Face

book

Fare

well

Colin

Pople

Absolutely shocked and lost for words, Col is certainly a shining light, and will truly be missed. The most difficult task as a friend is to offer understanding when we don’t understand. Take care Norman, you have a world of support from family and friends to help you get through these tough times.

Craig, Jordan and Lachlan

love you guys! This is a picture (with memories) from Christmas in Australia together in 2004. We will always cherish our time together with each of you and BOTH of your families together. How handsome you guys look. — with Norman Mitchell and Colin Pople.

Dear Norman,

David and i are so sad to hear about this. you know my english is not good, I saw the photo today and I thought it was just about your moving to Malaysia. thanks for calling us tonight, I am really shocked. until now i am only thinking about colin and all of my memories are flooding back. (david helped me to write this). We really love you norman, and we love and miss colin so much too.

David and Heather

Yesterday was an emotional day but we got through it and Colin Pople would have been impressed. On behalf of myself and the Pople and Mitchell families we would like to thank everyone for their wishes, flowers and attendance and those who could not make but in their thoughts, love and support, RIP Colin you will always be with us

Love always

Norman

Our beautiful cousin Colin Pople passed away last Wed in Kuala Lumpar, suddenly at 54, way to young! Words do not describe the shock and grief that I feel and my heart goes out to my beautiful family in Brisbane as they prepare for his funeral and to his life partner, Norman Mitchell. As they say pain is the price we pay for love and we loved him so dearly. He is forever in our hearts. Thank-you Colin for loving me ! Karen, Bruce, Stuart and LachlanPOPLE, Colin Fancis1 9.04.61 ~ 29.04.15 To our loving Son, Brother, Uncle, Partner of Norman for 19 Years, and Friend to many here and abroad. We would like to invite you to join us, in celebrating Colin’s life. Colin passed away suddenly on the 29th April, 2015, in Kuala Lumpur. His sudden passing has left a void that will never be filled. “ Chin Chin, our lovely man, Keep on dancing. “George, Julie, Norman, Jeffery, Lisa, Joshua, Chelsee and Jillian. Colin’s Funeral Service will be at 12 Noon, Thursday, 7th May, 2015, at Great Southern Memorial Park, 1774 Mt Cotton Road, Carbrook.

Kelly Skimmings Colin was one of life’s gentlemen. He was gracious, loving, caring and generous. Norman too is a true gentleman. His scope for love and support shows no bounds. A sad day.30 April at 07:43 ·Yesterday the world shone a little less bright. Absolutely devastated on the news that we lost Colin. The most elegant, poised and graceful man who had the biggest heart. You lit up a room, a dance floor wherever you were. You were a beacon of light. Norman our thoughts are with you always. We love you both to the moon and back. Love Kelly, Taylor, Charlotte and Darcy. May you be lighting the dance floor of heaven up.

Samantha Edwards I concur Kelly, Norman is a gentleman. I can give no higher praise than to say I always read all their posts. I can’t say that for all of the people I have as friends on FB. Norman and Colin made me feel so welcome in their home that day, I remember telling you how lucky you were to have such fabulously generous and kind spirited extended family. They were a beautiful loving couple and it seems so wrong that they don’t get to grow old together.

Love you heaps Uncle Norman and you’re in my thoughts xxx

Colin, seems to me this guy had everything going for him including Normie, but he was always humble, generous, definitely anal (which he always acknowledged with humour) hospitable, gentle and open. I probably would not have spent any more than 2 weeks total in his company but I loved and accepted him as family. Who else do you know, that when he passed away he inspired so much love and respect from colleagues, friends and family that he had 4 services? Oh, and he told me once that if he was straight he would have married Mel in a moment!

Glad we had that time together at Mels, I have been welling up since I heard the news, very special part of the family, those two.

Angela Mitchell

Yesterday, I lost a dear friend and colleague whom brought positive impact and wonderful goodness into my life.

Colin - I will miss you.Miss your brilliant smileMiss your enthusiasmMiss your optimismMiss your kind heart and natureMiss your danceMiss your handwitten cards and notesI will miss our friendship Colin and reminiscing how much fun we had dancing the cha cha.

May your kind soul be in a restful and tranquil place.

