Tributes have been paid to Black Dog Music Project director Colin Bain, who died suddenly.
The middle child of three, Colin was born on January 20, 1940 in Magdalen Road, Norwich.
He went to City of Norwich School and was a lifelong supporter of Norwich City Football club, having been first taken to matches in 1950.
Aged 16, in 1956 Colin joined the RAF where at RAF Halton he learned to play the bagpipes and would play out in the street at New Year and Burns night, as well as with the RAF band at the Cenotaph.
Initially, Colin trained as an airframe fitter and over the years was stationed in RAF Seletar in Singapore, Wattisham, Leuchars, High Wycombe, Strike Command and Coltishall. He left the RAF as chief technician in 1977.
In 1962–64 he was involved in the Borneo Confrontation and was responsible for servicing Belvedere helicopters, taking aircraft down into jungle clearings, dispatching troops and cargo and rescuing personnel.
He was heavily involved in one rescue operation that led to him receiving the award of the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air.
Colin married wife Carolyn on May 16, 1970. The couple moved around before finally settling in Norwich in 1984.
The couple had three children - Katie, Kieron and Gavin - and are proud grandparents to Alexis.
After taking redundancy from the RAF in 1977, Colin worked for an aircraft company in Hampshire and then Bowater Zenith Windows until he retired from full-time employment.
He then did consultancy work part-time and received an award from the Glass and Glazing Federation in 2006 for his outstanding contribution to the safety of the glazing industry.
After retirement, Colin was at a bit of a loss until Gavin introduced him to the Black Dog Music Project. Delighted to get involved, he eventually became its chairman.
Carolyn said: "Colin was a special person.
"He was strong, independent, determined, helpful and kind - a brilliant mentor, although he could be a bit subversive and reckless.
"Colin was a good storyteller and was always telling a joke, although some of his witticisms were not the best according to Keiron. 'Terrible' was probably the right word.
"Colin’s life was a well-lived life with lots of good friends. He always said that he would rather wear away than rust away."
A music tribute evening in Colin's memory will be held at the Brickmakers on Wednesday, March 22 from 7pm.
Kerri Madders joined the music project six years ago and said: "Colin always greeted me and would pop in during my lessons to check how I was getting on.
"When I think of Colin I can’t help but smile with all the memories I have.
"He was a massive character who you couldn’t help but love, and he impacted many people's lives.
"He didn’t only help with boosting my confidence and making me smile but bonded with many.
"He will be very deeply missed by many, we are very grateful and thankful to have met him."
Black Dog's marketing manager Sarah Gilbert added: "He was an amazing chap. A real magnetic character.
"People are really improving their lives through Black Dog - including my son.
"Colin was guiding and encouraging, he was truly amazing."
Tributes were also paid at a meeting of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s council of governors this week - on which Colin served.
Howard Tidman, lead governor said: "He was an incredibly funny man and we are really going to miss his incredible support and advice.
"His funeral had standing room only which is a measure of how much he was liked."
- To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk.
- To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.
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