Reggie 'Reg' William Colman (7 Jul 1934 - 5 Apr 2020)

In loving memory of Reggie 'Reg' William Colman who sadly passed away on 5th April 2020
Reg was born on 7th July 1934 the fourth child to parents Arthur and Mary in the village of Thornage near Holt, North Norfolk, he and his siblings lived on a small holding where his father kept chickens and grew vegetables.
When Reg was around 7 his family relocated from Thornage to Harold Wood Essex, where he attended Ardleigh Junior School, and where Reg’s true love for sport developed. Meeting Brain Pheby and Bob Kearn who he played in the local street football team with and later would become life long friends.
Reg’s first job at the age of 14 was as a Carpenters Apprentice, but he decided that was not for him, he was also offered to play for Essex County Cricket Club and once had the opportunity to play at Lords. Reg went on instead to work in London in the profession of book keeping and accountancy but never lost the competitive edge of sport.
Reg completed his National Service and was very proud to reach rank of Corporal, after his National Service he continued with the accountancy.
In 1957 he met Maisie who was visiting her sister on her annual holiday, both attending a local dance and when he took her home he wrote a message in chalk on the pavement outside asking her to meet him at Harold Wood Cricket Ground the next day at 1pm. He didn’t think she had come but was glad when he saw that she had, they were married two years later in 1959.
In 1965 Reg and Maisie moved from Brentwood to Rayleigh and that remained the family home. Two years later in 1967 they had the first of their children Tracey, in 1969 Andrew was born.
Reg was never happier than when playing sport competitive throughout, even social games were played with the highest focus always determined to win.
Outside of sport Reg would combine his two favourite activities family time and travel. Family holidays were always amazing times with so many places visited but Reg had a love of one particular country more than any other and Italy was a popular destination even in recent years.
Later on in life Reg continued working in Accountancy going from Swan Hellanic’s to P & O Cruises head office, were he could indulge in both of his loves being golf and travel and whilst working at P & O cruises he and Maisie completed some 54 cruises together.

Reg was blessed with four Grandchildren; Leanne, Jack, Matthew & Lucy. He was proud of all of them and could see his face light up when chatting to them and watching them open any gifts on birthdays and Christmas.

Dad could always make you smile and was renowned for telling a joke or story he really was a wonderful Husband, Father and Pops and one that will truly be missed by us all.

If you wish to pay your respects please light a candle and think of Dad on Thursday 7th May 2020 at 10.30am.