Melissa Wong

Rest In Peace Colin, you were truly an amazing man, So full of life, energetic, hardest worker I know. I thank you for the opportunity you gave me with my job at PGi and you always had the best stuff to say about me.. My thoughts and Prays go out to Norman and your family.

Nadia

Belman Salihovic30 April at 13:04 ·

Colin Pople was my friend . But that doesn’t do justice to the role Colin Pople played in my life. He was my teacher, my coach ,my friend , my mentor, and so much more, words cannot explain what influence he had on me and where I’m today . He is the reason I’m still in the Dance world .When I wanted to give up, he was the one that told me to keep on going and believe in myself, against all odds. For that I’m forever grateful. As a teenager most of my memories have him in it, he always motivating me and encouraging me to aim higher ,work harder and believe in myself . When I was sixteen and everyone thought I was crazy to leave home to pursue Dancing and travel the world. He told me to go for it. Mate thank you for everything and all the great memories. I’ll miss you xx RIP Colin Pople & my sincere thoughts are with his soul mate Norman Mitchell.

Nick DoyleIt is a very a sad day to learn that a friend, mentor and coach passed away yesterday. Colin Pople was a great man, accomplished in career, ballroom and love with Norman Mitchell. Colin, you were the best Latin and New Vogue coach and friend. So many memories but hard to describe at this time. Thoughts are with Norman and family at this time... a very sad day...

Allan, Jodie, Matt and Jessica

Today, Jodie and I farewelled our great friend, our dance teacher and our mentor. We will always be forever grateful to you for all that you generously gave to us. As well as that, I was very honoured to be given the responsibility to say a few words about your dancing career from start to finish today and hope I made you proud of what I delivered.

You were taken way to early from us as there was unfinished business you wanted to achieve.Although you have now been taken from this world, you will always remain in our hearts and memories.

To Norman, you have been and always shall be our friend.— with Colin Pople.

A very moving service with standing room onlyEmotional tears, evocative Edelweiss playing a stirring farewell, wonderful pictures reflecting Colin’s life and love with Norman and great stories to remember a guy who lived life to the full, ballroom dance champion and bon vivant and when it stopped, he went out with a bang!

The final serenade was a fitting tribute - save the last dance for me!!RIP young Colin, be a free spirit forever

Robert Wyld

Maid of DishonourNorm- the Brides Maid, Melinda and Ian wedding

It’s 4 am and I’m looking outside my window and my thoughts are of you. The rain has finally stopped and it’s peaceful. I’m looking at Hong Kong airport and watching planes land and take off carrying people to unknown destinations and I’m thinking - Where are you dear friend? Today .. Now yesterday, we said our final goodbyes. I hope you have been watching and listening to how many of us down here love you... As morning arrives I just wanted to say adieu friend..You will be missed... And God ,if you’re there beside him... This really sucks mate!But,if we can’t have both of them .. We’re keeping one of them...Col .. We will all take care of Normie for you ..Goodbye dancing man.. My supernova friend..Love always,Mel and Ian x

Such an inspirational man. Can’t believe it. You gave me so much when I moved to Australia, family, laughter and some of the best moments in my life where shared with you. Easily one of the most generous people on this earth, such a loss for all and you will never be forgotten Mr. Pople. We love you — with Colin Pople.

Brad Pears

I learned this morning that one of my bowling mates has passed away, he was way to young to die. He left his partner of 20 years. They had just moved overseas to start a new chapter in their exciting life, everything was full steam ahead & the future was bright for both of them. This sad occasion does make you realise that you always need to live life to the fullest. Don’t let anything get in the way of that because the reality is you never know when your time is up. RIP Colin Pople & my sincere thoughts are with his soul mate Norman Mitchell.

Feeling sad at the loss of another wonderful person today. My condolences to you Norman Mitchell. You were both such great support for me during your time in HK. Forever grateful. Be at peace Colin.

Paula Lepore Burrough

You are in our thoughts, sending much love, and knowing you will be surrounded with love at this time. A true gentleman has left us. You and Colin will always be my marina boys.

Tessa and Kenny

A little delayed but heartfelt... Our honouring of Colin Pople, a very special person and friend, who together with Norman Mitchell showed us what true generosity and kindness is. Thank you for inspiring us. You will always be remembered.

