Remembering Colin Critchlow TD: Co-Founder, Veteran and Friend
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our co-founder, Colin Critchlow TD, who died after a tragic accident whilst on holiday in Guernsey, a place he affectionately referred to as his “Happy Place”.
Colin co-founded Deep Soil Mixing Ltd in 2012 alongside his friend and fellow industry stalwart, Robert McGall, with a shared vision of introducing and developing deep soil mixing as a major ground improvement solution within the UK construction industry. Through his passion, leadership and unwavering belief in innovation, Colin played a pivotal role in establishing Deep Soil Mixing Ltd as a respected specialist contractor, helping to drive the adoption of soil mixing techniques on some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects.
His career in construction spanned more than 65 years and was marked by outstanding achievements across some of the industry’s most respected organisations, including Tarmac, Kier Construction, John Mowlem PLC, The Long Port Group and, of course, Deep Soil Mixing Ltd. Throughout his career, Colin was renowned for his leadership, commercial acumen, integrity and ability to build lasting relationships wherever he worked.
Guernsey held a special place in Colin’s heart. During eight years working on major developments across the island, including the iconic Royal Terrace development, he developed a deep affection for both the island and its people. He made many friends there and each year would return to the island for a holiday and to meet up with friends and attend Liberation Day. It was in Guernsey that Colin first met Robert McGall and where their discussions and shared interest in soil mixing technology began, ultimately leading to the formation of Deep Soil Mixing Ltd.
Beyond construction, Colin served with distinction in the Territorial Army for 34 years, rising to the rank of Major after being commissioned through the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. His military service included commanding 125 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers, serving as 2nd in Command of 75 Engineer Regiment, Engineer Officer of 143 Brigade and Engineer Project Officer at Headquarters 5th Division. For the final four years of his service, he contributed to UK Resilience operations as part of Headquarters 143 Brigade. In recognition of his outstanding service, he was awarded the Territorial Decoration (TD).
Colin was immensely proud of his military background and was rarely seen without his Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers beret when the occasion called.
Colin’s commitment to service extended far beyond both construction and the military. He was Chair of SSAFA Staffordshire, the Armed Forces charity, and a Trustee of the veterans’ charity Tri Services Veterans Support Centre in Newcastle Under Lyme. He was deeply passionate about supporting veterans and their families, dedicating countless hours to fundraising, welfare support and helping those facing difficult circumstances.
What made Colin truly special was that his commitment was never limited to his official roles. Time and again, he quietly reached into his own pocket to provide food, clothing, household essentials and practical support for veterans in need. He never sought recognition for these acts of kindness; he simply believed that if someone needed help and he was able to provide it, then it was the right thing to do. His generosity, compassion and genuine care for others touched the lives of many former servicemen and women across Staffordshire and beyond.
He was a true gentleman of both the construction industry and the military community, respected by colleagues, clients and friends alike. His wisdom, cheeky sense of humour and many many remarkable stories (we emphasise with many many as everyone that knew him knows he loved to tell a story) will be greatly missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Colin’s family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.
We will share details of Colin’s funeral arrangements in due course.
Rest in peace, Colin. Your legacy lives on through the industry you helped shape, the company you helped build, the veterans you supported and the countless people whose lives you enriched through your friendship, leadership, kindness, love and of course story telling.
