COLIN OSWALD 07.10.1934 – 18.03.2024

Portrait by CHRIS DOUGLAS (JSPC)

It is with great sadness that I received news of Colin passing away.

He was diagnosed with terminal cancer a few months ago so he made the time and effort to attend the range as much as possible. He ensured that all members were aware of his condition and felt it important to carry on as much as normal as possible.

That was his manner, taking all in his stride, never letting anything seem too difficult to tackle. A totally unselfish person, willing to assist anyone with any problem. He will certainly be missed by everyone who knew him, socially, professionally, and in the shooting community.

These are just some of the messages received from the Scotland Gallery Rifle and Pistol Squad, and later from club members and other UK shooters:

Colin was a long standing Club member, Club Committee member, Club Chairman, until recently Scotland Team Manager, competitor and no doubt there are other things of which I’m not aware.  He also regularly took on timer duties at our Club / Open Comps.  Many of you will know Colin from this range of activities.

Colin was a genuinely nice guy and I am sure will be missed by many on many levels.

Extremely sad to hear the news tonight regarding the passing of Colin Oswald. He’ll be sorely missed by many, such a great guy and a massive loss to everyone that knew him. Colin was a founding member of the Scotland Gallery Rifle Team and managed the team for 16+ years. I was speaking to him at the Nationals last year and he was saying he didn’t think he’d manage to attend due to his health but didn’t want it to be the first time he’d missed Bisley since 1986! That’s some achievement. Thoughts are with his friends and family.

My deepest sympathy to his family a true gentleman

Sad to hear the news, my condolences to his family and all who knew him….bless

This is incredibly sad news. Colin was a significant part of Scottish shooting over decades (from running a club, hosting competitions, working with SPA, STS and co-founding the GR Squad, the list goes on). Hugely valued his friendship and knowledge and will miss his slight dour but humorous view on shooting performance – match-meets will not be the same.

Condolences to Colin’s family, friends and JSPC Oh how very sad. He was a great guy. Our Scottish teams owe him a lot. He will be sorely missed. Thinking of the family he leaves behind

So very sorry to hear that – condolences to his family and his shooting friends.

Deepest condolences to all at jspc and to Colin’s family.

I’m really sorry to hear that.  Colin was a lovely gentleman and will be missed by many.

This is deeply saddening news – I liked and respected Colin very much and will miss seeing and chatting with him at the range. He was, as you say, a genuinely nice guy and will undoubtedly be missed greatly by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

This is hugely sad news. Colin was a significant presence in Scottish shooting and a superb advocate for the sport. We will miss him greatly and very much valued his advice, help and friendship.  Our condolences to Colin’s family, friends and to JSPC.

Thanks for letting us know, such sad news and a massive loss.

Such sad news. I was not aware Colin was poorly and am very sorry to hear of his passing.

Terrible news. Please pass my condolences on to his family.  He will be missed by all who knew him.  May he Rest In Peace.

Very sad to hear of Colin’s passing, I had known Colin for more than 20 years, a kind and gentle man, he will be missed.

I’m so shocked and very, very sad to learn this news.  Colin is a rock in my entire time with the Club.  He’s been helpful to me when I was a newcomer to the Club.  I cherish his very few advice on me of how to improve my shooting skills.  Nonetheless, he selflessly lends me his rifles to fire a few shots.  To me, this is a big loss.

So sorry to hear that sad news Colin had been very helpful advising me in the present situation I have found myself in. 

Sorry to hear this sad news.

Heartbreaking news. But thank you for letting me know.

 I am very sorry to hear about Colin, he was a well-loved member of the club and I will remember him for a long time to come.

Sorry to hear Colin has passed away, he was nice person and had a good heart. May he rest in peace.

Sad news indeed – I know he was such a long-term key member of shooting up there, and always a pleasure to chat to.

So sorry to hear of Colin’s passing.

Please pass on my deepest condolences to his family and your club members.

Very sad news about Colin!  I’ve had a few chats with him over the last few years. He was very informative and a really nice guy.  I’m sure he will be greatly missed.  Please pass on my condolences to his family.

Oh I miss Colin so much

A mechanic, engineer and tutor.  A good man.  A debt of gratitude to Colin and all at J.S.P.C. over the years.  For the construction and engineering and maintenance that makes this a first class club.  It is a privilege for me to be a member of Joint Services Pistol Club.

such a wonderful turnout to say goodbye to a great man

Making smoke with his muzzle loader
Precision shooting with his Marlin
At his milling machine with one of my multiple tasks
Never a one to miss the ice cream van at Bisley