Brigida and Shawn

So shocked to hear of Colin’s passing . We were all on the Team Sydney Board together . Picture of Colin Norman and myself Mardi Gras 2013 . My deepest sympathies to you Norman . What a shock - with Carola Detrick.

Penny

Martyn and Carol visiting us from HK

Anna and John, friends from Hong Kong

I still can’t believe it is true.... I keep flashing back to all those great times with you and Norman Mitchell in Hong Kong and I’m just devastated. You were such a wonderful man and friend and you will be missed by so so many people whose lives you touched... including mine. I keep looking at my favorite photo of the 3 of us on our trip to Ireland... Love you both, RIP Colin.

Lauren - Pennyslvania

Fred Bosbous- Texas

May Colin rest in the arms of his guardian angel and may your’s keep you safe during your time of grief. The news is shocking and too hard to believe. He has left this world too soon.

Natacha Holbourn -Peng Chau, Hong Kong ·

Norman I’m just devastated to hear your news. Tears are flooding down my face as I write. Colin was such an inspiration, so full of life, energy, fun. I have such fond memories of the few years I knew you both here in Hong Kong and I will be forever grateful that Colin passed his love of Latin dance on to me. He was an amazing man and I hope that you can draw strength from the love that he had for you and the years of happy memories you shared together. Rip Colin.

Oh darling Norman Mitchell ....found this in my phone and remember how lovely it was to see you that night in Adelaide.....there will be loads of love with you on that long flight home tomorrow xx

Sarah

Chris HolbournDearest Norman, I started writing this in your Facebook post but felt it too long and a little impersonal so thought I’d pm you instead. Being as outgoing and gregarious a couple as you were You must be inundated with messages and support my friend. You are both dearly loved. Our thoughts, love and sincerest condolences to you Norman at this tragically sad time. There are no words to express how much the world will miss such a loved character. I remember fondly Colin teaching my very first dancing lesson with Natacha. I remember him having a permanent smile and the most amazing patience toward those of us with limited aptitude. I would fall all over Natacha with my clumsy feet and he would take her from me and GLIDE with her across the room. There are some things you are born with and the ability to teach I believe is one of them... And he had it in spades. From all of the wonderful comments posted, it’s plane to see, he was a VERY popular and a dearly loved man. Rest in peace dear Colin. Norman, We are here for you should you need anything at all in HKG. All you need do is ask. All our love mate. Cheers. Chris and Tach

This is from my 9 year old nephew and our god son Lachlan, for Colin Pople. I am so sorry that your partner died Norman, Colin did not deserve to die. If he stayed alive my life would be so much better, so I am so sad. I think everyone is sorry that Colin died.Colin, I will miss you, I am sorry that Colin died, everyone will miss Colin.FromLachlan, Dad, Matt, Mum, April and Jordan.Colin was awesome and so was Norman

Today is a really hard day. Today we lay to rest a brother ,uncle ,son,partner and friend to many. For me I feel like I have lost a brother and a friend. Unfortunately we can’t be there to see you off. Currently I am stuck in the middle of the ocean.When we remember what a fun person Colin was we can’t help but smile. That laugh was so infectious , powerful and loud . When I think of Colin the thoughts that go through my mind are The way he excepted people (good or bad) in his life. He is still the most generous guy I have ever known. I still remember the times on the dance floor. We use to have dance offs.(not that I could dance) The times at Samford with Bourke and wills. Tracking through New Zealand in the camper vans.To many memories to put in writing.Even though we won’t be there we will be there in spirit we will be thinking of you as we have since we had head the news.Tamara , Kiana and myself will have our own private service in Perth when I get home. Rest assured when I do get home there will be a very nice single malt whiskey with your name on it and we will have have final cheers mate. Chin Chin.This is not the time for us to grieve his death but it’s our time to celebrate his life. Don’t forget Colin, He never wanted to see people cry. He wanted to make everyone happy. So at this moment let’s all think back and remember how Colin touched our lives. How he made us laugh and how good Colin was as a person. This is not the moment for us to shed our tears but we should all be thankful that we were given the chance to have known a man named Colin.You have been taken from us way to early. Colin even though you are gone you will never be forgotten. The memories of you will be cemented in our minds forever and ever.REAST IN PEACE BRO.Thinking of the Pople family Jillian Pople ,Norman Mitchell and anyone who has been touched by this angle

