Col was an inovator
He was responsible for re-engining the Fletcher ag plane with the eight cylinder 400 HP Lycoming. I remember hiring a 400HP Fletcher from him for geophysical survey many years ago. It was to operate in the outback, and so was fitted with a DC3 fuel tank where the hopper usually goes, and pax seats and geophysical electronics behind that.
Up front it had radio and nav gear that no self respecting ag plane ever had.
There was a delay in getting some of the paperwork done, and I had things to do in Adelaide, so Col lent me a Cessna 180 to go to Adelaide. In those days we had to get endorsements on every aeroplane before we could fly it, so Col and I did some circuits. Not many circuits, as a C180 does not need a big long runway, so we did three touch and goes for every circuit. Very practical.
I remember Col as a hard working aviator/engineer/businessman who did lots of difficult things well.
I have enormous respect for this man.