by Richard Alcock

We all have people who we class as our best friend. Col is mine.

Since we met at the beginning of university in 1995, Col has been a true friend. 3 years of university, 2 years working together and sharing a flat, however, made us more like brothers than friends.

I don't mind saying that I was envious of his ability to give 110% all the time and still be constantly in a good mood. I owe a lot to Colin. For example I would not have the job I have now if it were not for him telling me that I could do it and should apply. He always knew the right motivational words to say when a friend was feeling low, and would go out of his way to make sure his friends were OK.

Socially there was rarely a dull moment. As many of you will have seen, having a jack-in-the-box / jester for a friend made for some interesting evenings. Colin's energy was not quite boundless, however, he often demonstrated his ability to fall asleep in the most unlikely places; on his feet in a nightclub, in the apartment after inviting half a dozen friends round after a night out, or in restaurants. It got to the point where staff of a particular restaurant in Newcastle's China town would ask Col if he was "planning to fall asleep again this evening"!

That is how I see Col now, asleep. He hasn't gone. I know that whatever situation I get myself into, he will be there with advice. Not in person, but I knew him so well that I know what advice he would give, and that gives me strength. A friend of ours quoted me a line from an Emily Dickenson that strikes me as very appropriate; "the magic of the magician does not disappear when the magician leaves the room". Colin's magic will live on.