BRITISH holidaymakers 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 Royal Navy man from Birmingham, had worked for more than a decade at the popular four-star Hotel Samos in the heart of the Majorcan party resort.
He had become a familiar friendly face for thousands of UK tourists over the years.
A GoFundMe appeal has now 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 clients, security guard Tom would have been the first person to meet them on their arrival, while for our frequent guests, he was a familiar face welcoming them back once again.
“Tom was a quiet, calming presence who made sure everyone could enjoy their stay with us.
“To the Hotel Samos family (the people who saw him every day for more than 10 years), not only was Tom a gentle giant, but was simply a wonderful person to work with, with his beaming smile and time for everyone. We miss him more than we can say.”
The post added: “We send our deepest sympathies to his wife Laly and his 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 set up a GoFundMe page for any of our clients who might wish to donate.”
The fundraiser — titled “Donations in memory of Tom, Hotel Samos” — had collected €666 towards its €4000 goal from 14 donations by Sunday night.
Tributes from British tourists who knew Tom flooded social media, with holidaymakers remembering him as the warm, welcoming face of their Magaluf getaways.
Thomas James Creamer, from Conwy, north Wales, shared a photo alongside Tom and wrote: “RIP Tom, true gentleman, always had a laugh with the lads.”
Jimmy Johnson, from Glasgow, said: “A true gentleman and always smiling. Condolences to his wife, son and hotel family.
“Tom will always be missed.”
Penny Dolling added: “Such a lovely man with an open heart.
“Always with a smile on his face and a warm welcome. The Samos won’t be the same without him.”
Meanhwhile, Jenni Robinson wrote: “Very sad news. He was a lovely man. Thoughts to his family and love being sent from England.”
And Shane Ramsdale, from Blackburn, said: “RIP Tom, such a wonderful, kind and like mentioned gentle giant, our thoughts with your family.”
And more tributes poured in under the hotel’s Instagram announcement, with one guest writing: “Tom was such a lovely person. He will be greatly missed.”
Another added: “Such a gentleman who always had time to have a quick chat during our stay over the years. Sending my condolences to his family.”
Hotel guests and colleagues alike described Tom as a calm, reassuring presence who made everyone feel welcome.
The Hotel Samos statement summed it up simply: “We miss him more than we can say and feel his absence everywhere, from where he sat to drink his morning cuppa to his spot in reception next to the desk.”
Holidaymakers and friends have vowed to keep his memory alive — the kind gentleman who made Magaluf feel like home.
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