Monday, December 05, 2011
Colin Duke
Just a brief note to inform those of you who knew Colin Duke a volunteer with Calderdale Countryside unit for well over 20 years, that sadly Colin passed away on Saturday in Overgate Hospice. Colin contributed a great deal to Calderdale wildlife over many years through his ranger work with the Calderdale Countryside Unit and the Halifax Scientific Society in which he held various offices over the years. Colin worked unpaid and largely un-thanked helping to preserve the wildlife and countryside around his beloved Calderdale. I spent a few years working with Colin as a volunteer in the early 1990's at North Dean when we both were made redundant from our respective jobs in the textile industry and I have Colin to thank for getting me interested trying to preserve in the ecology and wildlife of Calderdale while I lived in the area. There most also be quite a few youngish birders in Calderdale who owe Colin a debt of thanks for the Saturday mornings he used to give once a month up to take out the local members of the Young Ornithologists Club on field trips. I am sure those who know Colin much better than I can write a far better account of his life and work in Calderdale but I thought it important that those who knew Colin were given the sad news of his death.
4 comments:
Sadly I did not know Colin and thank you Gordon for the posting as I have spoken with him on the phone and by email several times. Fantastic to hear of his enthusiasm for the local wildlife and the keenness to pass on his knowledge to the younger generation. Please pass on condolances to his family and friends.
I am sad to hear of Colin's death. I met him on many occassions, often walking up Jumble Hole. He had the rare kind of local wildlife knowledge that was not only deep, but incredibly broad. He could talk knowledgably on funghi, lichen, birds, plants, amphibians, anything. This is a sad loss.
Very sad indeed,Colin was a great local naturalist and will be greatly missed....any detasils on the funeral would be greatfully recived.
Monday 12th December 1.30pm Halifax Chapel of Repose 25 Clare Road, 2.15pm Crematorium followed by refreshments at Sowerby Bridge Bowling Club. Details will be in the Courier on Wednesday.
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