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I N .. M E M O R I U M

David Waylett (at school 1979-1983)

Lt Col John Farr (1923 – 2007)

 

David Waylett (1966-2006)
Our condolences go to the wife and family of David Waylett, an Oxford House student, who left the school in 1983. We have been advised that David passed away in 2006.

Victoria Fisher (at school 1928-1936).
Our condolences go to Mark Vernon (at school 1969-1976) and his family on the death of his mother, Old Russellian, Victoria Fisher (at school 1928-1936). Victoria died in January 2008.

Derek Card (Honorary Member of The Old Russellians)
It is with deep regret that we announce the sad death of our Honorary Member, Derek Card, who died on 15th December 2007 at 5.15pm. He took ill following a routine flu jab and after numerous tests he was found to have secondary cancer of the liver. He died suddenly before the primary cause was diagnosed. His wife, who is Keith and Brian Angel’s cousin, Brenda, was at his beside when he died. He will be remembered for his detailed archiving of the circumstances surrounding the death of Gerald Hood and many other WW2 O.R. causalities - details of which are now recorded in the Book Remembrance held at School.

This email, addressed to Brian Angel, on 16th December 2007, arrived too late for Derek’s eyes, but we thought other O.R.s would like to read it:

Dear Brian/Derek
2007 will remain in my memory for many good reasons, but primarily, it was the year that one Flying Officer Gerald Hood finally "came home" to the Royal Russell School to be honoured accordingly and in fine style, I am sure that I have no need to repeat how much it meant to me to be present on that unforgettable day to bear witness to the events. Although for me, the "job" so to speak is done and I have moved on to other projects, the book will never be fully closed on the Hood story. I just regret that I do not have as much of the time and resources as I would ideally like to devote to researching and telling the stories of men like Gerald Hood.

Please pass on my regards to all at the Royal Russell School and the Old Russellians Society.

So gentlemen, seasons greetings to you and yours and wishing you health, contentment and success for 2008.
Regards
Alan J. Barrow.

Brian’s response to Alan included these words:

……… All of us have lost a fine researcher, an enthusiast, methodical and determined in his work and hobby, who brought a real integrity to everything he did. Derek was a modest and shy man, sometimes concerned that his dyslexia would affect the quality of his output or embarrass his friends. (Of course it didn’t)

You, Alan, were his first inspiration to help ‘bring Gerald home’ for which the School and all of us will be eternally grateful. The dignity with which you involved 100 Squadron in the May ceremonies at Royal Russell is something else we will never forget.

I am so sorry to be the bearer of such sad news, especially at this time.

 

Raymond John Ward (1926-1936)
Our condolences go to the family of Raymond John Ward who was at school from 1926 to 1936. Raymond died on Sunday 6th May 2007 at the age of 86.

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Ethel Pike (nee Barnetson) (1928-1932)
Our condolences go to the family of Ethel Pike (nee Barnetson) who was at school from 1928 to 1932. Ethel died on Tuesday 7th August 2007 at the age of 91.

 

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Charles Stacey (1938-1944)
Our condolences go to the family of Chaz Stacey who was at school from 1938 to 1944. Chaz died on Thursday 27th September 2007 at the age of 79.

 

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Lt Col John Farr (1923 – 2007)
Our condolences go to the family of John Farr who was at school from 1935 to 1940. John died on Sunday 20th May 2007 at the age of 83. John, who was blind, was keen to hear news of the Old Russellians and our regular correspondence was always read to him. He was a great friend of Harry Crispin Smith.

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Harry Crispin Smith (1913 - 2007)
Peter Harrison (O.R. 1938-1949) writes:
"All Old Russellians who knew him will be saddened to learn of the death, on 20th March, of Harry Crispin Smith, at the age of 93.  Many of us received a warm welcome from Crispin and Kit at their School home by the East Gate, after O.R. matches against the School.  Since he retired to their other 'East Cottage' in Winterborne Stickland, Crispin organized a number of Cricket Matches between the O.R.s and the Village XI.  On a more personal note, my wife and I visited them on a number of occasions over the years, both at Winterborne Stickland and at Postling, in Kent.  We both feel we have lost a dear friend.”

