

Forever alive in our hearts
Obituary for Colin Dailey
Colin Mark Dailey, beloved international school teacher and cherished family man, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the age of 56. Born on January 15, 1969, in St Paul, Minnesota, USA. Colin touched the lives of countless individuals with his generous spirit, empathetic nature, and vibrant personality.
Colin dedicated the last 19 years of his career to teaching at the international French school, IFS, in Singapore, where he shared his love for learning and inspired students with his unyielding enthusiasm and creativity. Known for his pedagogy, humor, patience and kindness, he always created an engaging and nurturing environment that left a forever lasting impact on all his students and colleagues alike.
A multi-talented musician, Colin had an innate ability to bring joy to any room he entered. He played guitar, bass, electric bass, piano, and sang like a King. He loved going on stage and share his love of music with all. Music was but one of his many passions, as he also harbored a deep love for traveling the world and exploring new cultures. His adventurous spirit was equally evident in his love for motorbiking and sports, where he found freedom and joy.
Colin was a voracious reader, ever-curious and always seeking to expand his knowledge.
He loved cooking as well, he relished preparing meals for his family and friends, finding great joy in hosting dinners and parties in his house, where the door was always opened to all.
Above all, Colin was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband to Anne Chevalier, with whom he shared a beautiful journey filled with love, complicity, laughter, shared passions, and partnership.
From his previous mariage, he had two children, Emma and Léo, who will forever cherish his memory, and who he loved very much. He was the cherished brother of Elizabeth Dailey and uncle to Eleanor Dailey.
In the hearts of those who knew him, Colin leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and compassion. His generosity was beyond limits. There are not enough words to say how many talents and qualities Colin had.
He is deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who had the privilege to share in his remarkable life.
As we all remember Colin, may we carry his curiosity, empathy, joy for life, and adventurous spirit within us.
Colin had been diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM), a deadly and aggressive form of cancer, in January this year.
We never gave up hope that he would recover and heal.
It has been a truly inspiring journey for him and everyone around to navigate through this diagnosis. We believed He could be one of the very few chosen ones beating this thing, and we were hoping that he would then be able to share his story and inspire many others. Through a rollercoaster of emotions, we spent this last year reading books together, watching countless videos, going for medical exams and staying at the hospital. Trying everything and leaving no stone unturned.
He will remain my Hero for the rest of my life, and an inspiring example of strength and determination for all. Our love for each other was growing every day stronger and stronger, but this fight brought us together to new heights that I never imagined existed.
Our love was iconic, our love will be eternal.
In this journey, he was able to continue growing as a person. And so did we all. He was a living inspiration.
Colin's memory will live on in the stories told, the music played, and the many lives he touched during his journey, all the memories made with him. May he rest in peace and be happy up there, as his life was one well-lived and full of love.
We will forever love him and keep him in our hearts.
Show must go on.
Anne Chevalier Dailey.
NB: Pictures will be moderated.
We want to remember Colin HEALTHY and HAPPY.
Pictures that Colin would not have liked (and I know which ones ! he was very clear about it) will be moderated as well.
Service
There will be no funeral service as Colin had pledged his body to science and research.
Timeline
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
We’ll never forget seeing you in concert, and it was thanks to you that we discovered pickleball!
Our thoughts are with your family and loved ones.
I will remember you as a joyful and vibrant Colin, always smiling and happy to share with others.
Finaly, I wish to address my sincere condolences to Anne and your loves ones. Keep going. On on !
I remember our endless conversations in your classroom, which was right across mine. I learned so much from you.
I will always remember your radiant smile and positive energy.
You will always be in our hearts and I know you will light up the sky.
Rest In Peace among the stars ✨
Steph and Thierry G.

