportive and encouraging and kept in touch when we moved to Nelson. I am so sad we won’t see him again but he will live on in our memories, and in his daughters and grand children.

Judy, we are so sorry to hear of Colin’s death. Although we have not had anything to do with you or Colin for decades, we have such good memories of those rich times! We always had such admiration for, and enjoyable times with the Nicholas/Sweetman/Hollier family, and your Max family! My mother really enjoyed your year with her at Troon Place, and was very fond of your parents! Life moves on, and we have kept up with you only from a distance. Our love to you and all your family, as you transition through these next days, weeks and months. Colin was a great fellow, and we know he leaves behind so many wonderful memories. Love from Lorraine (Reid) and Lyndsay Jacobs.

Photo of Newton Rd bridge attached

Photo of Newton Rd bridge attached.

Photo of Newton Rd bridge attached

Photos of Newton Rd bridge

Colin was so enthusiastic, so full of energy, committed to the lives of others. Growing up alongside Louise & Michelle, and living just along the road from the Nicholas whānau, I was very fortunate & benefitted hugely from his commitment, values, and ideas, as did our whole community. I remember joining the Mairangi Bay youth group which, with Colin at the helm, became a place of philosophical debate, where all ideas were taken seriously. Colin spearheaded so many initiatives, and we kids from the shore probably didn't appreciate until much later how uniquely lucky we were to be a part of it. We did exchanges with churches in South Auckland, we were billeted with beautiful fanau from Niue, Tonga, Samoa - things which gave us insight and respect we took with us through our lives. Colin organised guest speakers, road trips to go hiking - things which I'm sure took a lot of effort, but which Colin did with good humour and dedication. Effort being poured into us changed our lives. The experiences we had helped equip us to participate in the world, to dive in, not to spectate, and to be of service to others. I will forever be grateful for these experiences - I don't think I would have gone on to study philosophy, nor would I have gone on to put my energy into community organisations and unions either. Thanks Colin for what you gave to your own whanau and to all of us, your extended whānau. To Judy, Michelle, Louise, Matt, Mark, Luke and Evie, Toby, Elsie and Greta. Sending you love and warm wishes as you navigate this tricky time. I can only imagine what a gap Colin will leave in your lives. What a great human Colin was! How incredible to see his way of being in the world - his lifelong dedication to others, good humour, doing the right thing, and integrity - absolutely continuing on in your whanau and in the next generation. That is a legacy to be utterly proud of. Arohanui

Dear Judy, We were greatly saddened to hear this news of Colin. It has been a long time since we last met across the Tasman. We have been recalling today our times together in the UK in 70s . ...and on the camping tour around Scandinavia, with Colin insisting of hanging out the car window to photograph every bridge we went under or passed - during his 'bridge designer'' stage in his engineering career, I guess. ...you coming to join us in France for Xmas, ...Ipswich visits Colin's positive outlook, 'ever onwards, ever upwards, we can do it' was indomitable. Our thoughts are with you and all your family tomorrow. Chris & Ross

It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known Colin. My thoughts with you Judy, Barbara.

"Go then for there are other worlds than this, and we'll meet again in the clearing at the end of the path ...." Roland, the Gunslinger - "The Dark Tower"

Photos of Newton Rd bridge attached

I was saddened to hear of Colin´s passing. We were colleagues at Babbage and Partners in Auckland in the early 1970s. I joined Babbage as a graduate engineer in 1970 and was assigned to work on the design of the Newton Road Bridge in Auckland with Colin, under the supervision of Partner Paul Edwards. I designed the substructure and Colin designed the superstructure. I have uploaded some photos of Newton Rd bridge. I left Babbages in 1976 and have lived overseas ever since. On one of my visits to NZ, about 2005, he asked me to dinner at his residence in Mairangi Bay with Paul and Barbara. We had a great evening reminiscing about our time at Babbages. The 1970s may seem a long time ago but to me they seem just like yesterday. Working at Babbages was my first job and I gained valuable experience with them which has held me in good stead ever since. Colin was one of the more experienced engineers who helped me in those early days of my career. I have the greatest respect for him. Colin will be surely missed by all who knew him and I give my sincere condolences to Judy and his family. Geoff Blake Brisbane, Australia

Colin was a most wonderful neighbour for over two decades. A thorough gentleman. He will be missed. Sincerest sympathy to Judy and family. Peter and Pamela.