From Royal Russell School

In Memoriam

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Jan 8, 2009 - 4:44:27 PM

2013

Mr Pat Hecks

School Governor 1993 - 2005

The Old Russellians were sad to hear of the death of a former Governor, Pat Hecks, who died on 9th February 2013 aged 78. As well as being a Governor of RRS he was also a former Governor at Croydon College and Purley Oaks School, and Mayor of Croydon in 1993.

Mrs Mary Faith Raeburn                    

English Teacher from 1982 - 1991

We have been advised that Mrs Mary Faith Raeburn who taught English at RRS from 1982 to 1991, died at home after a short illness, on Sunday 20th January 2013.


2012

David Browning           

At School 1939 - 1945

We are sad to report that O.R. David Browning died towards the end of 2012.  Because of David's enthusiasm for his school days, his wife, Margaret asked Tony Ford (at school 1947-1958) to speak on behalf of the O.R.s at his woodland burial on 17th December, which he was pleased to do.  Tony's address is downloadable here. In the summer of 2011 Tony had visited David at his home in Hemel Hempstead and this was the first of their 'meetings' about their schooldays, albeit a decade apart from each other. Margaret said that their talks about the school brightened up David's last days in hospital. Read More.

Brenda Fox          

House Staff Until 2006

We were sorry to learn of the death of Ms Brenda Fox, Housemistress of Queen's House from 2005 to 2006, following some years as Matron. We understand that Brenda died peacefully at her home in Cornwall during the Autumn of 2012.


John Stuart Willis       

At School 1952-1961

We were very sorry to hear of the sad death of Old Russellian, John Stuart Willis, who died on 13th September 2012 after a long illness with cancer. John was just 69 years old. The Old Russellians Society would like to offer their condolences to John's widow, Shirley.


John W D Hughes

At School 1940-1946
We were sorry to learn of the death of John W D Hughes who died on 31st August 2012. Our sincere condolences to his wife Cynthia and his sister Joyce Hughes, also an Old Russellian. John's funeral was held on 13th September 2012.

Dale Wright

Wife of Lanky Wright and Matron at school 1947 - 1974

We are advised by Pippa, daughter of Dale Wright that her mother (William's wife) sadly died on 9th June 2012. Dale took over girls' boarding after William (known as Lanky) died and before that was House Mistress of St Andrew's. She stayed in contact with O.R.s such as Roger Ballaster, Ken Hewitt, Tony Warner, David Liley. The Old Russellians wish to express their condolences to Dale's family.

Keith Leslie Angel

At school 1937 - 1944
We are very sorry to announce the death of Keith Leslie Angel who was at school from 1937-1944, and was one of the longest serving members of the O.R. Committee, being Chairman from 1968-1970. Keith's wife, Rosemary, and his brother, Brian, are both O.R.s and were at his bedside, along with his younger daughter Helen, when he died on 30th May 2012. He was 84 years old. On leaving school in 1944, Keith became a keen participant on the social side and a very active member of the O.R. Committee. He married Rosemary in 1956 and they had 3 daughters, Susan, Janet and Helen, and lived in Worthing. The couple set up their own travel company in Brighton where they ran a very successful business for a number of years.

Dilys Birkett

Teacher at school 1946 - 1969

We were sorry to hear that ex teacher Dilys Birkett died on Friday 23 March. Dilys had given many years of service to the School. She had kept well and in good spirits, though she had moved into care before Christmas 2011 to Oaklands House in Reydon, Suffolk. Dilys had lived at Wangford in Suffolk for many years, close to the School where she had taught until retirement. At RRS she was Needlework and Domestic Science Teacher, and head of both Junior and subsequently Senior Hollendon House, joining The Warehousemen Clerks & Drapers' School in 1946 and leaving in 1969 from Ballards (now Royal Russell). Dilys had kept in touch with many Old Russellians and had greatly enjoyed attending events and meeting O.R.s at the reunion at Pam Barrable's farm in 2008.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been published.

Valerie Grover née Gill (at school 1942-1954)


James Dawes

Left School 2007, St Andrews
The Old Russellians were very sorry to hear of the passsing of James Dawes and wish to send their condolences to James's family on this sad occassion.

Brian Ward-Jones

At school 1944-1952

We are sorry to report that Brian Ward-Jones (Oxford House 1944-1952) passed away on 2nd January 2012. This photo shows Brian (seated 2nd from left) when he was an Oxford Prefect in 1952.


