Colin AMODEO Obituary

Condolences to Colin and his family, in my formative years as a student at Shirley boys Colin had a huge impact on my learning and offered me opportunities that others would not have afforded me. Still have some of the emails where I'd just ask him random questions and he was always happy to answer. Thanks Colin, and condolences again

Very sad to hear of Colin´s passing. I have just finished reading his MAGNIFICENT publication `The Summer Ships´ as I´m descended from a Charlotte Jane passenger and I realised I had no idea what Colin looked like. I still don´t as unable to locate any image online but I think such an extraordinary talent should be honoured! Sincere condolences.

For 30 years we did various research tasks for a number of his books. He knew Shirley Boys' High School well where again we did archival-type projects. Colin was generous of his time & with voluntary fund raising for Charities. His legacy is assured. My condolences to Margaret and your family.

Sincere sympathies to Colin's family and close friends. He will be missed by many who shared his love of local history and adventurous stories.

I got to know Colin when I held the position of Sec. Treasurer of the Canterbury Pilgrims & Settlers Assn. late 1990s-early 2000's and during the celebrations of the 150th Anniversary of the landing at Lyttelton of the 'First Four Ships' 2000. A wonderful historian and person.

Sincere condolences to the Amodeo family. Colin was my third form amazing and inspirational English teacher. His class was a special part of my life and he taught me the fun in learning new things, especially Old and Middle English.

Deeply saddened to learn of Mr Amodeo´s passing this week. My childhood will be forever enriched for having spent countless hours with the Amodeo family where I was always in awe of their beautiful homes full of books and artwork. I still have the elegantly produced 1934 Oxford Dictionary Mr Amodeo gave me as a child. My thoughts and love go to you Margaret, Jamie and Stacey. I still hold you all in my heart and may you rest in peace now Mr Amodeo.

Since condolences to Margaret and family... Fond memories of the 70's from Whites Road, Ohoka...

My condolences to you Margaret & your family. As you know, for many years I managed The Caxton Press, then in Victoria Street, and had the great fortune to publish three of Colin's books - The Summer Ships (2001), The Forgotten Forty-Niners (2003), The Mosquito Fleet of Canterbury (2005). We also printed other books that Colin had authored like Shirley Boys' High School magazines and Lyttleton Engineering calendars. One of the very satisfying things about being a publisher & printer is creating books for amazing authors. And Colin was certainly that. And a gentleman, as well. Now his special knowledge of Canterbury history will endure as his gift to future generations. RIP Colin. You deserved many more years.

I recently said that if when people think of you they smile that counts as success. While this is totally true for Mr Amodeo, there is also the special role of the teacher. Forty years ago, I was lucky to start Papanui High School in 3AM. Without that experience, it is not clear were we would be today.

There is magic in the joy of learning which Mr Amodeo fostered.

I am saddened by the news, and hope that everyone would be lucky enough to have as great a teacher.

I am jealous of my class mates being able to bump into him in this life, and look forward to seeing him in the next

Sorry to here of the loss of Colin.
Colin taught me at Papanui High in the late 60s and in 2017 we co wrote the book "Taking the Bar" a history of the Kaiapoi River.

Amazing teacher at Papanui High School. Meet him later due to shared love of Canterbury history. Shared memories of my ancestors who brought barrels of fruit trees and berries. Gave him letters and family memorabilia which he added to his book. An amazing man who shared his knowledge freely with do many. My thoughts are with your family

Colin was an important part of the Shirley Boys' High School community. Together we shared interests in Classics and local history and I greatly enjoyed our many discussions. I will miss him. My sympathy to Margaret and all the family.

Thank you for sharing the gift that was "Mr Amodeo" (I can't call him Colin)with so many of us at Papanui High School. As a past pupil of his (from too long ago) I can say he gave so much of himself in the classroom to make learning a joy. I remember in particular acting out snippets of Aristophanes' plays and falling about laughing together. Or when I bumped into him after leaving school speaking with him about walking around the coastline of NZ for the research of his book.
God bless our Mr Amodeo.

Dear Mr Amodeo, my inspirational Classical Studies teacher at Papanui High School 1984/5. I went on to get a degree in Classical Studies because of his enthusiasm as a teacher. I had caught up with him recently at Shirley boys and he was still positive and committed to teaching and learning. I am writing a thesis for a masters in education looking at space and am acknowledging Colin for my first understanding of how learning is affected by physical space. I will never forget shifting the desks and chairs out of the way and performing the Frogs by Aristophanes, hilarious! Rest peacefully Mr Amodeo Arohanui xx

Worked with Colin for many years to produce his book publications, School Magazines & Calendars - proudly printed by our team at Caxton. It was always a pleasure to meet with Colin and I have many fond memories working with him. I know he will be sadly missed. Thinking of you all and condolences to Margaret and family.

Worked with Colin at Shirley Boys High School and enjoyed talking with him especially about historical things. He will be missed and my sympathy to all the family.