Former Ruffler and Deith sales director Colin Mallery passed away on 15 November, after more than seven decades working in the UK amusement industry.

Most recently, Mallery spent 25 years as consultant for Harry Levy, and is remembered by friends in the business as “a great character” and “a real pleasure to be with.”

“Colin was a man that was always a real pleasure to be with,” said Levy. “He was so positive and energetic – one of life’s happy characters and lovely to work and play with. A man I shall never forget.”

Mallery first joined Ruffler and Walker in 1954, and served as sales director before taking on the same role at Ruffler and Deith, eventually joining Harry Levy in a consultant capacity.

“He was a great character; one of the last of an industry full of great characters,” wrote InterGame’s David Snook. “He had a slightly rogueish air and was never short of a quip in company.”

The Amusements Network described Mallery as being “admired and adored by all those he worked with,” while daughter Lisa added “he was definitely a character.”

“We are waiting on paperwork from the GP to set a funeral date, and I will let you know as soon as it is set. We are going to arrange donations for a Parkinson’s Charity.”