A “VIBRANT” Bewdley truck driver who “lit up a room” whenever he walked into it has died in a crash in Canada while doing the job he loved.
Brett Colley, 45, was working as an HGV driver when he was killed in the smash on November 13 — weeks before a planned Christmas family reunion.
The married father of one had moved to Canada from the town 18 months ago in a bid to build a future for his family.
He was employed by North American firm H and R Transport as a truck driver, a skill he had learned while serving in the Army about 20 years ago.
Mr Colley, a former Bewdley High School student, was working when the accident happened. He was sharing the driving with his co-driver, who is in a serious condition following the crash.
Paying an emotional tribute to him, his sister Alex Fidoe, who now lives in Australia, said: “He was a very vibrant person, full of personality.
He was one of those people who lit up a room when he walked in.
“If you sent him down the street for a loaf of bread it would take him two hours because everyone he bumped into he knew.”
Speaking to The Shuttle at the family home in The Woodlands Park, Dowles Road, Mrs Fidoe added: “He had such a big heart. He was very kind natured and very much a family man. He was always smiling.”
Her brother’s death has been particularly emotional for Mrs Fidoe, as she met his Russian wife Svetlana and son Misha, 4, for the first time on Monday, after flying in from Australia.
His mother Rita Colley said: “We were all going to get together at Christmas this year. That was going to be a good reunion.”
She added Mr Colley developed a passion for truck driving after he joined the Army , aged 18 , and he served in the 39th Regiment Royal Artillery for
six years.“That’s where he got his licence,” said Mrs Colley. “He went to places like the Falklands , Croatia and worked for the United Nations in Bosnia.
“We have heard from the regiment. They have sent cards and I thought that was amazing.”She added: “[Brett] loved his kebabs. He liked swimming and got all his qualifications to be a deep sea diver. He loved fast cars.
“He liked science fiction and was a Star Trek fanatic.”
Mr Colley’s wife, whom he met in London, described him as a “very good father” and “family man”.
His funeral will take place on Friday, December 14 at St Anne’s Church, Bewdley at 12.30pm, followed by a gathering at the Bewdley Bowling Club in Severnside North.
Just seen this in my local newspaper.
So sad.