Paul, Tamara and Kiana

Colin Pople, you helped me when I needed help, you helped me when I needed guidance ( well Norman Mitchell did) lol I thank you for all you did for me and my lovely partner Elie Azzi who also adores you deeply. You are forever in out hearts and we can’t believe you have left us all. But as a dancing fairy you were, we know you’ll always be dancing around us all with your love, happiness and laugher and that’s how I will remember you forever. Lots of love. David xxxx

I wrote this to him via email: Hi Colin

I can’t express the extent of my gratitude in words for what you have done. I am so blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to live beside you but more so, to have you as a friend, that I am confident will continue even once you move overseas.Norman, i can’t tell you how down I feel since hearing the sad news. I am looking forward to seeing you and giving you the biggest hugs.

Eli

Martyn and Carol - Hong KongCan’t get either of you out of our thoughts since hearing the shocking news yesterday. Martyn and I are thinking of you at this very difficult time xxx

Alex Schembri Again norman I am so shock about Colin’s death .. If u need any thing please do not hesitate..we will miss him .

Melvin Phun Hope ur doing fine norman. Its a shocking news indeed. My deepest condolence

Tess Fisher Very sorry Norman to hear about Colin. I know this is a very hard time. Colin taught my daughter , and she loved and understood her new vogue thanks to Colin

Benita And Mebs I’m too far away to get back to Brisbane, Please keep me posted if you can......I will be there with all my heart and will light a candle at this time xxxxxxxx

Craig CarlyonNorm, so sorry to hear the news. My apologies but I won’t be able to make it to Brisbane next week as I am back in Hong Kong. Might be back for the Sydney celebration of Colin’s life. Craig

Terry John Larsen Our thoughts are with you. Both Alan and I will be there for you.

Mo Roy, Norman you’re in my thoughts and prayers

Sharlene Gleeson Hey Norman i will try and get to Brisbane but definetly will be at Sydney service, i am in Matraville and if there is anything i can do let me know. Xx Sharlene

Jodie DavisThinking of you constantly Norm. You are doing an amazing job xo

Julie Humphryes My thoughts and prayers are with you Norman , am still shell shocked ! Lots of love xxx

Chris Sandison God dancers ages very very well. Unlike those other contact sports. Youthful for ever....

Michael Pizzuto and he did ... we could all see that (& vice-versa), take solice in knowing that the love you shared can never be erased, best to have loved & be loved, Colin was a wonderful person, your wonderful man, take care xxxx

Bishop Ron Langham Deepest apologies Norm but I will be in hospital for surgery from Tuesday and unable to fly. I will certainly be with you in spirit and in person in Sydney the week after. Prayers and best wishes for you.

Tim Hesford Norman. We are so sorry to hear that we have lost such a great, loving gentleman that was Colin. Our hearts and thoughts go out to you.

Jenny Hesford To be taken so suddenly, at the start of a new life in KL is so tragic. We love you both always. Jen &Tim

Sharlene Gleeson Hey Norman, i am so sorry to hear your sad news. I cant believe it. My deepest sympathy to you and Colin’s family. Sharlene xxx

Karen Watson-Tsui Thinking of you both xxxx

Tony Galluzzo So sorry Norm ... In my thoughts x

Jill Walgren You are loved by so many Love Jill

Derek Poon My thoughts are with u Norman, take care!

Niki Kala Aloha The biggest Heart, with boundless Joyful Enthusiasm and the Kindest Soul, there is no one like you Colin. xxx

Nicky Sales So sorry to hear of your loss Ben xxx genuine true people r very hard to find xxxxx so soz xxxx

Mel RuckleyNorman I’m so devastated to hear about Colin. He sure was the life of the party! And he left too soon. We will celebrate his life and we will miss him dearly. Take care and look forward to seeing you xo

Lovely photos gosh what a beautiful man xx xx xx

Julie Carter My heart goes out to you Norman. Colin will be so sadly missed but forever in our hearts. So much love to you. x

Terry Gill Aw Norman that so sweet you are a beautiful couple both with beautiful hearts....mwah

May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one touched the lives of so many others and gave them the gift of many happy memories. Cookie 1995-96

Daniel EdwardsWe weep for your loss. An absolute gentleman and legend. Our thoughts are with you and your families.