I would like to share my sincere condolences. Colin taught English to two of my children, Aurore and Edouard, and he left a strong impression on them, and on us as parents. His dedication, his kindness, and the attention he gave to each student were remarkable.
I will also always remember his performance during the tribute concert to Johnny in Singapore. It was full of emotion and generosity, and it showed how special he was.
In this difficult moment, please receive all my support and my warm thoughts.
Warm regards,
Emmanuel
Colin was beyond a teacher for me: he helped me during lunch breaks to get over my shyness, taking the time to talk with us.
I will always remember the way he walked in the corridors, when he arrived in class all sweaty, his energy, his kindness, his generosity and his humour.
He has marked us all and will truly be remembered.
Ce fut un plaisir de te croiser dans les couloirs ou parfois a l'infirmerie.
Tu avais toujours le sourire et la bonne humeur.
Mais pour moi, tu resteras un super guitariste.
je prenais un grand plaisir a t'ecouter, nottament avec ''Le Groupe". Tu as assure grave pour le concert de Johnny, que tu as du retrouve la haut.
Toutes mes pensees a ta famille.
Marie-Laure
I'm sure a lot of other students feel this way. He'll be strongly remembered.
Thank you Mr Dailey.
Thank you.
A genuinely good soul — full of positivity, warmth, and compassion. Colin’s energy lit up every room, and his kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. I’m deeply grateful that Sherry and I had the chance to meet him and share moments filled with joy and happiness
May his spirit continue to inspire us, and may he rest in peace.
We would have great conversations about life; where we had come from, where we were going and what we wanted.
I never met his children but I know he loved them so dearly. I never met Anne but I know he was totally smitten by her, and saw the rest of his life by her side. He was kind and generous and loved life. My sincere condolences to them all.
Farewell Colin.
Mr. Dailey you are an incredibly special teacher, mentor and human. I hope you know how profoundly impactful you were in so many people's lives and how your lessons, compassion and empathy shaped so many young people to be who they are today. You will be sorely missed!

Forever #1 in my English teachers hall of fame.
You were such an integral part of my transition into IFS. You welcomed me a few weeks before I joined, via LinkedIn, which I later learnt was very you. With warmth and always an encouraging word, every time I ran into you there was a reason to smile (and say a few words in Italian).
We worked together on Red Dot, you taught me how to use the web radio, and you were always ready to talk about how to engage students and get them closer to reading. Your positivity, forward-looking mind, and your energy have left a mark on so many of us. I know they will stay with me.
My thoughts are with your family. I hope they find support, love, and the strength to walk through this difficult time, and that in time they find their way forward.
Sincerely,
Chiara Grisanzio
Mille courage


Learning of your passing was a terrible shock, and my heart is heavy knowing the world has lost someone so genuinely kind and inspiring. From our first meeting in 2011 to the years you led and guided us through MUN, your warmth and encouragement never wavered.
Your work with MUN at the LFS was remarkable. You didn’t just guide students – you built a community that helped so many of us grow, find our voices, and see the world with curiosity and confidence. The opportunities you created, including encouraging me to join the MUN trips to The Hague, shaped the direction of my life in ways I’m still grateful for.
Some of my favorite memories from LFS are tied to your joy, your laughter, and the way you made every student feel valued. Although you were never officially my teacher, you were one of the people who had the greatest influence on me. Your support, including your heartfelt recommendation years later, meant more to me than I ever expressed.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have known you. Thank you for the guidance, the kindness, and the light you brought into every space. You touched more lives than you could ever have known, and your impact will continue through all the students you inspired.
My deepest condolences go out to your family. I hope they find comfort in knowing how loved you were and how profoundly you shaped the lives of so many.
Valentine
Cher Colin tu étais, et nous en avons si souvent parlé à la maison, le professeur de l’envie auprés de deux de nos garcons, Ben et Louis. Ils t’aimaient tant, sans modération et tu le leur rendais bien. En fait tu les as aimé sans jugement mais avec tant de clairvoyance qu’ils ont eu cette envie de ne pas te décevoir et de construire avec toi une relation humaine dans le respect de chacun. En cela demeurait cet Amour de l’Autre, dans sa différence et c’est ce qui alimentait nos conversations familiales lorsque nous évoquions les partages des garcons avec toi. Je garderai en mémoire le retour de Louis à qui tu avais prêté ton blouson d’étudiant lors d’un travail demandé, Il était si fier! L’école avec toi était un apprentissage dynamique et riche à tous points de vue. Nos échanges étaient également toujours constructifs et basés sur la vie et le bon sens. Ton doux sourire faisait du bien!
Nous sommes tristes au fond de nous mais libérés de te savoir désormais dans la douceur d’un atre monde, sans combat.
Repose en paix cher Colin et de là ou tu te trouves, continue d’arpenter chaque coin et recoin. Je suis certaine qu’humainement, tu as déjà trouvé un accueil chaleureux, à ton image.
Nous pensons à ta famille, à tes amis et à tous ceux qui t’ont aimé et te pleurent aujourd’hui.
A jamais dans nos coeurs,
Anne et Olivier, Ben, Louis et Baptiste

