Shock death of ‘best driver in the world’

DRIVER Grahame Collinge

A DEDICATED and much-loved coach driver, described by his boss as the best in the world, has died.

Grahame Collinge, from Middleton Road, Chadderton, died suddenly last Wednesday aged 64.

Mr Collinge had been due back that day from touring the Isle of White with customers when he suffered a heart attack.

Born in 1944, Mr Collinge started working as a civil engineer before becoming a coach driver in 1965.

He toured the UK and Europe for different coach companies and had worked for Swan Travel Ltd, based in Broadway Business Park, for the past 12 years.

Kieran Swindells, managing director, said: “He was the best driver in the world, charismatic, professional, honest and proud, an absolute angel.

“I’ve got customers who have used us for years because they knew they were getting him as a driver. He became more than a driver, he was a friend, and he helped all the younger drivers and shared his experience.

“He was a wonderful man, irreplaceable, with a fantastic personality and part of the family.

“His death has affected us immensely and left a massive void.”

His daughter, Christina Albert, described her father as the “kindest, most-loving” father and grandfather.

She said: “He was a true professional and spent hours before every tour researching in the library to make sure he knew something about the place and had anecdotes.

“He made people’s holidays because, for him, it was all about the passengers and he tried to make it special for people.

“He was very considerate and thoughtful, and there will not be one person who can say a bad word against him.”

In his spare time, he was an avid trainspotter and loved spending time with his family.

Mrs Albert said: “His death was totally unexpected and the family is absolutely devastated.

“But we have also been completely overwhelmed by how many people have taken time to tell us stories about him.

“It is a great comfort to us and we are so proud of him.

“The family wants to thank Swan Travel for all their help.”

He is survived by former wife, Doreen, children Christina, Karen and Stuart, and grandchildren Jack, George and Laura.

The funeral will be held at Hollinwood Crematorium on Thursday at 12.30pm.

Family flowers only but donations can be made to the Christie Hospital in memory of his mother Harriet Collinge.