BRITISH tourists have paid emotional tribute to a beloved Magaluf hotel security guard described as a “true gentleman” after his sudden death aged 63.
Tom Colin, a former member of the Royal Navy from Birmingham, had worked for more than a decade at the popular four-star Samos Hotel in the heart of the Mallorcan party resort.
He had become a familiar and friendly face to thousands of UK tourists over the years.
A GoFundMe appeal has been launched to support his wife Laly and son Jerry following his “sudden and unexpected passing” on October 9.
The hotel confirmed the news in a heartfelt message: “For many of our guests, security guard Tom would have been the first person to greet them upon arrival, while for our frequent guests, he was a familiar face welcoming them once again.
“Tom was a calm and reassuring presence who made sure everyone could enjoy their stay with us.
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“To the Samos Hotel family – the people who saw him every day for more than 10 years – Tom was not only a gentle giant, but he was simply a wonderful person to work with, with his radiant smile and time for everyone. We miss him more than we can say.”
The post adds: “We send our deepest condolences to his wife Laly and son Jerry, and we can’t imagine how difficult this time must be for them.
“In memory of Tom and to support his family, we have created a GoFundMe page for any of our customers who would like to donate.”
The fundraiser, titled “Donations in memory of Tom, Hotel Samos”, had raised €666 towards its €4,000 target from 14 donations as of Sunday evening.
Tributes from British tourists who knew Tom flooded social media, with tourists remembering him as the warm and welcoming face of their Magaluf getaways.
Thomas James Creamer, from Conwy, North Wales, shared a photo with Tom and wrote: “RIP Tom, true gentleman, always had a laugh with the boys.”
Jimmy Johnson, from Glasgow, said: “A true gentleman and always smiling. Our deepest condolences to his wife, son and the hotel family.
“Tom will always be missed.”
Penny Dolling added: “What a lovely, open-hearted man.
“Always with a smile on his face and a warm welcome. Samos won’t be the same without him.”
Meanwhile, Jenni Robinson wrote: “Very sad news. He was a lovely man. Thoughts for his family and love for being sent from England.”
And Shane Ramsdale, from Blackburn, said: “RIP Tom, such a wonderful, kind and gentle giant as we mentioned him, our thoughts are with your family.”
And more tributes poured in on the hotel’s Instagram announcement, with one guest writing: “Tom was such a lovely person. He will be sorely missed.”
Another added: “What a gentleman who always had time for a quick chat during our stay over the years. I send my deepest condolences to his family.”
Hotel guests and colleagues alike described Tom as a calm, reassuring presence who made everyone feel welcome.
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The Samos Hotel statement summed it up simply: “We miss him more than we can say and feel his absence everywhere, from where he sat having his morning cup of tea to his place at the reception by the desk.”
Tourists and friends have promised to keep his memory alive: that of the kind gentleman who made Magaluf feel at home.
