Tributes paid to an outstanding Vale man

Rodney Collenette, pictured by the Guernsey Press at his home, Vale Pond House.

Mr Collenette, a former Vale deputy, constable, douzenier, president of La Societe Guernesiaise, and successful businessman, was aged 87 when he died last Thursday.

He served for more than 30 years on the Vale douzaine and was also one of the founders of the parish-based accountancy firm Collenette Jones, where two of his sons are still directors.

Mr Collenette served as a deputy for the Vale from 2000 to 2003, when he stepped down due to ill health.

He had deep roots in the parish and served it conscientiously. Even though he had retired, he still audited the accounts of the the Vale Church Management Board and the Vale Commons Council.

Mr Collenette, however, is probably better remembered as one of those who helped to save the former Church of St James the Less, which the States intended to demolish and use the site for a new police headquarters.

Mr Collenette was instrumental in founding the Friends of St James, which eventually persuaded the authorities to save the building and, in 1985, convert it into a concert and assembly hall.

Tremendous character
Vale Senior Constable Richard Leale said the death of Mr Collenette was a sad loss to the parish and the island as a whole. "He was a tremendous character who went out of his way to help others and was a true Guernseyman," he said.

As well as his business, parish, environmental and cultural interests, Mr Collenette had a huge sense of fun and also did comic turns on stage. 

He became president of La Societe in 2011 for a three-year term but also served on its council for almost 20 years.

Current president Trevor Bourgaize said he would be remembered for his sage financial advice and again for his sense of fun.

‘He was very entertaining and every so often he would treat council meetings to the Romeo and Juliet balcony scene in Guernesiaise,’ said Mr Bourgaize.

Mr Leale added: "His loss is tremendously sad news and we send our heartfelt condolences to Liz, his wife of 60 years, his three sons and five grandchildren."