2011

Frances Mary Sagar (née Richardson)

At school 1911-1919

Circa 1915.
The Old Russellians were very sorry to hear of the death of our oldest society member, Frances Mary Sagar (née Richardson) who died on 8th October 2011 at the grand age of 107!! Known as Mary at school, she put her thoughts into writing in 2010 and her son kindly sent them to us for inclusion in our archive. These memoirs can be found in the archived O.R. Stories on the website at: http://www.royalrussell.co.uk/archive_oldR/Features_School_History.php
The photos here show Mary circa 1915 in school uniform, and more recently at home.

Miss Olive (Peggy) Brown - Senior Mistress at Russell Hill and Ballards        At school 1959-1963
(Peggy) Died peacefully at Beechcroft House, on 13th August 2011, aged 95 years. A distinguished teacher, much loved by all her friends. Internment of ashes and thanksgiving service held at St Andrew's Church Weston on 8th September 2011 at 12noon. Miss Brown was appointed Senior Mistress in 1959 first at Purley and then at Ballards. Her obituary is published in the Burton Daily Mail from 18 to 24 August 2011. 

William S Baugh At school 1935-1942
We were sorry to hear from the Trustee of the Estate of Mr William Baugh that he sadly died on 31st July 2011. The Old Russellians wish to send their condolences to William's family on this sad occasion.

Cynthia Elizabeth Ethel Tucker At school 1932-1942

We were saddened to hear that Cynthia died on 20 July 2011. Cynthia bequeathed a sum of money to the school and we are very grateful for this. She spent the last years of her life in Torpoint, Devon.


Frank Rodney Townsend At school 1931-1939
The Old Russellians wish to offer their condolences to the family of Frank Rodney Townsend who sadly passed away in May 2011.

Michael Chick     At school 1937-1942
We are sorry to hear about the sad death of Michael from his son John. Michael was born in 1926, the twin brother of Roger, and he sadly died after a short illness on 2nd May 2011. His son says this about him:
 
Having experienced a difficult early childhood in Somerset, Michael always spoke warmly of his time at the school under the headship of F.A.V. Madden. He said the school was the making of him and he often referred to specific life-lessons that attendance at the school, and particular masters, had taught him.
He served in the Royal Air Force from 1944 until 1947, being de-mobbed upon his return from the Far East. He is photographed above in 1944 on the extreme right of the RAF group. He then joined Skyways, during the post-war boom in small airlines. He took part in the Berlin Airlift but eventually returned to Somerset where he trained as an accountant and rapidly rose to the position of Company Secretary of C & J Clark the shoe making business. 
 
He lost several school friends during the war, however he was always deeply saddened when he remembered his close friend David King. David was killed over Norway in Feb 1945, just as the war was drawing to a close, flying with the Fleet Air Arm. As Dad would say, 'You couldn't have met a less warlike individual. He was a lovely chap. Such a terrible waste'. They may have been house mates.

A peaceful and contented man, Michael Chick spent his final years gardening, painting in oils and writing. His many anecdotes of his time at the school combined humour with a profound gratitude for the opportunities the school presented him with.

Panayotis Xenophon Boulous  Left school 1981
We were advised in January 2011 that Payanyotis has sadly died. The Old Russellians would like to offer their sincere condolences to his wife, Elizabeth, and family in the USA.

2010

George Sidney Billy Gray At school 1933-1940
Head Boy 1939-1940
We would like to offer our condolences to Billy's wife Delia and all his family. We were informed by Geoff Ellis, Billy's cousin, of Billy's sad death on 3rd December 2010. Billy was RSM of the CCF, and Head Boy of Ballards. He courted Delia prior to volunteering for the Royal Navy in WW2.  He and Delia met up again when he was about 61 years old and married! A real love story if ever there was one.

O.R. Historian Brian Angel writes of George:
George had been a prefect in Oxford House and was head of The Art Club, enjoying rare privileges of ‘getting out' by arranging visits to the Tate, the V&A and other art museums. Just before the war in March 1939 he distinguished himself as Captain Corcoran in “HMS Pinafore”, an ambitious Gilbert & Sullivan production by the school. Press critics found him “a bit lacking in confidence but nonetheless ‘impressive'”. But in “The Rivals” when he played a fierce fire-eating Irishman, Sir Lucius O'Trigger, George was probably more in character because critics acclaimed the performance as “splendid”! At men's hockey, for which the School had a rare reputation in those days, “Gray lacks speed but impresses with good stick work”.
Donald MacQueen At school 1929-1937

We were very sorry to hear from Robert MacQueen, son of Donald MacQueen, that his father died on 1st September 2010.

