A GRIMSBY man who helped to establish contact with Icelandic traders after the arduous Cod Wars has been remembered as a "loyal and generous friend to many".
Colin Harrison, of Augusta Street, sadly passed away at the age of 76 on Sunday evening after a short battle with illness.
A devoted father and grandfather, Colin enjoyed a successful career on the Grimsby fish docks, working his way up from a position as a cold storage officer, to becoming an "influential figure" in the town's fishing industry, after forming vital ties with traders in Iceland following the Cod Wars.
Born on August 30, 1938 to Edward and Ethel Harrison, Colin attended St James' Choir School in Bargate.
Colin first entered the world of work as an errand boy for Harold Pettit of butchers Pettit and Sons.
At the age of 18, he followed in his father's footsteps by joining the Royal Horse Artillery as part of his National Service.
On his return he began searching for work along the booming fish docks and found employment at H Mudd and Son Ltd.
His qualities were soon realised and he progressed to become cold store manager, before joining the sales team after catching the eye of sales director John Holt.
It was during this time that he met his future wife Christine, who worked in the purchasing department at the company.
They subsequently married in 1963 and had two daughters – Debbie and Jill.
After H Mudd and Son Ltd were taken over by Associated Fisheries, Colin and John formed new company North Wall Fish Ltd.
But after John sadly passed away, Colin decided he needed a change.
A chance meeting with old work colleague Brett Aisthorpe followed and Colin joined him at established fish merchants Quick Fish Ltd.
It was during this period in which Colin was able to build up vital links with traders in Iceland, Norway and France following the Cod Wars, due in no small part to his "integrity and good name".
His daughters Jill Harrison-Frean and Debbie Cartwright paid tribute to their father, describing him as a "loving, loyal and generous man".
Jill said: "He was a true gent and someone who put everyone else before himself. One of his friends said he gave so much but asked for nothing in return and I think that is absolutely true. He was a loyal and generous friend to many."
Debbie added: "He was a good listener and always very honest. He did things by the book. We will miss him and he will leave a big hole in our family.
Current managing director of Grimsby's Seafood Express Steve Fox, who worked with Colin at Quick Fish Ltd, said: "I will remember him for the guy he was – an astute businessman, a great character."
The funeral service will take place at Grimsby Crematorium on Tuesday, February 3, at 9.40am.
