Old Stoic Obituaries

Deaths prior to January of this year can be found in archive copies of The Corinthian

Mr John Spooner (Cobham 56)

John sadly died on 14 October 2024.  

Mr Giles Cheatle (Walpole 72)

Giles has sadly died after a long illness aged 71.  A talented cricketer, Giles played for Surrey from 1980-83.  After his career finished, he moved down uncer where his daughter Lauren has made 12 appearences for Australia and plays in the Hundred.

Mr Kit Cator (Chatham 60)

Kit sadly passed away on September 20th 2024, aged 81. Beloved husband of Caroline, much loved father of Isabel and Ralph, devoted grandfather and generous friend. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Helen's Church Ranworth on November 18th at 2 p.m. Donations in memory of Kit can be made payable to Woodbastwick Parish Church Council c/o Gedge & Sons, Independent Family Funeral Services, Garden Road, Blofield, NR13 4JL. (01603) 712276.

Mr Tim Preston (Bruce 62)

Tim sadly passed away on 10 June 2024.

Mr Charles Price (Chandos 08)

Charles died peacefully on 21 September 2024 with his partner Sarah and his sister Jordy by his side at Trinity Hospice, London.  

His bowel cancer issues started in February 2022 when on exercise with his regiment, The Honourable Artillery Company. Treatment through 2022 and a major operation in July 2023 appeared successful.

Most regrettably, almost 4 weeks ago on Bank Holiday Monday August 26th Charles was admitted to Chelsea & Westminster Hospital and had a cancerous tumour removed that evening. His body valiantly struggled to recover for 14 days or so but the aggressive cancer virus was working faster and he very sadly passed away.

Details of the funeral are as follows and any of Charles’ year group would be welcome to attend;

2 pm Friday 18th October at All Saints, Shenington, north Oxfordshire OX15 6 LZ

Mr Robert Nettleship (Chandos 54)

Robert sadly passed away 29 July 2024.

Mr Michael Loup (Temple 47)

Michael died on August 1 2024, aged 95. Much-loved husband of Heidel, who predeceased him in 2018, loyal and loving brother to Major Peter Loup, fond uncle to Peter's children, Sarah-Jane and Simon, and a loving father to Richard, Nicholas, Mathew and Oliver. Cherished grandfather to Daniel, Murray, Naomi, Samuel and Alice. And dear family friend for Helen, Ueli, Oliver and Yolanda.

Attended Stowe in the 1940s, leaving in 1947. Excelled at cricket, rugby, hockey and golf. He also served later on as:

  • Chairman of the Old Stoic Society
  • President of the Old Stoic Society
  • Governor of Stowe School
  • Trustee of the Friends of Stowe

Private family funeral in Germany. A celebration of life event to follow in London in 2025. For more information, email rnmo2024@gmail.com. No flowers please. Donations to The Stowe School Foundation or Cancer Research UK.

Mr Paul Pumfrey OBE (Chandos 52)

Sadly, Paul never recovered from a bad fall at the start of the year, and he died in St Barnabas Hospice on 5 March 2024. He was expertly cared for with great sympathy and tenderness by the staff, many of whom remembered him from his past connection with the hospice. The messages of condolences that Paul’s family have since received all attest to the same qualities of his character: he was a kind man, a patient man, a gentle man. In fact, as so many have since remarked, in many ways Paul was the very embodiment of the English Gentleman: always with a twinkle in his eye, a kind word to say, and a steady, guiding hand. His gentle presence and kind civility belie the enormous impact he has had in both the public and private spheres, and there is no doubt that he’ll be remembered with the utmost fondness by the innumerable people whose lives he has touched. If the ultimate aim of our time on earth, as Raymond Carver so memorably puts it, is to feel ourselves ‘beloved’, then there is no doubting that Paul succeeded. He is dearly, dearly loved — and will be much missed. 

Justin Pumfrey (Paul's Son).

 

Mr Martin Muncaster (Grenville 52)

Sadly passed away 15 May 2024.

Mr Nigel Large (Temple 64)

Sadly passed away last year.

Mr Nigel Hemming (Chandos 60)

Sadly passed away on 4 March 2024.

