Obituary: Colin Morley

Colin Morley was described as "loving and compassionate"

Tributes have been pouring in from all over the globe for a man who really did try to change the world.

Colin Morley, a 52-year-old father from north London, was described as a genius in the world of advertising and marketing.

He used his brilliant communication skills to try to help charities and businesses understand their brand and, on a wider scale, he tried to change the world of media and marketing into a force for social good.

His latest project, called Be The Change, encourages people and organisations to find ways to improve ethically, socially, environmentally and personally.

Bringing joy to other people was his aim, he once said.

Our lives are forever changed, but we carry his positive spirit in us and will continue to spread his desire for peace and love in the world, and his wish to make the world a better place Ros Morley

And a glimpse at the Be The Change website (see internet links right), where 25,000 words of tributes have been posted, shows how Mr Morley's work and philosophy touched the lives of so many.

He was killed on the Tube train near Edgware Road, but some of the messages posted on the website suggest his ideas will live on.

His wife Ros Morley wrote: "Colin was a wonderful husband and father. No words could ever express our great love for him and his love for us, his family.

"He was a rare shining star in all ways, and he touched the hearts and souls of so many.

"He leaves a huge gap in our lives. He gave his time to so many people and interests, and wherever he went he left a most magical beautiful light.

"Our lives are forever changed, but we carry his positive spirit in us and will continue to spread his desire for peace and love in the world, and his wish to make the world a better place."

Considerable talents

Colin Morley grew up in Crosby, Liverpool, and went to grammar school in Leeds and then the London School of Economics.

His progressive and ethical approach to advertising took him around the globe, with clients such as One 2 One.

Despite his considerable talents and vision, he was a humble man who instantly made a deep impression on those he met, of whom there were thousands.

On the Be The Change website, Mr Morley's brother Brian wrote: "Colin was my brother and my best friend. He was also my mentor, as he clearly was for so many people.

"I will miss him more than words can say, but I am also immensely proud of him, of what he was doing, and of the impact that he has had on so many peoples' lives."

Colin was inspiring, loving, compassionate, supportive and a fun loving friend and colleague Helen Nelson

Frank Dixon, Mr Morley's business partner, wrote: "Colin is a spiritual brother and soulmate as well as my business partner.

"He cares very deeply for the future of this planet. He committed his life to working for the good of all people present and future.

"He is passionate about reforming advertising, marketing and media - making them forces for social good.

"I believe he will continue to work with us to achieve these goals."

Colleague Helen Nelson wrote: "Colin was inspiring, loving, compassionate, supportive and a fun loving friend and colleague.

"Colin had a huge capacity for forgiveness which I will always hold as I continue this journey. My love and respect to Colin and his family always."

'Inner beauty'

Julia Hausermann, who runs Rights and Humanity, a charity Mr and Mrs Morley had supported, wrote: "He was so generous with his time and enthusiasm and an inspirational colleague and friend. A very special soul."

Lawrence Bloom, a colleague in Be The Change, wrote: "Colin is a tall ship sailing the seas of consciousness with clarity and humility.

"He was my friend. We sailed for a short time together teaching and learning from each other, of forgiveness and the illusion of separation, of joy and enlightenment, of eternity and infinity.

"He was a man of great inner beauty and strength."

Mr Morley is survived by his wife and three sons.