Obituaries
Traditionally, the Association has marked the passing of Old Secundrians by remembering them at the annual dinner. The Association's Committee decided in 2011 that a more fitting and permanent tribute would be to record their passing on the annual dinner menu card and then to invite friends to lodge obituaries on the website. Accordingly, this page is given over to recording those tributes.
The Obituaries are shown on 2 pages. See also the Rolls of Honour pages for those who gave their lives in both World Wars; these include pages specifically given over to obituaries of all those who died in the Great War. (see Rolls of Honour ).
Recent obituaries are set out in full, below.
We have note the passing of colleagues on the Home Page for a period before transferring that information to this page after a suitable interval.
Former colleagues and friends who would like to record a tribute should send it to the webmaster.
Allan Humphrey (joined 1961) We have recently heard from Russel Finch (61) of the passing of Allan. No other details at this time.
Graham Lock (joined 1957) It is with great regret that we report that Graham passed away in 2014 from heart failure (sadly, we have only just received the news). Graham was an extremely bright student at the Southern Grammar and had been a Professor for many years at a University in the Netherlands before returning to the UK in about 2009 and becoming a tutor at Oxford University . (March 2017)
Jon Harrigan (joined 1954) We are very sorry to report that Jon passed away peacefully on 12th February 2017 aged 75. Ken Hales, a former SGS pupil and a friend of Jon's, recalls that he was a very bright student and read chemistry at Birmingham University. An obituary written by Ken can be seen further diown this page . Jon's younger brothers Peter and Robert also attended the SGS. Jon's funeral was held at Portchester Crematorium on Tuesday 7th March. Our condolences go to Jon's family and friends. ( February 2017 )
Edward Barber (joined 1960) We are sorry to report that Edward passed away at the end of January 2017. Edward was a well known photographer and in particular for his work on the anti-nuclear protest movement in the 1980s. An obituary, printed in the Guardian newspaper can be seen at www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/feb/23/edward-barber-obituary ( February 2017 ).
David Stapleton (joined 1939) We are sorry to learn that David passed away in January 2017. Unfortunately, no other details are known at present. David's funeral was held at Alverstoke Church on 9th February 2017 and he was laid to rest in Milton cemetery, Portsmouth. ( February 2017)
Keith Guy (joined 1955) We are very sorry to report that we have recently been advised that Keith passed away in November 2016. An obituary to Keith can be seen lower down on this page. Our sincere condolences go to Keith's wife Liz and his daughters Emma, Rosa and Victoria. (January 2017)
Edward Fillingham (joined 1943) We are very sorry indeed to report that Edward passed away in December 2016. Edward was a very keen Old Secundrian, an evacuee to Brockenhurst during the War and a regular attendee at the annual dinner. He will be greatly missed. Edward's funeral was held at Portchester Crematorium where there was a very large attendance. An obituary for Edward appears in the Obituary sectionfurther down this page.
Wilf Seymour (joined 1941) It is with great regret that we report that Wilf passed away suddenly at home on 18th July 2016 aged 86 years. Wilf was a regular attendee at the Brockenhurst evacuees" quarterly pub lunches and was a great jazz enthusiast, also playing in a local group which toured many venues. Wilf's funeral was restricted to family only. Our sincere condolences go to Wilf's widow, Joyce, and his family and friends. ( August 2016 )
Ron Sonnet (joined 1945) and former member of staff). We are very sorry to report that Ron passed away on 21st June 2016 at the age of 82. Many will recall Ron not only as a pupil but as a history master at the school for many years. Ron's funeral was held at Southdown Natural Burial Ground. Our sincere condolences go to his daughter Esther and son Matthew.
A tribute to Ron, written by John Carrick, is shown further down this page .( July 2016 ).
Laurie Moore (joined 1940). We are very sorry to report that Laurie passed away on 15th May. Laurie had not been well for a long time but with the help of his wife, Frances, was able to attend the quarterly pub lunches of the Brockenhurst evacuees. Laurie's funeral was held at Portchester crematorium. Our sincere condolences go to Laurie's wife, Frances, family and friends. (May 2016)
Peter O'Leary (joined 1940). It is with great regret that we report that Peter passed away on 24th February 2016. Peter was one of the evacuees to Brockenhurst during World War ll and was the first school Consul appointed by H.J.Mills. Our sincere condolences go to Peter's wife, Margaret, and his four daughters. An obituary, written by Roger Watts and approved by Peter's family, can be seen further down this page ( June 2016)
Stewart McIntyre (joined 1939). We are very sorry to report that Stewart McIntyre has passed away. Stewart was a keen member of the Association - and particularly so in respect of the Brockenhurst evacuees, of which he was one. He was a regular attendee at the annual dinner until ill health prevented that in recent years.Our condolences go to Stewart's brother, David, family and friends. Stewart's funeral was held at Portchester Crematorium .( April 26th 2016 ) NB An Obituary for Stewart has been produced by Ian Owen - see further down this page.
