We were so sad to hear about Colin. We both have very fond memories of him. Andrew first met Colin at Michael’s stag do and found him instantly very likeable. He was always full of interesting facts and seemed to know more than anyone else! He had a great sense of fun and made everyone feel very comfortable in his company. Andrew spent a few days in the Ardeche with Colin and Graham visiting Alison and Michael on their honeymoon. One of the scariest moments was Colin and Graham taking it in turns to speed along in torrential rain from the south of France to try to make it to the ferry on time! Thankfully they made it! While on holiday they had lots of fun canoeing on the Ardeche, eating al fresco, competing with Colin at getting the best suntan (one of Colin’s favourite pastimes!) and listening to Colin and Graham try to out-banter each other! Kim and Colin were flatmates in two separate houses . He always lit up the room with his smile and laugh and he was just the tonic we needed if we were feeling down. Colin introduced us to jaffles! He loved making us his famous toasted sandwiches, the name coming back with him from his time in Australia. We know Colin will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. Andrew and Kim

I have many happy memories of working with Colin over 24 years when he was, first, assistant editor and then editor. As chairman of Church of England Newspaper, I knew how hard Colin worked and how good he was at his work, often in challenging circumstances. He had his finger on the pulse on what was happening in the Church. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.

Remembering Colin with much affection and thankfulness for his encouragement and faith when I started out at the CEN and over the years we worked together. As others have said, he was a true professional. Never forgotten.

I've been reflecting on things that I remember Colin, my very first editor as a newbie journalist in the late '90s, for, and here are some stand outs: - Making me type ridiculously fast, by hovering over my shoulder at deadline! I still bash things out at speed, in a way that always slightly freaks out colleagues who haven't had to work to deadline. - Sending me to a press conference announcing a new flying Bishop at Lambeth Palace with a (non digital) disposable camera, and asking me to come back with a printable photo. I failed miserably, being so mortified by having to ask the PA photographers with their proper lenses to excuse me as I crept up close to get a photo, that I put my finger over the lens when I pressed the button. - Graciously sending me down to Devon overnight to get a decent interview with a Christian surfer, a great reward for covering my first Lambeth Conference, since it involved being in the sea for work! - And, this summer, taking the time to reply to an email I sent letting him know I had launched a freelance career, and wishing me all the best. Colin, you will be much missed.

I was so sorry to hear this news. I have known Colin as a fellow religious affairs journalist for many years and always enjoyed his company. He was always ready to get up really early on a Sunday morning to do a load of live interviews on the BBC Local Radio stations about the big church stories. A true professional and a lovely person to know. My condolences to you all. Alex

I am so sorry to hear of this dreadful news for you as a family, and for the wider community whom the CEN served. It has been a pleasure over the last couple of months to engage with your father over the last two months as he invited comment on the areas of my specialism. My deepest condolences to your household

colin was a such a great boss and editor of mine. He was always so full of ideas and a great drinking buddy. always enjoyed going down the pub every lunchtime with him and having some pints . which is rare for a boss and employee! so very sad!

What? I can’t believe it, just had 3 more articles ready to send over to him for CofE Newspaper, I am shocked and saddened Colin was a great editor colleague and friend. So very sad.

What sad news. I worked with Colin over decades at the CEN which he held together over so many years. Thank God for his life. A lovely guy, always fair, sensible and easy to deal with.

So saddened to hear this news. Colin was so full of life. He was an absolute joy to work for... I genuinely am so devastated to hear this news today. My thoughts are with his lovely wife Libby ... taken too soon 🙏

RIP dear Colin. Happy memories of working together at the CEN in the 1990s, and that great holiday in Normandy. Libby, Mikey and Naomi, I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find strength and comfort in knowing how much Colin was loved and respected.

Thank you Lord for Colin’s huge contribution to church press... shaping discussion, debate and bringing issues of importance to light in his working life. Personally speaking, Colin encouraged my writing and articles and always left a kind word in an email... Our loss will be heaven’s gain...

I only ever knew Colin as my editor, so apart from the very occasional phone call, everything was done by email, but I'd have loved to meet him in person over a drink. He was a fantastic guy to work for: he was generous with his work, he trusted me completely in what I wrote and he often showed valued appreciation for longer pieces. These things inspired me to give my best for him, to repay that trust. It was Colin that gave me my first proper break some 20 years ago. His death has come as a real shock, and without the chance to say, "Thank you for everything." So I can't imagine how hard it must have hit his family. Deep condolences to you all.

So sad to read this news. A most engaging man I had the pleasure to meet on a couple of occasions. Blessings for his family. Prayers assured. Br Graham-Michoel OSBC.

I will never forget Colin bringing his family to a book launch of mine in Covent Garden. I was so touched by his enthusiasm and support, his kindness and love - and by the unity and joie de vivre of his family. He struck me then as the embodiment of an open-hearted Christian - non-judgmental, caring, empathetic and tremendous fun. After that, he let me write many articles for CEN on faith and film, never once asking me to change anything, trusting me completely, making as much room as I needed in the paper. He was without doubt the best newspaper boss I have ever had the privilege of working with, a gentleman and a friend. I was gutted to hear the news yesterday. I am so sorry for Colin's beautiful family. This is an inexplicable and incalculable loss to Christian journalism and, to those who loved him, to life itself. Mark Stibbe

I thank God for the life and ministry of Colin Blakely - promoted to glory. Colin was a wise and witty broadcaster and I will miss him. I pray that all the family and friends will know the Comforter's embrace and peace at this time. J.John Reverend Canon

A lovely, warm person and, as an editor, a pleasure to work with. Though many will be feeling his loss, my thoughts and prayers are particularly with the family.

Such a shock to hear this news this morning. Colin was a wonderful colleague, and a great friend. He and I both spent too much time with each other in various pubs over the years but they were always great times. He was fun, knowledgeable and incredibly generous. Libby, Mikey and Naomi - I’ll be praying for you. Andrew Carey

Colin was all you could dream of in a friend - witty, wise, water-tight with confidences and full of unconditional love. He embodied what it was to "keep on keeping on" and constantly encouraged me to do the same. He was devoted to his family, of whom he was so proud, and was a huge source of encouragement and inspiration to me. I will miss him, and his laugh, so very very much.

I am all too aware of the pain that comes with losing a loved one in this manner and my heart goes out to the family and friends of this beloved man. I am truly sorry for your loss and hope you can find comfort in memories and the time spent together. All my love to you all.

We hope that you find this tribute to Colin a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.