Trade stalwart Colin Gurteen dies

Written by Claire Hu

Monday, 11 January 2010

The trade is mourning the loss of Colin Gurteen, a well-known wine eductator and pioneer of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

Gurteen started his career in the drinks industry at the age of 17 with Peter Dominic in 1963, going on to join United Rum Merchants a few years later.

He joined the WSET in 1969 when it was formed with David Burroughs and Arthur Bone. In those days it was a small team so Gurteen had a finger in many pies, particularly enjoying the scholarship trips which he would accompany.

He worked full time for the trust until 1987 when he had a motorbike accident, leaving him in a wheelchair.

He continued to play an active role as a wine educator in the trade, running evening courses and marking exams for the Trust.

The funeral is on Friday, January 15 – for details contact Stoneman Funeral Directors 01737 763456.

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I have long memories of Colin from those early WSET days and also when he was the leader trying to manage a group of young scholarship winners to Alsace in 1975!Colin was always cheerful and dedicated and after his tragic accident in the 1980s you could only admire his slalwart approach and of course the support from his wife and family. He will be missed but no doubt in great conversation now with Arthur and David his old mentors!

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January 12, 2010
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Susan Spence said:

	Colin will be very much missed....what a wonderful, kind, and thoughtful person. I first met him years ago and we woudl only see each other once a year ...his visits to our stand at the London Wine Fair was the highlight of the Fair for me. Peace to Colin and his family.
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January 12, 2010
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Lindsay. Oram said:

	Without the help of Colin I would not have pa*sed WSET diploma, and I will always be grateful for his patience and tutoring. He will be missed.
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January 12, 2010
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sophievallejo said:

	I have lovely memories of Colin from the early 90s when together with his wife he attended many of the SOPEXA wine tastings I used to organise. Not only was he a dedicated taster who loved French wines but also one of our nicest guests. He will be missed by all of us. Sophie Vallejo
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January 13, 2010
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Alan Mayne said:

	Sorry to hear the sad news about Colin. I remeber him first from the WSET courses at Vintners Hall, and later at the wine tastings where we met. My deepest condolences to his loving and faithful wife. Alan Mayne.
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