The school is sorry to announce the passing of the following alumni. If you note any inaccuracies on this page, or wish for information to be updated, we would be very grateful if you could get in touch with the Alumni and Development office at alumni@exeterschool.org.uk or +44 (0)1392 307080.
Donald William (Don) Nott – Raleigh (1943-1950)
Don’s brother Rodney Nott (Raleigh 1956-1961) provided the following obituary and photos.
He attended the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough but, as a result of deafness caused by a cycle accident, he was unable to become a pilot, so he left and went to Westland Helicopters in Yeovil. There he met Jill who became his wife. Don spent a year at college near Edinburgh and then did an MA at Keble College Oxford spending a year as a Don after graduating. Their first daughter Linda was born at this time.
After Oxford the family went to what was then Marandellas (Marondera) Southern Rhodesia, and Don taught maths at Peterhouse School. When second daughter Debbie arrived, he changed career and worked in Salisbury, S. Rhodesia with Alcan Industries, Canada and then Educational Sales. The family also grew with twins Helen and Claire being born in 1961.
A move to South Africa in 1964 saw Don managing the Durban Coca-Cola factory, where he took a sabbatical and gained an MBA at Harvard. Don then managed Midland Aluminium Ltd followed by Sunset Furniture in Benoni South Africa. Don opened his own Consulting Business in Johannesburg and continued with this until the family came to live in England in 1977, Don acting as a turnaround man for a carpet group around Worcester. Then to Ireland for a time with Flair the bathroom specialists. Jill missed Africa so they returned there in 1979, and Don became the Managing Director of the Malawi Development Corporation. In 1981 they moved to back to Salisbury (which is now called Harare in Zimbabwe) as he was offered the position as Managing Director of Industrial Steel & Pipe Ltd. In 1987 they moved to Johannesburg where Don purchased a stationery shop but then decided to semi retire and went back to his love of teaching where he taught business management and economics. In 1998 he decided to ‘retire’ in Howick, Kwa- Zulu Natal in the Amberglen retirement village where Jill still resides. In those years Don continued to enjoy his passion for teaching and worked at the Midlands Community College helping young men with their mathematics in order to gain entry into engineering degrees. He also became the Chairman of the Trustees of the retirement village and performed in many of the social events with shows and of course his singing which he loved to perform the most.
Charles Waterfall (1933-1943) – Drake
John Goodman (1943-1947) – School House
David Edward Blackmore (1954-1960) – Crossing
Alan Raymond Smith (1944-1951) – School House
David Mahoney (1942-1946) – Buller
David’s funeral will be held on 3 October 2024 at All Saints Free Church, Findon Valley, Worth West Sussex BN14 0DT
Keith Manley (Drake, 1943-1950) 1931-2024
Words below taken from Keith’s funeral guide which you can visit and respond to here.
Keith had a long and successful career in business and was Finance Director of Dr Barnardo’s from 1973 to 1992.
He was born in Exeter on 12 October 1931 to Stanley (‘Les’) Manley and Eva Mairs. Les was a gardener and Eva worked in her family’s tobacconist shop. Sister Maureen was born in 1934.
In 1943 he entered Exeter School where he excelled in Maths and Languages. He won several prizes and took a keen interest in drama, music and chess. While several of his schoolmates went on to study at Cambridge University, he preferred to do his National Service and find a career. As a private in the British Army he was assigned to the communications intelligence unit of MI6 where he learned codebreaking and Chinese (the Korean War had broken out). He completed his National Service at the rank of lance corporal.
In 1953 his family moved to Tottenham in London where he qualified as a chartered accountant. After a couple of years at auditing firm Shipley Blackburn he was appointed office manager at Associated Television. He joined engineering firm Powell Duffryn in 1963 and in 1967 took up a role as Financial Controller with British Steel Construction.
