In Memoriam Colin J. Wall, Co-President of the World Forum of Mediation Centres

It is with great sadness that we have to announce that our Co-President and dear friend Colin J. Wall passed away on the morning of July 16.

As many of you know, Colin had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about a year ago. He was taken care of by the best doctors in the UK and the US and his treatment proved very successful. We were all hoping to see him in good health soon.

Right before he was to travel to the US for surgery, he had a stroke and was hospitalized for a few days in the UK before being allowed to go back home. But during that time his cancer had irreversibly progressed and he left this world on Thursday morning.

Colin was one of the most respected arbitrators and mediators in the world and particularly in the field of construction.

His involvement in the Forum dates back to our first meeting in 2001 where he represented the Hong Kong Mediation Council. His interest and commitment to the Forum and its management  led to his years as Deputy President, then Co-President with Thierry Garby  and finally as Co-President with Fabienne van der Vleugel.

Colin had hoped to have our next forum in Hong Kong but decided to put this project on hold until he was sure to be rid of his cancer. Unfortunately, this proved him wise again.

His input in the Forum was just phenomenal. He was certainly the most experienced mediator and trainer among us. His knowledge and experience enabled him to guide us in the selection of the best speakers and topics and in taking the best initiatives. Though he had experience in the largest cases, he never built his self-image on it. On the contrary, he was always thinking of new ways to help new mediators and mediation centres to gain knowledge from his experience.

Beyond his considerable professional input, we shall always remember him as a cheerful friend who was always keen to share drinks, dinner and songs with all of us.

For us at the forum, the loss of Colin is like the loss of part of our soul. A few years ago, he wrote the history of the Forum with a focus on its beginning because it was so dear to him. We are attaching this text for those of you who haven’t followed the Forum or seen Colin for a while. It perfectly captures his involvement in and his influence on the Forum.

We should not forget the important part he played in the ICC Mediation Competition. He and Alan Limbury have written and edited the competition problems since the beginning of the competition and made significant contributions to its incredible success. Last year he presented the  book he had prepared with Greg Bond, a selection of ICC Competition problems, to ensure that future students can benefit from lessons learned, all the copyrights being paid to a charity to help research on pancreatic cancer.

Colin was always thinking of our future. But now our future will have to be lived without him by our side. But he and his influence will remain in our minds and hearts.

Fabienne van der Vleugel, President of the World Forum of Mediation Centres                                                                   

Thierry Garby, President Emeritus of the World Forum of Mediation Centres