John English

'Anyone who knows Coll, knows John English', it was heard said at his funeral in January. His cheerful welcome at the pier, his sense of fun and the quick comment, his wide ranging involvement in the community are a legacy that will live on.

His untimely death from cancer at the young age of 46 has left the community struggling to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer with us. You still expect him at the pier, in the pub, organising quiz nights, in his familiar roles in the pantomime.

Come the summer who can replace him at the first tee, playing the game which he enjoyed so much? The first captain of Coll Golf Club and a founding member, competitions and social events hinged on his organisational abilities. Very much the competitor John enjoyed winning but more so, he enjoyed the company and the camaraderie of the social occasion. His enthusiasm and the enjoyment he derived from these occasions mean happy memories for many people. Although golf was a consuming interest of more recent years, a staunch Rangers man, he loved his football and until very recently could still show a fine turn of skill on the park.

Born in Balfron in 1949 he first came to Coll at the age of 9 with his mother and father to stay at the Lodge at Cornaigmor. These annual summer holidays were a highlight of his childhood.

After leaving school he trained as an electrician, a trade which gave him and Linda the opportunity, with the coming of mains electricity in 1974, to move to Coll and find employment wiring the great majority of houses on the island. At the end of the '70s as this work was completed he teamed up with Ian 'Burnside' as a general builder. The building of the Project Trust Offices at Bousd in 1981 led to his working for Breacachadh Builders. He was not only a very able electrician but could turn his hand to most trades. The Project Trust Centre at Ballyhough which he was largely instrumental in building remains as a permanent testament to his skills. He was also a long time member of the Fire Brigade, Coast Guard and a member of the Community Council, activities which reflected his commitment to the community.

To the wider public John was perhaps best known as Assistant Piermaster, John 'Buggy' as the children knew him, a job he held for 14 years. Working first with John Wheeler-James and latterly Hamish MacRae, his good humour, efficiency and attention to detail, meant that he was a 'natural' for the job and a point of contact for the many visitors and friends of Coll who come every year.

Always very much a family man, for Linda, David and Ian, and Jean his mother, we all know what a great void his death leaves. We miss you, John, Coll is much the poorer for your passing.

J.F.