Former Cobar Fire Station 256 brigade captain Colin Jones passed away on Saturday after a very long battle with cancer.
The 45 year old father of three died peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning at his home surrounded by his family and friends.
He is remembered as a “true gentleman, an all round great bloke and the nicest person you could meet”.
Colin and his wife Belinda moved to Cobar 15 years ago when Colin was transferred through his job with National Parks & Wildlife.
He joined the Fire & Rescue NSW Station 256 Brigade as a retained firefighter in June 2004, was made deputy captain in 2007 and then was appointed station captain in 2008.
Due to illness, Colin stepped down as the brigade’s captain in July 2012.
In September 2012 he received the NSW Fire & Rescue’s National Medal of Honour which recognised his long and diligent service to the community.
Long after his retirement Colin continued to offer his support and assistance in an unofficial role to the 256 brigade.
Colin was involved with the Cobar Junior Soccer Club for a number of years and also did a lot of volunteering in the community.
In April 2011 Colin was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He underwent major surgery to remove the tumour and then chemotherapy. Following a lengthy recovery period, it appeared that Colin had beaten the disease however in April 2012 he was diagnosed with a secondary terminal cancer.
Once again he started treatment which involved more sessions of chemotherapy at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.
In August 2012 the Cobar Rugby Club stepped in to help Colin and his family out by fundraising $24,000 to help with his medical and travel expenses.
At that stage Colin’s prognosis wasn’t very good however he defied all the odds and continued to fight his cancer up until his death last Saturday.
He leaves behind his wife Belinda and their three children Marley 12, Brayden 10 and Sienna 7.
Colin’s funeral will be held tomorrow in Tenterfield and a memorial service will be held in Cobar later this month.
