Colman retired from Parliament at the 1987 election.
He was replaced in Pencarrow by Sonja Davies.
He was subsequently appointed as chairman of the New Zealand Fire Service Council for a three-year term.

Colman had a stroke in 1991.
Another stroke in 1999 removed his ability to speak.
He died on 11 April 2008, and was survived by his wife and three of their four daughters.
Colman retired from Parliament at the 1987 election. He was replaced in Pencarrow by Sonja Davies. He was subsequently appointed as chairman of the New Zealand Fire Service Council for a three-year term.
Colman had a stroke in 1991. Another stroke in 1999 removed his ability to speak. He died on 11 April 2008, and was survived by his wife and three of their four daughters.
Fraser Colman