In February 1973 he became Dr Barnardo’s Chief Accountant, based at their head office in Barkingside in East London. Promoted to Finance Director later that year, he quickly established himself as an authority on managing not-for-profit organizations, and his expertise brought him into contact with friends and patrons of the charity including the then Prime Minister John Major, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana. He retired from Barnardo’s in 1992 (retirement at 60 was compulsory then). Passionate about his work for the charity, he kept in touch with many of his former colleagues and was a regular at Barnardo’s annual AGM into his 80s. He was an honoured guest at Princess Diana’s funeral service in 1997.
After leaving Dr Barnardo’s he and a couple of partners set up a consultancy called Caritas (the Latin word for charity) which for a few years gave business advice to small charities. During that time Keith had a spell teaching charity administration at South Bank Polytechnic, where he was invited to write a well-received handbook, Financial Management for Charities and Not for Profit Organisations (1994).
Keith met Jean Donald (b 1939) at a Tottenham table tennis club in 1959 and they married two years later. They had two sons, Jonathan (b 1962) and Neil (b 1963), and three grandchildren: Ben (b 1985), David (b 1988) and Emily (b 1995). After their divorce in 1986 Keith married Sylvia Bones (1930-2015). Sylvia’s twin children from her first marriage, Tim and Caroline (b 1962), joined the family together with their children Patrick, Joe and Sarah.
For most of his working life Keith lived in Essex (Ilford and Upminster). In 2001 he and Sylvia retired to Woodbridge, Suffolk, to be nearer step-daughter Caroline, her husband Mark and their children Joe and Sarah. There he spent his free time doing voluntary work as treasurer for Abbeyfield Care Home and pursuing his favourite hobbies: bridge and bowls.
Keith was well enough to live alone after Sylvia left us in 2015 but physical frailty prompted his move to a care home in Southend in 2022. He was happy, safe and comfortable there and enjoyed regular visits from his family nearby.
Keith was a sports fan and a lifelong supporter of Exeter City and Tottenham Hotspur football clubs. He followed rugby, cricket, golf, tennis, motor racing and snooker, and chanced the odd flutter on the horses. Both his parents were interested in sport and games. Les was president of Exeter Speedway Club and Eva taught him whist and other card games. These games were always played for a small stake (pennies and halfpennies) and Keith threw a tantrum whenever he lost. His play improved quickly and when he was nine years old Eva asked the budding card sharp to join her at the local whist drive. They made a strong partnership and swept the board; as their winning streak continued some players wanted Keith banned for being “under age”. First prize in these contests could be a much as £5, a tidy sum in those lean war years (equivalent to a week’s wages in a low grade job).
Bridge became his favourite game and, in his own words, “almost an obsession”. After work twice a week he would brave the North Circular for a bridge table at his club in Muswell Hill. Practice at the club and weekend matches for Essex honed his skills, earning him the title of Life Master (and possibly the less desirable one of absent husband). He was strong enough to represent England in the 1980s with long-time partner Stanley Ritter. He continued to compete at a high level and was proud to be one of Suffolk’s strongest bridge players into his 80s. He took up competitive bowls in his 60s and latterly turned out for Martlesham Bowls Club in the Suffolk league. His children and grandchildren inherited his love of sport and competition. He took great pride in watching his family mix business with leisure as successfully as he had.
He liked jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, crime fiction and reading the Daily Mail (mostly for the financial pages, he said). He would write limericks for colleagues and family members to mark special events such as birthdays and leaving parties. He had a lifelong interest in the theatre, film and music. Learning to play the piano at an early age influenced his musical tastes. His favourite composers were Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann and Strauss, and he enjoyed comic songs by Flanders & Swann, Gilbert and Sullivan, Tom Lehrer, Victor Borge and The Goons. Rock and pop passed him by, apart from the odd tune by pianists Alan Price and Georgie Fame. Sylvia introduced him to jazz and they were especially fond of Chris Barber and his band.
Mild-mannered, modest, kind and generous, Keith had a gentle sense of humour, a sweet tooth and he loved a tipple. He was a good man.
