Today marks the first anniversary of Colin Dexter’s death. A death that is still strongly felt by not only his readers but those who watch the TV shows.
Though many of you may not have read Colin’s novels and short stories we should all give thanks to the man. If not for Colin’s novels there would be none of our favourite TV shows. No Morse. No Lewis and no Endeavour.
Colin charmed us not only through his books, lectures and appearances at book festivals but also with his adorable cameo appearances in the three TV shows. Though the Endeavour show pays respect to Colin by having his likeness appear in each episode it is of course not the same as having the man himself enjoying his time in front of the camera.
His death was of course tragic and saddening but what compounds that sadness is knowing that there will never be any more Colin Dexter novels or short stories. No more lectures or appearances at book festivals. No more of those adorable, lovely cameo appearances.
Some quarters are trying to raise money to have a statue of Colin erected in Oxford. Personally, I believe this idea to be rather ostentatious. What I have gleaned about the man through various outlets and in particular his friends, I believe Colin would be embarrassed having his likeness sculpted and erected in Oxford.
I believe a simple wooden bench with a plaque would be more suitable. The bench could be placed in one of his favourite spots in Oxford; the Ashmolean, Christ Church Meadows or the Botanic Gardens. A bench in any of these locations would be perfect.
There is a memorial service being held for Colin on the 26th April at Christ Church Cathedral and then the Town Hall in Oxford. I feel very privileged to have been invited. But, I am feeling nervous that I have been asked to speak for a few minutes especially when the other speakers include the novelist Philip Pullman. I will of course write a post about the memorial service.
Below are videos and posts I have written about Colin over the past few years. Enjoy and remember the great man.
Colin Dexter: Another Double Sighting in a Lewis Episode. Click Here.
More Sightings of Colin Dexter in Lewis. Click Here.
Double Sighting of Colin Dexter in the Lewis Episode, ‘Allegory of Love’. Click Here.
I agree that a lovely bench in one (or more) of his favorite ‘spots’ would be a most fitting honor for our Colin Dexter. I mean no disrespect to those who are wanting to erect a statue of him, I know that that is meant with the greatest of respect and love as well!
Wow, what an honour to speak at the memorial service. I am sure you will do well, Chris. You will be representing all of us fans.
I agree the bench is a lovely idea, far better than a statue.
Memories are the Paradise of the mind. With your knowledge and love of all things Morse and Colin Dexter you’ll do a wonderful job of speaking at the memorial service.
Ditto on the memorial bench- Wonderful idea respectful but very nice way of expressing human love for someone- occasionally you will see them in cemeteries- its just thoughtful.
But he did, did he not, go to Cambridge?
Yes, he did.