Friends pay tribute to British skier killed by avalanche in Alps

TRIBUTES have poured in for a talented British ski instructor killed by an avalanche in the French Alps.

Robin Cane, 48, from Colchester, was skiing off-piste in the Les Menuires region when he was buried by tons of snow.

Rescuers, who arrived by helicopter, battled for 40 minutes to dig him out.

Another skier in his group was thought to have loosened the snow and caused the avalanche.

Last night his family and partner paid tribute to a man they said had travelled the world but always returned home to his family.

His older brother Gary, 51, said Robin, who was born in Norfolk, was a quiet and thoughtful youngster who would always plan everything meticulously.

Talented in both music and sport, he joined the Army but left after six months to become a music teacher at St John's College and King's College schools in Cambridge, as well as at the city's technical college.

It was while accompanying pupils on ski trips that he developed his passion for the sport, and became a ski instructor 15 years ago.

Six years ago, he established a chalet business in Meribel and began offering private skiing tuition last year.

During the summer months he lived in Colchester and worked as a professional musician, playing French horn in the London Symphony Orchestra and the Glyndebourne Opera company among others. He also held a pilot's licence and had a passion for cricket, sailing and squash.

His partner Sally Jackson, 41, said: "If he wanted to do something he would practise and practise at it."

Friend Lulu Cottle said: "He was an extraordinary man who will be sorely missed, but leaves us with countless happy memories."

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