Geoff Owen (staff - joined early 1970s), We are very sorry to report that Geoff passed away on 22nd March 2016. Geoff joined the school in the sports department in the early 1970s. He was a keen sportsman - playing soccer for Ryde Sports, cricket and hockey for Havant (where he was President and a former captain of the cricket team). Our sincere condolences go to his wife Pam, son David and daughter Deboragh. (March 2016 )
Alan (Al) Cornick (joined 1959). We are very sorry to report that Al passed away on 4th March 2016. He had been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in February and, despite a very brave fight, he finally succumbed. Al was an attendee at the Old Secundrians dinner for a number of years and was a keen golfer (a former club captain at both Petersfield and Lee-on-the- Solent golf clubs); he will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Our condolences go to his wife, Pauline, and family. Al's funeral was held at Portchester Crematorium. (April 2nd 2016)
Irwin Rowland (joined 1936) We are very sorry to report that Irwin passed away in July 2015. An obituary, based upon the eulogy at his funeral and produced by Irwin's son, Mark, is posted further down this page . Our sincere condolences go to Irwin's family and friends. ( January 2016 )
Bill Handyside (joined 1939) We are very sorry to report that Bill passed away in October 2015. Unfortunately, we don't have any other details at the moment. Our sincere condolences go to Bill's family and friends. ( December 2015 ).
Dennis Beckett (joined 1938 ) - passed away December 2015
Keith Thomas (joined 1934) - passed away January 2016
Ken Matthews (joined 1939) - passed away March 2016
Steve Williams (joined 1966) - passed away April 2015
Brian Greenaway (joined 1945) - passed away December 2013
Colin Campbell (joined 1940) - passed away May 2013
Paul Mizen (former staff 1966-73) - passed away July 2015
Mick Hoolahan (joined 1936) - no date known when he passed away
Edward Young (dates of joining and death unknown).
Our sincere condolences go to family and friends of all those who have passed away.
Obituaries - and more information if known - may be sent to the webmaster.
Geoff Elderfield (joined 1941). Sadly, Geoff passed away in June 2014. Many will remember that Geoff was a keen Old Secundrian who attended the annual dinner every year until hearing problems kept him away for the last few years of his life. He will also be remembered by many as the the sports master at the Technical High School where there were many fine battles against teams from the SGS. A service for Geoff was held at St Helens Playing Fields on 11th July - where his ashes were also scattered ( July 2014)
Colin "Gus" Gardener (joined 1941). We very much regret needing to report that Colin passed away at the end of June 2014. Colin was a keen Old Secundrian and regular attendee at the annual dinner. He was the regular captain of the Old Secundrians 2nd X1 and a formidable centre half . He also did well on the bowling green in his later years. Colin's cremation was held at Portchester on 14th July. Our sincere condolences go to Colin's wife Mavis and his family and friends.
George Burren (joined 1938). We are very sorry to report that George passed away on 22nd October 2012. Sadly we have no further details (please let Peter Higgins know if you are able to help [see Contacts page]) but our condolences go to his family and friends . ( November 2012 )
Pat Shasby (joined 1936). We are sorry to report that Pat passed away in the United States where he had lived for some years. Pat was a former player and Chairman of the Old Secundrians FC. Our condolences go to his family and friends.