Robert writes:
He was 89 and attended Russell School, as it then was, between 1929 and 1937. As I write this my mother has given me some photos of my father at the school and a postcard of the Lord Hollendon Memorial Tower which my father sent to his mother on 18th December 1934 telling her he was to sing a carol solo in the chapel the following day! My father had a fairly distinguished and unique naval career in the Fleet Air Arm as he was the most experienced Deck Landing Control Officer. He also carried out over 1000 deck landings as a pilot, a feat only surpassed by a navy test pilot. At one time he was the FAA Schools Liaison Officer and in that role returned to Russell School in July 1952 to show a film and give a talk on the Fleet Air Arm.

On Thursday 4th November 2010 The Telegraph published Donald's obituary. It can be read by following this link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/naval-obituaries/8100531/Lieutenant-Commander-Donald-Macqueen.html

Francis MacMahon

At school 1939 - 1953

Francis MacMahon 2nd Rt. First Row
Francis MacMahon as Head Boy in 1951
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Francis (Frank) MacMahon on Tuesday 29th June 2010 at his home in Stevenage after a ten-week illness at the age of 76. It was at the school that Frank first tasted the joy of ‘treading the boards' having leads parts in plays and operas which the school put on in alternate years. Just as he had a full and rewarding school life so it was to be to the very end. His work took him all over the world including stays of 12 months or more in Canada, West Africa and South Korea. Retirement meant he could indulge his passion for all the arts as well as continuing his travels, his last one being to Malta just before his illness. His family, George, Karina, Sonya and his three brothers, Gerald (1935-1942), Kenneth (1938-1945) and Malcolm will miss his input in our lives, and we must be grateful for his time with us.

Written by Frank's brother, Malcolm (1942-1953)

Francis was probably the most long-serving of pupils who ever attended Russell Hill & Royal Russell Schools, starting as a small boy, and staying right throughout the war and post-war years - thirteen in all. He ended his career there in his final year (1951/52) both as Head of Oxford House AND Head Boy. As a first-former when Francis was a fourth-former, we were, as school custom dictated at the time, hardly on speaking terms during my first four years at Ballards. It was only during my final year in the Fifth and he was in the Sixth that we became reasonably friendly. There was some sporadic contact after we left when I attended a couple of his performances (as Othello and in Shaw's "Arms and the Man") at the London School of Economics, with occasional O.R. Days and Dinners, during which we went through our National Service and, quite soon he met and married his German wife, Sigrid, and started a family. My job took me abroad a lot and, in 1978, I moved with my family to Italy, but it was on of my trips in 1995 that Frank suddenly turned up on a special weekend deal at my regular hotel in Madrid. From that day on we never lost touch. For the last fifteen years we have exchanged many emails (many jokes!) and phone calls (mostly from him to me!), and we managed to meet up four more times. Once at the O.R. Dinner in 2002, once at the O.R. Biennial Reunion in 2003, once in Bregenz, Austria, when he was on the way home from visiting his daughter in Germany, and finally last year at the O.R. Biennial Reunion when he, Malcolm, one of his cousins, and I all had a jolly dinner together, full of laughs and reminiscences. Our deepest sympathy go to his family, especially his brothers Malcolm and Gerald, and his children, George, Karina and Sonya. I shall certainly miss his jokes and our chats on the phone.

Written by Pat Bygate (1946-1951)

'T J' Ahmed

Left School 2000

The Old Russellians have recently heard of the sad death of this young Old Russellian who died in a car accident on Thursday 4th March 2010.

Mrs Sarah Jane Williams (nee Colliver)

At School 1946-1953

We were advised in March 2011 that Sarah sadly died in January 2010. The Old Russellians would like to offer their sincere condolences to her husband, Douglas, and their family.

Aizati Aziz

At School 1990-1994

The Facebook page has alerted The Old Russellians to this very sad news. We are informed that Aizati was killed in a motor cycle accident in Kuala Lumpa in January 2010.

Gregory Head

At School 1996-2000

The Old Russellians have recently heard of the sad death of this young Old Russellian in January 2010.

