An obituary for Colin Dean (TL 1947)
Colin Dean pictured with Highgate’s Head, Adam Pettitt
Words by Jenny Dean
Colin Dean (TL1947), 1935 - 2022
For Colin Dean, whose death was announced in May of this year, school days at Highgate were a very happy time, mainly due to his love of sport. As a cricketer, he established an awesome reputation as an outstanding slow left arm bowler. He teamed up with his fellow spin twin, John Dare, establishing a formidable partnership. In Wisden's 1951 review of the public schools cricket season, it was noted that Highgate won 14 of its 15 1st XI matches and added that 'the chief strength lay in the spin bowling of C. Dean (slow medium left arm) and J. Dare (medium pace off spin). Colin's 83 wickets, including all 10 against the MCC, at a rate of only 7.48 off 248 overs, was quite a remarkable achievement. It remains a school record for wickets taken in a season and was particularly notable as he was only 16 years of age.
Later in Colin’s life the Old Cholmeleians were invited to participate in the Cricketer Cup. Colin was the automatic choice as team captain and he skippered the side between 1969 and 1988. Colin enjoyed club cricket for many years, particularly playing for the OC’s, North Mymms, and several wandering sides.
At the age of 40, Colin took to the Real Tennis Court. He soon became a skilled player of the “game of kings” and won many amateur competitions, becoming British and world champion in several age groups . He also represented the Old Cholmeleians in the Cattermull Cup Doubles tournament with fellow OC Andrew Lloyd. Colin was a natural sports administrator and was chairman of numerous committees including the Tennis and Rackets Association, the International Real Tennis committee as well as his home club, Hatfield House RTC. He was widely respected as an effective chairman, with the ability to persuade committee members to compromise to the consensus position that he wanted!
Real tennis provided a wonderful opportunity for Colin and his wife, Jenny, to visit Australia several times, making lifelong friends there as well as throughout the sporting world.
When Colin could no longer run about the tennis court, golf beckoned. He was fortunate as he entered his mid 70s to have a new sport that provided yet another challenge and of course was very sociable. He enjoyed playing with the OC Golfing Society at Highgate where he won The Kelly Cup three years running. It has only just been returned to Highgate!
Colin was a true Corinthian and embodied all that is good in amateur sport, but his life wasn’t just sport. After leaving Highgate, he worked for Esso, specialising in Tankers, and later joined Petroleum Economics Ltd, where he became a Director. He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather, and a good friend to many. A man who loved his music, especially jazz and opera, and holidays with his family, most notably to Italy. He leaves Jenny, his daughter Emma and his son William, who is Headteacher of Highgate Primary School.