George Mason (joined 1937). We were notified in January 2013 of George's passing. Sadly, we have no further information (please let Peter Higgins know if you are able to help [see Contacts page]) but our condolences go to George's family and friends. ( 2013 )
Ken Nicholson (joined 1942). It is with great regret that we record Ken's passing, in hospital, at the end of August 2013. Ken was a keen supporter of the Old Secundrians and a regular attendee at the annual dinner. We shall miss him greatly. Ken's funeral was held in Old Bedhampton on 18th September 2013 and our condolences go to his family and friends. ( September 2013 )
John Lee (joined 1948). We are very sorry to report that John passed away in hospital on 19th June 2013. John was a great supporter of the Old Secundrians Association and a regular attendee at the annual dinner and other groups associated with his time at the school. John's funeral was held at Portchester on 5th July where there was a strong Old Secundrians representation. Our sinncere condolences go to John's wife, Jean, his family and many friends. ( July 2013 )
Bill Shott (joined 1932). We were very sorry to hear from Bill's son, Martin, that Bill passed away from heart failure on 20th January 2013. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends. ( February 2013 )
Jack O'Grady (joined 1932). We were extremely sorry to report that Jack passed away in March 2013.Sadly, we have no other details (please let Peter Higgins know if you are able to help [see Contacts page]). Jack was an extremely keen Old Secundrians supporter and contributor to this website and was father of the House at the last two dinners that he was able to attend.He will be very sadly missed and our condolences go to his relatives and friends . ( April 2013 )
Max Grierson (joined 1957). We were shocked and greatly saddened to learn that Max had passed away in May 2008. We have no other details (please let Peter Higgins know if you are able to help [see Contacts page]) . Max was a genuinely nice chap and a fine sportsman (images of him are featured in, for example, the soccer pages of this website). who I knew and remember very well. Condolences go to Max's family and many friends (Peter Higgins November 2012 ).
Brian Rann (joined 1945) Sadly, Brian passed away in November 2014. After leaving school Brian did National Service in the RAF (mostly in Malta) then worked for the Evening News in Portsmouth before joining Llloyds Bank where he rosethrough the ranks until he managed the North End Branch. His interests as a younger man lay in Motocross and long distance swimming - he swam the Solent no less than 28 times!He was a lifelong su[pporter of Portsmouth FC and towards the end was anxious about the outcome of Pompey v Aldershot in the FA Cup. Fortunately, he never found out that Pompey had failed again. Although his long term marriage had failed, in later years he met up with Eileen a former colleague from the Portsmouth Lifeguard Club and they married in about 2006. There were two nice touches at Brian's funeral; the priest who conducted the service was a former neighbour and friend from St Ronan's Road and the funeral director, Colin Barrell, had been Brian's Motocross partner. (Submitted by Ken Hales November 2014).
Colin Arnold (joined 1959) We are very sorry to report that Colin passed away on 29th June 2015. His funeral was held at Semington Crematorium near Trowbridge on 10th July where Brian Hewson represented the Association. The family requested no flowers but donations can be made to The Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Charity through www.justgiving.com/colinarnold. Our sincere condolences go to Colin's family and friends. (July 10th 2015)
Rob Carter (joined 1956) We have recently been informed - and are very sorry to report - that Rob passed away suddenly in 2002. He was married to Mary and had four children to whom we send our very belated sympathy. ( May 2015 )
Fred Baynham (joined 1945) We are very sorry indeed to report that Fred passed away (at the end of April 2015) after a long illness. Fred's funeral was held on Monday 11th May at Poole Crematorium. No flowers but donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society in Fred's memory.Our sincere condolences go to Fred's wife Ann and family. ( May 2015 ).
At a personal level I knew Fred both through his regular attendance at the annual dinner - until illness precluded him from coming a few years ago - and through our work in H M Customs & Excise where he was a very well liked and respected manager. He was also one of my predecessors as the SGS 1st X1 goalkeeper. He was a genuinely nice person to know and a gentleman. We shall miss him greatly [Peter Higgins - May 2nd 2015] )
Anthony (Tony) Akehurst (joined 1952) We have recently been advised by Richard Taylor that Tony passed away in the early part of 2014. Sadly, we have no other information but if anyone is able to provide further details please contact the Webmaster
John Amey (joined 1945). We regret to inform readers that John passed away on Sunday 16th November. John's funeral was held on Wednesday 3rd December at Tunstall Church (St John the Baptist), Sittingbourne and the Garden of England Crematorium, Bobbing. "No need to wear black". The request was for family flowers only but donations if desired to Crossroads Care, East Kent c/o R. Highland & Sons, 1 Bayford Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3AD. ( December 4th 2014)
David Saunders (joined 1943) It is with great regret that we record the passing of David Saunders on Tuesday 11th November 2014. David was a keen supporter of the Old Secundrians and a regular attendee at the annual dinner - he will be sadly missed. As David's friend of 71 years, Don Sanders, observed - he was not only a great sportsman in his pomp but a thoroughly decent and honourable man in all respects. David's funeral was held at St Peter's Church, Petersfield Square, Petersfield on 1st December 2014. (December 4th 2014)