From: Graham Findlay <graham@dwac.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Sean Collins
Date: Fri, 5 Nov 1999 11:36:53 -0000

Dear Tony

I've just accessed the WHOB website and was very upset to read of Sean Collins' death.

Sean was 3 years above me at WH in Berners (69/71) (I was there for only two years, 1st & 2nd - I vaguely remember you!), and was regarded with awe as the coolest guy in the next dorm. I vividly remember him playing The Doors and In the Court of the Crimson King last thing at night and getting a bollocking for it. He was understandably very aloof with our year at that time.

In 1974/5 I left another school and attended Southwark College of Further Education, and to my amazement, bumped into Sean in the canteen in my second year . He was also continuing his studies, and we put our vast age difference (2 years) aside, began reminiscing and struck up a friendship which lasted until he went to Sheffield University in the late 70's, when we lost touch. We both played drums, and visited each others houses occasionally to play together, went to gigs and set the world to rights. Somewhere I think I may have a photo of him rowing a boat on Dulwich Park pond - replete with shoulder-length hair and reflective wrapround shades. At that time he rode around on a Triumph Tiger which I have to say impressed me.

If you do get in contact with his folks, do pass on my regards and condolensces - they were a brilliant family, somewhat eccentric (particularly his sister! ) but very welcoming. I'm not sure if they would remember me, however.

My memories of Sean were his wickedly dry sense of humour, absolutely deadpan; he had a very distinctive laugh.He was gentle, as someone else commented, but he was also quite fiery when challenged and we had a few good arguments. It is always terribly sad when someone dies at such a young age, and I understand he had a family - my heart goes out to his children who will miss him dreadfully.

A message to you - your website is incredibly impressive, congratulations - I know its hard work maintaining it - and it has been very nostalgic for me to see those familiar names again. David Bannister was my closest friend for a while, and I've already E mailed him to get in touch.

Best wishes

Graham Findlay
graham@dwac.demon.co.uk