You were a beacon of good at school, and truly one of my favourite teachers. I am so grateful to have been one of your students.
My heart goes out to your friends and family.
Thank you for your wisdom that I will carry throughout my life.
Lots of love, Jade
You were the first teacher who made me love speaking English—at a time when I was so self-conscious about my French accent. You were also the one who took me to The Hague in 2019, a trip that went on to have a huge impact on my life.
You will be deeply missed.
Merci pour tout. Une grosse pensée à votre famille.
Basile
Some of my happiest memories go back to when I was 7 or 8, at the LFS in CE1, with Mr. Dailey as my English teacher. I remember him as such a funny, cheerful, and always-smiling teacher, and I am so grateful that he is part of my memories.
Thanks to him, English became something I loved.
I am deeply sad to hear of his passing, and he will always hold a special place in my heart and in my school memories.
Rest in peace, Mr. Dailey. Thank you for everything.
Et quelle chance et quelle joie de t'avoir connu, d'avoir pu échanger avec toi, t'écouter jouer, chanter et d'avoir réalisé ce projet de livre sur les couleurs avec les enfants de ta classe du LFS.
Je pense très fort à tes merveilleux enfants et à tous ceux profondément touchés par ton départ.
Que ton enthousiasme, ta joie de vivre et ta générosité remplissent désormais les coeurs de chacun et les nourrissent d'affection et de tendresse.
Toutes mes condoléances aux personnes qui l’aiment.
We didn’t know each other long, but we shared something special.
Having the same birthday made our connection unique.
You were easy to like and impossible to forget.
Your memory will always be a quiet part of my day.
Affectionately,
Sumeet.
Lorsque nous avons pris ensemble cette (dernière) photo en salle des professeurs, c'était en décembre 2024...Je n'aurais jamais pensé qu'elle aurait été la d...
Louis se joint aussi à moi afin de te remercier vivement pour ce que tu as fait pour lui avec le MUN ici à Singapour ou à La Haye...
Yaling et moi apprécions également beaucoup de parler avec toi, surtout que c'étais toujours (ouf) en français!
Bien à toi mon ami, ton épouse et Léo que nous avons un peu connu.
Famille Decotte
I’ll always remember him as a truly larger-than-life figure. We both arrived in the English department in 2015 – him from primary, me from overseas – and from day one he was lighting up the place with his energy, humour, and generosity.
I enjoyed our end-of-day chats about teaching, family, life, and our laughs over silly stories. He usually barged in my classroom, "Hey boss! Am gonna sit here and we're going to chat!", he used to say.
He even took me on motorbike rides around Singapore just like that – that was Colin, always full of life. I’ll also never forget our post-work beers or the silly shenanigans we could both dive into without a care, and how Rami loved joining him on early Sunday morning bicycle rides around the city.
One of the last parties I attended in Singapore before leaving was at his house in September 2023, a fantastic ‘rentrée’ party he organised for the department.
Colin always had that effortless enthusiasm that made everything feel possible. Our last conversation on August 12 still lingers with me: he sounded so happy to be returning to school.
Just his remarkable, enduring energy.
Colin was always upbeat, never asking for pity, and his spirit was unforgettable. My heart goes out to Anne, Emma, and Leo. He will be deeply missed.
Alixe, Rami and Adele
It’s hard to put into words what 38 years of friendship and brotherhood truly mean. From the first days in undergrad, when we were still figuring out who we were, to the men we became, you were a constant — loyal, genuine, and full of life.
I still smile thinking about those long letters we used to write back and forth — no text messages, no emails, just old-fashioned ink and thought. Somehow, those letters always managed to be half-philosophy, half-comedy, and all heart. And who could forget that wild trip tubing down Apple River? The sunburns, the laughter, the music floating over the water — moments like that are the ones that stay etched forever.
You brought joy wherever you went, Colin. You had that rare mix of warmth, humor, and depth that drew people in and made them better for knowing you.
To Anne, your beautiful partner in life, and to Liz, Emma, and Leo — please accept my heartfelt condolences. Colin loved you all dearly and spoke of you with such pride and affection. His spirit lives on through you, through the stories we’ll keep telling, and through the brotherhood that will never forget him.
Rest easy, my brother. The bond we share doesn’t end here — it simply changes form.
With love, respect, and eternal brotherhood,
Nigel
Nous garderons de toi tes départs souriants sur ta moto vombrissante, tes solo de guitare, nos échanges de cadeaux pour la fête du Lycée et surtout le sourire et le rire de tes élèves qui sortaient de ton cours. Merci de nous avoir offert tout cela. Repose en paix.
Sophie and family
While I am contemplating the clear blue sky enlightened by the sunrise, I remember the 2 or 3 chats we had at school and the impression you left on me of a beautiful soul. You seemed so curious and enthusiastic about teachers, about what they were made of, and you created a voice for them on a podcast. I know where you are is a new beginning, that you surely look upon your very dear family.
Merci.
Chrystel Dupuch
Thank you for stopping to resuce me.
I was just a random, hot and sweaty guy sitting, head in hands, by the side of the road at dawn.
A stranger.
Of all the cyclists zooming by, you were the kind-hearted soul who stopped to check I was ok, and to help me fix my broken bike.
Legend.
Thank you.
You are missed.
X
You were the best english teacher in my younger years of secondary, helping me be intergrated in the class when I struggled to do so. You were the best english teacher I could have asked for, so thank you for being there for me.
Rest in Peace Colin Dailey.
Passionate about music and education, his appetite for life was boundless - and beautifully contagious.
It's been more than twenty years of friendship… and we miss that deeply.
Farewell, mon ami
Colin always lit up a room with his smile. His constant encouragement and perserverance to make others their best selves showed his dedication. Even after leaving the Lycée, Colin and I stayed in contact. As my first mentor, his willingness to always help out showed just how much he was willing to invest in anything he set his mind to.
I will forever cherish his memory. From teaching us the multiplication tables with his guitar, to taking some of us to the Hague, many of my core school experiences would truly not have been possible without Colin.
He was an educator beyond the classroom. His wisdom on life and experiences abroad taught me that change is inevitable, and although scary, can lead to the best chapters of your life.
You will be missed Colin by many. I hope you rest easy, and that your family is protected and safe. If there is one thing I can confidently say, the world needs more people like you. 🙏