Mr Christopher Clark (Chatham 61)

Sadly passed away on 27 March 2024.

Mr Crispin Robinson (Former staff 1993-2020)

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the death from cancer of Crispin Robinson on 6 April. Crispin joined Stowe in September 1993 after completing an MPhil at the Courtauld Institute, followed by doctoral research into Fra Bartolomeo at the Dominican Convent of San Marco while working as a Special Assistant at the British Museum. 

Crispin created the History of Art Department at Stowe, now a flagship department with stellar results, and rose to become Senior Deputy Head. A civilised, humane and compassionate scholar, known affectionately by former tutees as ‘ Robbo’, Crispin was the consummate schoolmaster who taught his charges “to assume at a moment’s notice a new intellectual position, to acquire taste, discrimination, mental courage, soberness and, above all, to gain self-knowledge” (William Johnson). 

Crispin retired from Stowe after 27 years of outstanding service, winning the gratitude, respect and admiration of countless pupils, parents, and colleagues. Crispin found huge solace in his faith and the certainty of the resurrection. The counterpart of suffering and grief is the compassion and love it inspires. Crispin’s legacy lives on in the History of Art Department and the many Stoics he inspired through his teaching and boundless pastoral care. The Robbo Bursary Fund has been established to honour Crispin and there will be a Memorial Service at Stowe in June (details to be published in due course). 

Anthony Wallersteiner
Head

Mr Frank Houghton Brown (Temple 83)

It is with great sadness that we report the untimely death of Frank Houghton-Brown following a long illness on 24 May.
 
Whilst at Stowe, Frank was Master of the Stowe Beagles before undertaking a stint as terrierman to Captain Ian Farquhar at the Bicester & Warden Hill. In 1990 Frank was appointed Joint Master and huntsman to the four-days-a-week Middleton Hunt in North Yorkshire, a role he discharged with distinction for fourteen seasons until moving to accept a similar position with the Tynedale.

After nine seasons in Northumberland Frank retired from hunting hounds in 2013 and returned home to run the family farm in Northamptonshire with his wife, Claire.

Frank's brother, Mark, and father, Peter, are both Old Stoics.

Mr Michael Gale (Cobham 54)

Michael passed away on 23 May, aged 88. Michael regularly attended Old Stoic events and his son, Andrew Gale (Cobham 80) is an Old Stoic. 

Mr Peter Gartside (Chandos 59)

Peter died on 9 May, aged 83. He was a regular visitor to Stowe and remained very proud of his school throughout his life. His three sons are Old Stoics and his granddaughter is currently in Stanhope. 

Robert (Bob) Somerville Roberts (Grenville 54)

Died peacefully on the 8 May 2024 after a short illness. A devoted husband to the late Jackie, father of five and grandfather to fourteen, he was a friend to many and always maintained a positive and energetic approach to life despite increasing ill health in later years. Throughout his life he was a proud Old Stoic and remained influenced and guided by his time at Stowe. He will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace.

Mr Michael Lockhart-Smith (Chandos 74)

Mike died on 6 April 2024, aged 68, at home. A loving and loved son, brother, uncle and friend. A funeral service will be held at All Saints Church, Great Holland, Essex CO13 0JS on 26 June at 11.30am followed by a reception at the Frinton Golf Club. Donations for Mind to PG Oxley 112 Connaught Ave, Frinton-on-Sea CO13 9AA. Listed in The Telegraph.

Mr Ronald Alexander (Grenville 61) 

Ronald died on the 29 of March 2024 due to complications after heart surgery. He was married to Lorna for over 51 years and had three children, Peter, Charles and Fiona. 

After leaving Stowe he went to Edinburgh College of Arts  to study architecture. He completed a seven year course and left with an M.Sc. , Dip. Arch.He then practised as an architect from home for the next 52 years, mainly working on listed buildings, mostly in Ayrshire.  In addition to that he became a Master of Foxhounds with the Eglinton Hunt for 25 years.

With his love of horses he competed in British eventing.  From this, he became a technical advisor for British eventing and designed cross-country courses in Scotland and England. In particular, designing the Scottish Championships at Thirlstane Castle, and for 25 years designed the three day event at Blair Castle in Perthshire.