John Malcolm Adams

At School 1948-1952

Halle with John last on right in 3rd row with viola
We were very sorry to hear from Stuart Adams (1946-1950) that his brother, John, died on Sunday 17th January 2010, after a long battle against cancer. He had been married to Elizabeth for almost 50 years; they had one daughter and two sons. When John came to the school at the age of 12 he had already achieved Grade 5 on the violin andbecame a mainstay of the school orchestra along with Roger Keen. After leaving school he spent 5 years in the RAF Central Band, then 3 years at the Royal College of Music becoming an Associate and changing instrument to viola. In 1961 he joined the Halle Orchestra in Manchester (under conductor Sir John Barbirolli) and remained with them for the rest of his working life, spending 18 years as Principal Viola. It is good to hear that his youngest son, David, is now Leader of the Welsh National Opera Orchestra. Part One of the Order of Service. Part Two of the Order of Service

2009

Elizabeth Oliver

At School 1947-1954

We would like to offer our condolences to the twin brother, Christopher, and family of Elizabeth Oliver who sadly died on 21st January 2009 at the age of 73. Liz is fondly remembered here by two friends, Monica Lawrence (née Willson) and Valerie Grover (née Gill).

Valerie writes: “Liz was a most respected and loved Head Girl, House Prefect and friend; true to herself and loyal to all those who knew her. Her sunny and optimistic character made her company both delightful and entertaining, her humour thoughtful and kind. Whatever she tried, she found an inspiring level of success, but was ever modest. Liz will be very sadly and greatly missed by all who knew her, but her smile, cheer and friendship will be remembered by us all. I new her from aged 11 yrs – through Guides, sport, College, golf and all her other interests! Jane Colliver, Liz and I went to Paris, Easter 1953 courtesy of Warehousemen, Clerks & Drapers School.”  Please click here for words from Monica.

Joyce Marion Raymer

At School 1928-1936

We would like to offer our condolences to the family of Joyce Marion Raymer (née Scott) who sadly died on Saturday 11th May 2009. Joyce not only attended the school with her brother, Roy Grieve Scott (who died in 1975), but we believe her daughter also attended the school.

Norman Curtis

At School 1932-1942

We were sorry to hear of the sad death of Norman, an ex-member of St Andrews House, who died on 22nd September 2009, aged 83. His funeral in London was attended by a large circle of his friends, including Old Russellians and directors of Whitbread, Bass and other world brewing industries. “The Times” obituary was written by Old Russellian Angus McGill, and can be found by following this link:http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article6871700.ece

Reyadh Hussein

At School 1996-1998

It is with deep regret that we announce the sad death of Reyadh on 6th January 2009.

2008

Derek Card

Although not an O.R. himself, Derek became Honorary Member of The Old Russellians in 2003

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.

David Waylett

At School 1979-1983

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 at the age of 40.

Felix Furlonger

Chairman of the Board of Governors at RRS 1981-1996

Our condolences go to Mrs Diana Furlonger and the family of Mr Felix Furlonger, ex Chairman of the Board of Governors, who sadly passed away in November 2008.

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.

2007

Brian Thomas Smith

At School 1945-1950

Our condolences go to the family of Brian Thomas Smith. Brian died on 13th February 2007 at the age of 72.

Charles Stacey

At School 1938-1944

Our condolences go to the family of Chaz Stacey. Chaz died on Thursday 27th September 2007 at the age of 79.

Ethel Pyke (née Barnetson)

At School 1928-1932

Our condolences go to the family of Ethel Pike (nee Barnetson). Ethel died on Tuesday 7th August 2007 at the age of 91.

Harry Crispin Smith

School Master from 1936-1973
Born 1913, Died 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 VillageXI. 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 WW2. 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”

Aprivate Funeral Service was held in Kent for the family, and the Memorial Service (which was announced at RRS) 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.

Lt Col John Farr

At School 1935-1940

Our condolences go to the family of John Farr. 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.

Raymond John Ward

At School 1926-1936

Our condolences go to the family of Raymond John Ward. Raymond died on Sunday 6th May 2007 at the age of 86.

2006

Peter Green

Senior Master and Contingent Commander at RRS from 1958-2005
Born 1935, Died 2006

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 tenand 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.

Dr J R Jennings

The Service of Remembrance was held in the School Chapel at 5:00pm 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.

2004

Judith Chapman

School Mistress at RRS from 1976-2004
Born 1954, Died 2004

Judith Chapman was born in 1954 and sadly died at the age of 50 in 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.

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.

© Copyright 2013 by Royal Russell School