Secretariat

Colin Buckby

Colin Buckby, SAP, Project Manager in Information Systems Services, died on March 29th 2007

Colin (aka Colsh) was a true Yorkshireman, born and bred in Hull, East Yorkshire. He grew up there with his sisters and brother, before embarking on a career in Project Management, travelling the world and managing projects in such places as South Africa, where he was fortunate enough to meet Mr Nelson Mandela.

Colin joined the University in November 2002 in the role of Project Manager, responsible for SAP HR developments. Colin always took great pride in trying to deliver the best solutions to the HR Community managing many successful projects in his time at the University. He continually tried to improve his performance, which resulted in him recently qualifying as a Prince 2 Practitioner. This is one of the highest qualifications for any project manager.

Colin was a very proud father and was constantly talking about the achievements of his two children, Laura, 18 and Paul, 15. He was also a great lover of travel and was a regular jet setter across Europe with Laura and Paul.

Colin was a keen sportsman with interest in football, cricket, badminton and golf. He was a member of Oakdale golf club. Colin liked to mix his passion for travelling and golf and would make an annual pilgrimage to France with golfing colleagues known as the Normandy Golf Society from Oakdale. He would often return with a trophy and tell the tales of his golfing exploits on the French links.

ISS have arranged a golf day to be held annually in honour of Colin's memory. All his golfing friends at the University are welcome to compete for the Colin Buckby Memorial Bowl, a fitting tribute to a lovely man.

Colin was also a key member of the successful University LICS (Library, Information Systems and Computing) cricket team and was often being relied upon to defend his wicket against the most skilful of bowlers. At the crease Colin formed a formidable and often opening partnership with Dave Graham. Dave famous for his fours and sixes was well matched with Colin's dogged determination in defending his wicket. Colin could also be called upon to bowl a few overs. It was for his obvious cricketing ability, sportsmanship and constant enthusiasm for the game that earned him the nick name of the Senior Professional. Colin also played in the indoor cricket league, the LICS Senior P0ro taking on the challenge with his usual determination and good humour. Whilst not as spry between the wickets as some of the more junior competitors, Colins stubborn streak played dividends as his determination to play his usual outdoor power game removed the need for much in the way of running. With his trademark back foot drive, Colin and the boundary became close friends, much to the annoyance of many a fast bowler.

Colin lived his life to the full, enjoying his pastimes and work until he was taken ill and diagnosed with a brain tumour late last year. Colin fought hard against his crippling illness and, in keeping with his character, kept positive to the end.

Colin will be remembered with enormous respect and love by his friends and colleagues, who will deeply miss his fun-loving personality.

Colin is survived by his wonderfully supportive wife Julie, and his two children, Laura and Paul.