Latterly, he also worked for the Federation of International Eventing, designing cross-country courses and officiating in Britain and abroad as FEI steward and technical delegate visiting Europe, Russia, South Africa and South America.

He also became a very good and knowledgeable gardner, opening his garden at Barnweil in Ayrshire for over 25 years under Scotland’s Garden scheme.

Gerald Coldham (Walpole 51)

Died peacefully at home on 22 March 2024.

Mr Peter Keens (Grafton 50)

Peter died on 15 March after a short illness. Beloved husband of Penny, cherished father of Fenella and Zoë, and loving grandpa of Emily, Sebastian, Charlotte and Felix.

Warwick Greville Collins (Grafton 53)

Died 4 February 2024.

Basil Dewing (Chatham 54)

Died 15 February 2024.

The Thanksgiving service will be in Great Malvern Priory on Friday 19 April at 2pm.

Brian Mead (Former Staff 1959-1979)

Brian passed away on 4 February 2024. 1959-1979. Whilst at Stowe, Brian taught History and English and was Bruce House Master between 1969-79.  Brian was coach of the 1st XV (1964-70), followed by Master i/c Rugby (1970-79). After leaving Stowe, Brian went on to be Headmaster of Shoreham College between 1979-94.

Ken Melber (Former Staff 1987-2000)

Ken passed away in February 2024. Ken was Head of Art at Stowe from 1987-2000, along with House Master of Bruce from 1992-2000. After leaving Stowe, Ken went on be Headmaster of Wycliffe Prep School, followed by Head of Lower School at the Out of Door Academy Independent school, Sarasota, Florida, in the USA.

Mr David Kahn (Temple 49)

David died on 31 January 2024.

John Michael Meade (Bruce 54)

John died on 6 January 2024, aged 88. Husband of Valentine, brother of Theodosia and the late Frank, father of Tania, Catherine, Nicholas and Elizabeth, and grandfather of 15. The funeral will be held at 11am on Thursday 1st February at All Saints Church, Earsham, Norfolk, NR35 2TQ.

Mr Robert Derek Bingham (Temple 60)

Robert sadly passed away 9 January 2024.  He had been battling cancer for some time and is now at peace.

Mr Geoffrey Ehrlich (Grafton '67)

Geoffrey died in New Zealand on 31st October 2023.

Dr John Eliot Hodgkin (Chatham 41)

John died peacefully in Salisbury on 29th July 2023, aged 100.

Mr Hugh Fenwick (Cobham 51) 

Hugh passed away on July 10 2023. 

Lord Brown of Eaton-under-Heywood
(The Rt Hon Lord Justice Simon Brown, Chatham 55)

Lord Brown of Eaton-under-Heywood, Supreme Court justice, 2009-12, was born on April 9, 1937. He died on July 7, 2023, aged 86. Whilst attending Stowe he took a shine to history and won the school history prize.

Obituaries:

https://www.39essex.com/information-hub/insight/lord-brown-eaton-under-heywood-9th-april-1937-7th-july-2023

https://www.supremecourt.uk/news/lord-brown-rip.html

Mr Richard (Tony) Pearce (Bruce 47)

Tony died peacefully in his sleep Saturday 6 May 2023 aged 94 after a short illness. A loving husband to Rosemarie, father of two sons and 5 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Mr George Clarke (Former staff, 1950-1985)

George died peacefully on Sunday 18 June 2023 aged 98. Dearly missed by all who loved him. Funeral to be held at New Forest Crematorium on Tuesday 18th July at 2 p.m. No flowers please. Donations in memory of George for The Landmark Trust may be made online at www.grassby-funeral.co.uk or cheques can be made payable to the charity and sent c/o Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TW. Webcast details for the service available via the Old Stoic office.  

Mr Patrick Gilson (Walpole 79)

Patrick died on Sunday 18 June 2023 and his funeral will be on Thursday 27 July at midday at Clandon Wood, Epsom Road, West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7FN.