Michael Pearson (former Head Boy and O.R. 1942-1950) writes:
I was saddened to learn that Harry Crispin-Smith passed away on 20th March.    He certainly had a long innings.   Crispin was a good teacher with a sense of humour that made history interesting instead of just a succession of dates.    He earned our respect in many ways - not least by inviting seniors over for dinner with his family from time to time, treating us as people rather than children.    I think we all owe him a lot.   

Crispin served his country with honour and distinction throughout World War 2.   By nature a gentle man, he had to take decisions that led to the death of many enemy soldiers, especially in Burma.    I shall think of Crispin early next week when my family and I visit the beautifully maintained war cemetery at Kanchanaburi in western Thailand near the infamous bridge over the River Kwai.
My best wishes to you all,
Michael Pearson

A private Funeral Service was held in Kent for the family, and the Memorial Service (which was announced here) took place at St Mary's Church, Winterborne Stickland, at midday on Monday, 30th April

A number of Old Russellians and former staff attended.  Peter Harrison’s Address is downloadable here

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Brian Thomas Smith (1935 - 2007)
Our condolences go to the family of Brian Thomas Smith who was at school from 1945 to 1950. Brian died on 13th February 2007 at the age of 72.

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Peter Green (1935 - 2006)
Senior Master and Contingent Commander (1958 to 2005)

peter Green
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It is always hard to express the gratitude of a school to an individual who has given tireless service both in and out of the classroom. Imagine, then, the feelings of both staff and pupils for a teacher who has spent forty-seven years in this school.

The Summer Term 2006 started with the sad news that Lt Col Peter Green had died of cancer. Peter had retired from his position as Contingent Commander at the end of the previous Summer Term.

In 1958 Peter Green joined Royal Russell when it had a staff of ten  and only a hundred and fifty pupils. He was very much a prime mover in the successful campaign to save Royal Russell back in 1972, when the Old Board proposed closing the School. After this success, Peter moved forward with the School and was quickly promoted to Head of Politics. During his forty-seven  years at the School he fulfilled many roles, becoming Senior Master in 1985. Later he became the School Examinations Officer and the Contingent Commander of our Combined Cadet Force.

In 2000, Peter retired as Senior Master, but continued in his position as Contingent Commander until June 2005.  Peter had been a cadet whilst at school himself, and he achieved fifty seven years’ unbroken service. His retirement was an important occasion for both the Contingent and the School as a whole, and we were joined by senior representatives from the Armed Forces at his retirement parade.  Commander Nicholson, representing the Director of Reserve Forces, and responsible for all CCF Contingents in the country, presented Lt Col Green with a long-service medal and a letter of commendation from Vice-Admiral Sir Fabian Malbon, KBE, President of the CCF Association.  In his address to the Contingent, Commander Nicholson explained that official records confirmed that Lt Col Green was amongst the longest-serving officers in the country, and his service was matched only by Admirals of the Fleet and Field Marshals, who never officially retire!

The School was very grateful to Lt Col Green for his dedicated and outstanding contribution, and his untimely death came as a shock to all in our community.  A service of remembrance was held in the Chapel, attended by his close relatives, friends, teaching colleagues, officers of the CCF, current pupils and Old Russellians.

J. R. Jennings

The Service of Remembrance was held in the School Chapel at 5.00p.m. on Friday 12th May, over 250 ex pupils, staff and Old Russellians attended this memorable celebration of Peter's life. A copy of John Piggin's address can be viewed here.

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Memorial to Judith Chapman (1954 - 2004)

This memorial was designed and made  by Andrew Ellis (Y13) as his A level Design and Technology project. Many former Russellians have already expressed their delight that such a fitting memorial will be seen in School for years to come. They all remember Miss Chapman’s love of Winnie the Pooh and think the caption most appropriate.

Memorial to Judith Chapman

The caption on the plaque reads:
‘I used to believe in forever but forever was too good to be true : Winnie the Pooh’.
In memory of Miss Chapman from the pupils of Royal Russell School

 

 

 

 

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