Samantha EdwardsNorman, I’m holding you in my heart at this very sad time. Please accept my deepest condolences xxx

Courtney MoarOh Norm, I’m so sorry to hear of Colin’s passing. He was such a fantastic man, I will be forever grateful to you & Colin for opening your home to me & giving me my start in life. It means the world to me. My sincere condolences to you at this devastating time xx I’m sorry I couldn’t be there in person to farewell Colin yesterday but you were both in my thoughts. It looked to be a very beautiful service & I’m sad to have missed it. Lots of love to you Norman & both of your families

Valerie Joy DeRuiterNorman I am so very very sorry for your loss. You and Colin are awesome. Thinking of you both and and sending you much love.Paula McGhie-Chandler’s Ford, United Kingdom ·Colin PopleThey say to have loved is to have lived. Look how much you were loved.May all our love be sent to Norman and all your family. May they remember your only a quick step away. RIP your life was rich in adventure and you will be missed by many x x

Terry Gill Norm my partner Jericho Japitana (jay) wanted to give his deepest love and support for you, he fondly recalls Colin would always come up to him at our rams xmas breakup and chat to him, Jay found that to be a most beautiful quality about him .....

David Kurtz Oh Norman, Heather and I are devastated at the news. Please take care and know you both are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you very much and are sending our strength and our love to you.

Rest In Peace Colin, you were truly an amazing man, So full of life, energetic, hardest worker I know. I thank you for the opportunity you gave me with my job at PGi and you always had the best stuff to say about me.. My thoughts and Prays go out to Norman and your family.

No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. But take comfort in knowing that he is now resting in the arms of our Lord. My deepest condolences to you.

Norm absolutely devistated by the news of Colin Pople both you guys played a major part in my experience of Australia! Colin was truely a great man, funny, caring a good old nosey guy, Had many great times with him an your hurt an pain is felt on the other side of the world mate ! Sorry I can.t be there for your time in need, stay strong x

Our hearts are very heavy; and our thoughts are with you Norman. Love xxx

Jodie DavisAs I woke up this morning I realised that the nightmare I had last night was in fact true and my dear friend Colin Pople has left us. To say he was an old friend doesn’t do justice to the role he played in my life. He was a wonderful friend, my teacher, my inspiration and even my matchmaker. He taught me everything I know about dance but he also taught me how to laugh and have fun and believe in myself. So many of my teenage memories have him in it. But in more recent times the lessons he taught were about relationships. The relationship Colin and Norman had is what we should all aspire to. He adored his partner and vice versa. Norm was his priority every single day and 20 years on they were stronger than they had ever been. I love and adore you both and I am so incredibly sad about losing him and incredibly sad for what you are going through Norman Mitchell. RIP Colin .. You lived your life to the fullest and achieved in every aspect of it. I’ll miss you xx

Samantha EdwardsNorman, I’m holding you in my heart at this very sad time. Please accept my deepest condolences xxxCourtney MoarOh Norm, I’m so sorry to hear of Colin’s passing. He was such a fantastic man, I will be forever grateful to you & Colin for opening your home to me & giving me my start in life. It means the world to me. My sincere condolences to you at this devastating time xx

Paula McGhie - Chandler’s Ford, United Kingdom ·

Colin PopleThey say to have loved is to have lived. Look how much you were loved.May all our love be sent to Norman and all your family. May they remember your only a quick step away. RIP your life was rich in adventure and you will be missed by many x x

Cristina Puglia Sergio and I are totally shocked. This is so hard to believe. We are really so sorry Norm. Colin has been one of the kindest person we have ever met. You 2 were and always will be in our minds and hearts an awesome couple. Take care Norm. Our thoughts go to you and Colin’s family. Big hugs xxx

Ross Johnston Bless you. You are so thoughtful. We couldn’t sleep last night thinking about Colin and you. Our thoughts are with you. We will miss our great friend Colin. Big hugs Norman

Helen Slack Aww Norman Mitchell I just wish I could reach across and give you a very tight hug. I was up late thinking of you and woke up thinking of you, had a smile reading your previous comments re ‘chicken in a bag’. Keep strong sweetheart you’re very much loved

Sabrina Kwok *hugs* stay strong, Norman, stay strong

Wayne David Clark He gave so much to so many people. What a great man.

