Way back in the early 80's, I undertook a new career path as a Probation Officer. One of my Placements was in Winchester Prison, where I first met Colin White. I wasn't the most confident of people in those days, and dreaded not getting things right first time. I was told I had a mentor who would supervise my work with the inmates, and help me to come to terms with the more difficult cases. He was amazing! Nothing was too much trouble, and he wouldn't just check that I had understood procedures, he made sure I wasn't impacted by the horrific details of gory, sordid or brutal crimes that had landed on my desk. He had a busy case-load, but if I knocked on his door and said "what should I do about.... " whatever it happened to be on a particular day, he would put down what he was working on and give me his undivided attention.

When I qualified and returned to Jersey (in the Channel Islands) where I had lived for most of my life, Colin kept in touch by letter. Yes, there wasn't any Facebook,  Messenger, Whats App or the like! He came to Jersey one summer, and brought his lovely wife Christine, with him. She and I hit it off straight away, and the three of us have kept in touch ever since. We would visit lovely parts of the Island, and reminisce over days gone by.   Both he and Christine have always had a wonderful sense of humour, and spending time with them made me feel uplifted. I never met their children, but they spoke lovingly and fondly of them, and with great pride at their many achievements. 

This morning, Christine phoned to tell me the sad news of Colin's passing.  My love and prayers go out to her, and her family. I cannot make it to Colin's funeral, but I will be there in spirit, and will light a candle later today in The Fisherman's Chapel, St Brelade, Jersey, where Christine and Colin went with me to visit. 

You fought bravely Colin, now Rest In Peace!