The Western Australian author Hal Colebatch, born in 1945, died unexpectedly on September 9 during a stay in a Perth hospital. His personality settled early, and was not for turning. A tall, thin six-foot-sixer with a deep voice and commanding, even formidable, personality, he was not easily forgotten. But he did not use these qualities to push himself; he was at the same time reticent about explaining his deepest feelings, realising that they were increasingly at a discount. An adamantine stance on many issues limited his range of acquaintances. An aura of distance, even separation, marked him. He divulged no…