Mr Wendell Harris (Cobham 63)

Wendell died on Sunday 11 June 2023, aged 78. He was at Stowe between 1958 - 1963 and he loved his time at school. Wendell attended many Old Stoic events.

Mr Nicholas Honeyman Brown (Grenville 63)

 Nicholas passed away on 17 May 2023. 

Mr William Partridge (Cobham 67)

William died on 18 April 2023. He died suddenly at his farm, near Hunterville in New Zealand. William spent his life farming, following an agricultural degree from Wye College. New Zealand was tailor made for him.

Mr Timothy Garratt (Cobham 61)

Tim died suddenly but peacefully at home on 9 February 2023. A man of the future and a man of ideas, he was planning his garden as he died. During his lifetime he positively impacted the lives of so many people in so many different ways. Tim was 80 years old when he died, and had lived in CHAGFORD, Devon for 48 of those years. For many years he had been a Partner in RENDELLS estate agents and the Honorary Secretary of the CHAGFORD SHOW. He was a much loved and respected member of ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH, in Chagford. He is mourned by many, not least by his beloved wife Vanessa, his two sons, Alastair and James, their wives, and his nine grandchildren.

Mr Ivo Forde (Walpole 67)

(Mathew) Ivo Hubert Boys, aged 74, in a tragic car accident on 5 April 2023 in Norfolk. Loving husband of Mary (Poppins), beloved father of Emily, Libbit, John Henry and Tommy and cherished Grand I to Jock, Ivo, Edward, Eliza, Felix and Florence. Ivo joined the Old Stoic Society Committee in 1995 and in 2009 became the Chairman and School Governor. There will be a celebration of his life/wake at Burnham Thorp, at 2.30pm on Friday 19 May 2023.

Mr James Corbett (Temple 56)

James passed away on 2 January 2023. 

Mr David Costain (Walpole 60)

David died peacefully on 25 March 2023, An Old Stoic, farmer and out and out countrymen who was an incredible all round sportsman and possibly the finest game shot in England, David will be missed and fondly remembered by all that had the pleasure to know him.

A service celebrating David’s life will be held on the 28 April at 12.30 pm at the Landican Cemetery, Arrowe Park Rd, Woodchurch, Birkenhead, Wirral CH49 5LW.

Mrs Liz Zettl  (Former staff 1938-1942)

 Liz passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday 10 March 2023 at the age of 105 ½. Liz was such an incredible character and told such wonderful tales about Stowe and JF Roxburgh.

A private cremation will be held on Thursday 30 March, followed by a Thanksgiving Service in the R C Church of St Bernadine, Chandos Road, Buckingham at 12.00 noon.

Mr Michael Royds (Chatham 49)

Michael died peacefully on 12 March 2023 aged 91. Much loved husband of Vicky for 66 years, loving father to James, Radcliffe and Sophie and proud grandfather of Tom, Rosanna, Amelia, Harry, Jack, Mollie, Orlando, Matilda and Fabian. Service of Thanksgiving at St Mary's, High Hesket, CA4 0HS at 2 p.m. on 5 April 2023.

Col David Murray Brown (Chandos 51)

Colonel David Murray Brown died peacefully at home on Wednesday 8 February 2023. A Service of Thanksgiving will take place on Tuesday 18 April at 12pm at St Margaret the Queen, Buxted TN22 4AY.

Mr Mark von Bergen (Chatham 68)

Mark died peacefully after a short illness on 15 January 2023.  Mark was a partner at Ernst and Whinney (now Ernst and Young) and worked as an accountant and then a management consultant for his career. He leaves two children Emma and George.

Mrs Bette Fox (Former Housemistress - Nugent, 2001 - 2006)

Bette passed away on 15 January 2023. Her funeral service will take place on Wednesday 15 February, at 11:30am, at Crown Hill Crematorium, Milton Keynes, followed by a Reception at Stowe at 13:00pm.

Mr Christopher Poulsom (Temple 61)

Christopher passed away on 5 January 2023. A memorial service to celebrate his life at Jesus Church, Troutbeck at 1 p.m., on Friday 3 February 2023 open to all. Donations left in his memory are to Parkinson U.K. or Westmorland R.D.A. online via fishwicksfunerals.co.uk.