Difficile de trouver les mots... mais sache que c'est ton optimisme généreux, ton sourire radieux et ton courage inébranlable que je vais garder en mémoire.
C'est aussi ces petits moments précieux partagés autour d'un café. Et ce Stanley qu'Emma avait confectionné avec toi en Primaire.
Et.... Et....
Tu resteras dans nos coeurs.
Toutes nos très sincères condoléances à la famille.
Josiane, James, Louisa et Emma Middleditch
Talented, good humoured, thoughtful -
all the things you would want in a friend.
Colin, you are now up there in the big
gridiron field in the sky with Bud Grant
and all the other Minnesota Viking greats.
🏈 ON ON Colin! 🏈
Tu es parti bien trop tôt, à seulement 56 ans, laissant derrière toi un vide immense et tant de souvenirs qui, eux, ne s’éteindront jamais. Ton humour, ta joie de vivre et ton hospitalité sans limites ont marqué tous ceux qui t’ont croisé. Chez toi, on se sentait toujours chez soi, surtout dans ta salle de musique, où les notes s’envolaient si souvent, au désespoir des voisins.
Je me souviens de ces moments passés ensemble, de ces jams improvisés, de ces éclats de rire et de ces hamburgers du Minnesota et de ces conflits du Lauragais que nous avons partagés... J'ai profité de chaque instant passé à tes côtés.
Aujourd’hui, la tristesse est là, lourde et tenace, parce que ton départ est une injustice. Mais dans ce chagrin, il y a aussi la joie d’avoir partagé tous ces bons moments avec toi. Tu as laissé une trace indélébile dans nos vies, et c’est cette lumière que je garderai toujours avec moi.
Florence se joint à moi pour t'adresser ce petit mot.
Repose en paix, mon ami. Merci pour tout

Colin était une personne exceptionnelle d'une gentillesse extraordinaire, d'une immense générosité et d'une attention particulière. Je me souviendrai toujours des moments agréables passés en sa compagnie, de la rencontre au lycée autour de la webradio, de sa proposition de travailler avec lui dans le cadre du MUN, des virées formidables à moto en Malaisie, des départs à quatre heures du matin pour contempler le lever du soleil sur la côte malaisienne, des discussions passionnantes à refaire le monde autour d'un café dans des bouibouis face à la mer, du tour épique de Singapour à la voile sans vent avec Etienne, de la joie immense de Colin lorsqu'il a rencontré Anne qui l'a rendu si heureux.
Je garderai en mémoire cet ami si solaire qu'il était.
Repose en paix Colin.
Anne Bonelli
First of all, all my condoleances to Mr Dailey's family; Mr.Dailey truly was a remaquable man. He was teaching my class and I in 6eme, and I believe we all have great memories regarding english class that particular year. I remember an extremely calm man, that loved to help others even about other subjects than English . Besides his excellent teaching , Mr Dailey would teach us valuable and unique life lessons that came up to be very usefull in the future. I have probably left out important details about Dailey's kindness ; there are just too many! You truly are a lucky family for having such a man in your life.
IFS student - Louis
I have to write yet again because I love our deep and often nonsensical / non sequitur convos.
Aurora shared the ParkourEd episode you’d done with her, and I remember you cornering me into this fab project of yours.
I ended up yapping silly (surprising, eh!) about languages and sausages, and we cracked up!
We had such fruitful exchanges at work: you were the one initiating me to Balloon Debates, and what fun! I always think of you when engaging in one.
It’s not only students’ lives that you touched, but it’s all the people around you. The JJGoldman jam sessions at yours, during and after Covid, are ingrained in my core memory. We were a family - c’était une cousinade agitée, bruyante et chaleureuse!
There’s this great French band called FEU! CHATTERTON who released an enthralling song about the passing of a dearest friend, last summer. This hits hard, but it’s beautiful. I’ll play it loud while bawling, so you can hear it, and I’ll hear you telling me to celebrate Life, and stop feeling sorry.
I promise to listen to you and cherish every day I get to breathe and roam this earth.
God I miss you my friend. So painfully.
Adieu mon pote, mon collègue, mon ami, mon partenaire de musique, mon soul brother. Ça fait tellement mal, mais on va bien devoir continuer, amputé d’un rayon de soleil. Je veillerai sur Anne, et j’espère que tu nous entendras rire et jouer de la musique à travers les larmes, bien vite.
Mille vagues t’emportent
Mille vagues t’emportent
Mille vagues nous traversent
Mille vagues
On ne connaît pas l’après