Marmaduke Hanson Thinking of you. Anything you need from this end, please call.

Such a beautiful soul gone too soon. I am so sorry for your loss x

Michael Pizzuto Beautiful ... Colin’s strength will be with you to get through this terrible loss, he wants to see you always happy, like in this pic, keep that thought with you Norm xxxx

Choon Hong The - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ·It’s sad that we didn’t get to spend much time in KL apart from your ciggy break at the One World hotel when you came over to pick up Norman Mitchell, which I felt your sincerity thanking me for sorting out his squash needs.It’s quite clear that life is so fragile and you never know what could come next. But I’m very sure you’re at a better place now and may your soul RIP.

From: Bill Harris

Sent: Thursday, 7 May 2015 8:06 AM

To: ‘Norman Mitchell’

Cc: Judy Harris

Subject: Vail - Coin Pople

Hello NormanIt is Judy, Bill’s wife, writing here. I don’t have your info in my contacts so have used Bill’s email. I wanted to say how very sad I am for you. I can’t imagine your grief. Since we have been aware of his death, I can’t stop thinking of Colin. But you know, everytime I do he is laughing and has a great smile on his beautiful face and is really working the crowd. How we had some good times back in the old Swann days. Colin was always centre stage if he was around, and everyone loved him.

We can’t be with you today in Brisbane but please know that we will be thinking of you and sending all our love and hugs to you, yours and Colin’s families. I noticed that you asked for photos for today’s service, and you know I had some good ones, but unfortunately we lost them during the floods in Brisbane when our goods were stored in a shed on the river at Yeronga. I don’t know if you ever knew the story about me and Colin when you two first started dating…….I have a dear friend who I have known for nearly 30 years now and I set him up with Colin for a date. He came in to Swann to meet him and Colin took him to lunch. I was quite excited for them both. Colin came back and said that he was sorry he had to tell me, but he had only just the week before met this really hot guy who had stolen his heart. And he thought it was without doubt, going to go somewhere. The rest is history as they say. Mark often asked after Colin because he had made such an impression on him. And after meeting you, I wasn’t too sorry that my mate had missed out. You were indeed, everything that Colin said you were.We were the lucky ones to have known him and are all the richer for having him in our lives. We are living at Noosa and if you ever have the need or desire, please just give us a ring and come see us. Would love to see you.Best wishes and strength for today.

LuvJudy (and Bill) Bill HARRIS

Malaysia Apartment

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:MALAYSIA:

Tonight from 6pm till around 8pm and Tomorrow I think around 9-7ishat NV Care - Mezzanine Floor, Wisma Virvana, No 1, Jalan 1/116A, Off Jaalan Sungai Besi, 57100 KL

BRISBANE:

Funeral to be held at Thursday 7 May 12 noonGreat Southern Garden of Remembrance1774-1794 Mt Cotton RoadCARBROOK

On behalf of the Pople’s and Mitchell’s, Colin and myself would love for you to be there to help celebrate Colin Pople Life and if you can’t make it for the funeral then on the day of the funeral please raise a glass of Shiraz in Colin’s honour

SYDNEY:

TO BE ARRANGED THE FOLLOWING WEEKHONG KONG:

TO BE ARRANGED IN MAY 2015

Norman Mitchell

One last trip together home to family and friends, unfortunately we cant sit together but you are right beside me— travelling to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia with Tracy Martin and 2 others from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.Some flower arrangements from the service here in KL for Colin Pople thank you for those here that came and paid their respects

To my soul mateColin:

As the sunsets on our lives togetherYou will be with me forever

As I think about the friends we madeOur memories will never fade

All the adventures we had along the wayAll the fun, laughter and play

One day we will meet againthen there will be no pain

You will always be in my heartAnd we will never be apart

RIP my mate until we meet again.

Norman xxxxxx