The obituary notice of Neil James COLEGATE

Elaine, Brian & family

Neil was a very special unique young man. He was courageous and brave and loved, and will be missed by so many.

Please accept our sincere condolences at this very sad time and know we are thinking of you all.

With lots of love

Viv & Chris xxx

In memory of my good friend, Neil Colegate.

We knew each other since we were kids at Westbrook doing Speech Therapy if I remember correctly. We both helped run the tuck shop during break times briefly. Then I left, and we met again at Portland. My first year was your last, but I think we bonded over how lousy we thought most things were. I remember when you were with Donna, the first question she'd ask me as soon as she saw me, often before 'Hello', was 'Where's Neil?'

After you left, we kept in touch for a few years, with regular phone calls about everything and nothing. Then they stopped and we lost touch at some point, I'm sorry for that.

We saw each other semi-regularly at Vitalise Yoof weeks, but they got so expensive. The picture is taken from one such week and is one of maybe two that exist of just us two. The other is a picture of us in the Rec at Portland and is still framed in my bedroom now.

I'm sorry I can't be there for your service, but I miss you mate. If there is anything after this, I hope you're taking it easy.

Thinking of you,

Sean Redmond.

A local legend with a massive heart and a huge smile. We’ll miss the laughs, but always cherish the memories x
God bless you Neil.

George & Sean x

We are sorry to hear about Neil, we have some great memories from the rose and crown, he will be sadly missed but remembered for his humour and fun outlook on life, Liz and Chris,