Colin was such a warm person with a big heart. From the very first time I met him, I felt welcome in his home and in his heart.
He was open, kind, and always genuine. We had wonderful conversations, but above all, unforgettable moments playing music together for charity.
He had an incredible presence on stage and a rare ability to connect with the audience. I can only imagine he brought that same magic to his students.
Thank you, Colin, for touching so many souls. I will always remember you.
I had the privilege of working alongside him at IFS for two decades and always will remember his generosity, kindness and attentiveness.
Above all, as parents, we are grateful that Adèle and Edgar had him as their teacher; they are deeply saddened by his passing and they will always remember him as an inspiring, patient, caring and ever-positive teacher, one of those teachers who truly left a mark on both them. Thank you Colin
His presence brought light, warmth and generosity to us, and he will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.
For many of us who had known him for years, he was much more than a colleague - a trusted friend, a source of kindness, and a constant support.
Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

Colin-You brought such joy and energy to your classroom — it was always full of life. Now you’ll be playing music with the angels.
Thinking fondly of your wonderful children, Emma and Leo, whom I had the great pleasure of teaching all those years ago.
Cecile
Keep jammin' wherever you are!
Ludovic Baudet & Stephanie Wu

My deepest condolences go towards his children and all those who knew him.
Later I had the chance to see you again, almost a decade later, with MUN. There, your dedication and work, and your relationship not just with our students but with all the other schools, made you irreplaceable.
Sometimes I wonder if the americanisms that occasionally pop up in my vocabulary or accent don’t stem from what was then one of my first English teachers.
I don’t think you left any of us untouched in all your years at the LFS. I’ll remember your smile and your can-do attitude which always motivated us, and made us believe nothing was impossible.
Thank you.
RIP Mr Dailey.
Je t’ai rencontré à Taïwan, tu étais le prof d’anglais de mes enfants, et bien vite un bon copain. Toujours blagueur, toujours positif, toujours généreux.
Mais cette fois, ta « blague » de partir si tôt ne fait vraiment pas rire… 56 ans, c’est bien trop jeune.
Tu laisses derrière toi des souvenirs chaleureux, des rires, et une belle énergie que personne n’oubliera.
Merci pour tout, Colin.

His motivation and humour will be missed and all my condolences to his close friends and family.
Jamás olvidaré el poco tiempo que transcurrimos juntos en Módena aquel verano de 2023. Colin era una persona maravillosa, inteligente y carismática, una persona que era capaz de hacerse entender con pocas palabras. Quizás, preferiría no verme en la obligación de escribir este mensaje, pero Colin, nuestro querido Colin, hizo amigos por todo el mundo.
"Ma qui la morta poesì resurga, / o sante Muse, poi che vostro sono" (Purgatorio, I, 7-8)
As Mr Dailey liked to sing, My Land is Your Land and now may he share his Land with God and all his passed loved ones who he will get to reunite with.
My sincere condolences to his children and wife.
Favorites
Contribute
Together, let us continue the legacy of generosity, compassion and kindness that Colin embodied throughout his life.
Singapore :
to HCA : www.hca.org.sg
online donation link : https://friends.hca.org.sg/HCA/F/HoldingHandsThroughLifeJourney2025.htm
Paynow QR link: www.hca.org.sg/donate/
USA: https://inheritanceofhope.org/donate/ways-to-give

