| Location | Exmouth |
| Age | 28 years |
| Cause of Death | Suicide |
| Date of Birth | 23/03/1979 |
| Date of Death | 03/06/2007 |
| Visitors | 3,991 since 02/07/2007 |
| Creator |
'Weep not for me and sorrow take; just love my children for my sake'
Martin Collett lived in Exmouth, but was born in Cheltenham. He took his own life on 3rd June 2007
after a particularly bad period in his life. He was 28 years old and leaves his widow and 2
children. He was also greatly loved by his mum, dad, 2 sisters, 2 nephew, 2 nieces, uncles,
aunties, friends and in laws on both sides of the family and also his step daughter Jasmine.
It’s a very hard thing, when a person has died, for those who are left behind to put into words
what it is they feel.
But here are some things, some words, that have been shared with me about Martin, that I now share
with you – some thoughts and memories of the person Martin has been:
Martin was a kind, a genuine, a compassionate and helpful person who would do anything for anyone.
He was a wonderful father, being at the birth of Jordan and Tristan, his two children, who he loved
very much.
He’d often buy presents for them, like train sets, (though often he’d enjoy playing with the
things he’d bought them just about as much as they did. There was always, in the best sort of way,
something of the ‘big kid’ about him – a child at heart).
He was full of life, full of energy, full of excitement, scampering about as the nickname
‘Scamp’ tells you. He couldn’t sit still for 5 minutes, and was always in a hurry, dashing
about from A to B. When he had something to tell you… it could be difficult to keep up!
He was quite a character, quite a joker, a comedian, and had a great sense of humour. Annoying as
his laugh might be found,… you couldn't help but join in.
He worked for years as a maintenance worker in a care home with his accomplice, Terry. Several
stories could be told, including Martin managing somehow to stick electrical wire in his eye,
setting alarms off and claiming it was a test, and teaching staff how to clean up after his and
Terry’s maintenance endeavours, all of which earned him their nickname ‘Bodgit and Scarper’!
His adventures with DIY also continued at home. One of his projects was to wire the bathroom. He did
such a ‘good’ job that when you put the bathroom light on… the TV in the front room would go
off!
A great deal more could be said about Martin.
He was a very lovable character, loved by a lot of people, who’s left a big whole in the lives of
those who knew him. He will be sadly missed.
Martin was my husband and friend. We had our ups and downs but he meant the world to me and now he
has gone there is a big hole in my life that i don't know how to fill. I miss you Scamp so much you
were my everything if you'd only realised it.
Dear Martin
I went to the Chapel of Rest today to collect the rest of your belongings. I have started to read your diary and am beginning to understand how you were feeling about everything and everyone. I'm glad you felt we had been close the week before you died and I wouldn't change that. I just wish you realised that it was the start of a new beginning for us. I know how angry people are with me but now I know how you felt that is all that matters to me. I promise to look after your children and do as best a job as I can. They love you so much. School is tough for them right now. See you in my dreams babe. Love you xxxx
Sorry I never told you
all I wanted to say
and now its too late to hold you
cos you've flown so far away
Never had I imagined
living without your smile
feeling, knowing you hear me
it keeps me alive
I know you're shining down on me from heaven
like so many friends we've lost along the way
and I know eventually we'll be together
one sweet day
Darling I never showed you
I just assumed you'd always be there
I told your presence for granted
But I always cared and miss the love we shared
I miss you so much xxxxxx
Tribute from Gregory Distribution Ltd to accompany photo in gallery
Following the tragic death of Cullompton driver Martin Collett in June this year, his very brave sons, Jordan and Tristan, expressed an interest in visiting the Cullompton depot where their dad worked and taking a look at the type of lorry he drove.
Soon after Martin's funeral, the two lads came along and were looked after by Transport Manager, Willy Nimmo who, along with everyone else who met them, were impressed by their character, fortitude and understanding.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Martin's family and, in particular, with these two remarkable boys.
dear Martin
I don't know how to put into words how much I miss you. I think about you every minute. Tristan had a bad dream last night and came into bed with me. He looks just like you and I know the dream was about you, not that he would tell me. Jordan misses you too and so do I. I love you so much and wish you were here to hold me. I wear some of your ashes in a locket round my neck and feel close to you when I touch it. Have a good week in paradise. xxxxxxxxxxxxx
The poem from your funeral
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die
my heart goes out to you kate.
kate i am thinking of you and martin a lot.my heart goes out to you,i know how you are feeling,in time we learn to live with the loss of our loved ones,the pain does get a bit easier.martin would be so proud of you,keep your chin up for the boys you will find the strenghth to carry on.if you need to talk e-mail me hun.xxxx love always caz.
thinking of you dear Kate...I had terrible rows the week before Trevor died we do this because we are human ...
DO YOU HEAR ME CRYING?
Sitting here remembering,
The smile upon your face
And how it made the world light up
You were full of heavenly grace.
No longer can I see your face
For you are with God above
But your loving smile will always be
Tucked in my heart with love.
I know you wouldn’t want to see
Me crying the way I do,
But losing you was a part of me
And days, I can’t make it through.
Do you hear me crying?
It’s because some days I’m down
I look around for you,
But you’re nowhere to be found.
Only pictures now remain of you;
Special songs that meant so much
So if you hear me crying,
It’s because I can’t feel your touch.
Sometimes I think I see you,
On a crowded street or mall.
I then run up and call your name,
But it wasn’t you at all.
My heart still aches in sadness
And tears, oh how they flow!
What it meant to lose you,
No one will ever know.
So, if you hear me crying,
It’s something I can’t control
Just understand my darling,
When I’m again with you, I’ll be whole.
“Author”
Ruth Ann Mahaffey
©copyright Sept 2007
I want you and everyone to know I did NOT know you were going to take your own life. I promise you if I had known I'd have tried to stop you. I wanted things back to normal - still do. A piece of me died with you xxxx
Dear Martin
Struggling more than ever. I know I did wrong by you and if I could turn the clock back God knows I would. If I could swap places with you I would. If it wasn't for Jordan and Tristan I would be with you now. I'm so sorry for everything I've done and hope you forgive me. I know you do from the strength you give me but needed to say it. I love and miss you so much its lke a physical pain. Be happy my love.
Love Always
Kate xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
to kate im thinkin of u. I know life is very tough but Martin will be sendin u strength from heaven i know sometimes u wnt feel stron i still dnt. It's just gone 10 mnths since riku took his own life n life does at times seem to be gettin harder as i miss him more n more each day. Our middle son Kane started secondary school two weeks ago seeing him go of in his uniform all smart broke my heart cos riku werent here with us, i bet u have days where u jst don't want to get out of bed i do too, but i got too for my boys. You will find strength kate im sorry to blabber on bout me feel free to email me anytime n say how u feel as sometimes it's easier to chat to a stranger who been through the same thing take care hun stay strong for yr children love always debbie
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