He is survived by his first wife, Jean, sons Jonathan and Neil, step-children Tim and Caroline, grandchildren Ben, David, Emily, Patrick, Sarah and Joe, and great-grandchildren Lily, Elsie, George and Oliver.
Prof Christopher Burgoyne passed away unexpectedly after a happy Christmas with family, on the 2nd of January 2024, at the age of 73. He was an old Exonian (-1968) who became a school governor (2002-2007) and long-term liaison between the school and the University of Cambridge, assisting with numerous applications from Exeter in the intervening years.
Chris was born in Kent, the only son of an engineer and a telephone exchange operator. The young family moved to Topsham to be closer to wider family members in the early 50s. Following Exeter school, Chris took up a place at St Johns, Cambridge, chiefly to read Civil Engineering, but also to engage in the traditional activities of rowing and forming life-long friendships. His summers were spent supporting his father and his team on various civil construction projects across Devon.
Having met his wife Vanessa (a Homertonian) in Cambridge, the couple moved to Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, for a few years to work for the council in exchange for funding for Chris’ further study. This allowed them to relocate to London in the late 70s where he studied for an MSc and later a PhD in structural engineering at Imperial college. An expert in the analysis and reinforcement of concrete structures, Chris started lecturing at Imperial in 1980 staying until 1988.
With a young family, he relocated to Cambridge, where Chris joined as a Senior Lecturer in the Structures group within the University’s Engineering Department, and as a fellow of Emmanual college. Here, Chris further extended his research into all kinds of related engineering disciplines: the physics of bicycle wheels, deployable structures, artificial hips, ultra-strong tethers for stratospheric balloons and kites, and lightweight chimneys for carbon capture. To name just a few of his projects. As a fellow of the Emmanual he raised the profile of engineering at the college, by taking a very active role in the admissions process.
Throughout this time his influence extended into industry, an advisor on the use of plastic fibres as lightweight reinforcement materials, and the design and maintenance of bridges across the world (notably including the world’s first entirely plastic bridge in Aberfeldy, and the pre-2012 Olympic revisions to the Hammersmith flyover).
Prof Burgoyne was a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and a Fellow of the Institute of Structural Engineers, amongst other professional bodies. In 2015 his efforts were recognised and he received a personal chair (professorship) from Cambridge, and in 2017 his research into the analysis of the Coventry Cathedral won him the IStructE’s paper of the year.
Prof Burgoyne’s peers, from across his career, remember Chris as one of the most erudite, fairest and supportive of colleagues. This extended to his treatment of students and applicants – firm, but always fair. If you could use your brain you would gain his respect, regardless of background or level of education.
His love of Devon remained throughout his life, and trips to see family there were the highlight of the year. The extended family in the county explains an enduring respect for the Navy, local history, and for the farmers and agricultural workers who call it home. As the son of a church organist, he grew up with music, and became a keen pianist. He fondly recalled a love of the folk-music played in the pubs of Exeter in his youth.
Chris is survived by his wife Vanessa, daughter Emily, sons Nicholas and Charlie, and five grandchildren. All of whom miss him daily.
James Crabb (Goff, 1953-1963)
James often spoke with fondness of his time at Exeter School, especially learning to fly gliders with the Air Cadets and as a member of the Shooting Team. After leaving school James went on to qualify as an Accountant and also achieved an honours degree in Maths. He lived in Lincolnshire with his wife and 3 children and was a devoted family man. He had a wonderful sense of humour and many interests including Maths, Astronomy, Photography and Music. He was an accomplished classical guitarist.
Peter was born on 7th November 1944, in Bradford – on – Avon. He was adopted by Allan and Thelma Hayward on the 10th of April 1946. He had a happy childhood in Exeter and won a scholarship to Exeter School. In 1966 he went to the University of Leeds, graduating as a civil engineer. He was thankful that his adopted parents had shown him love and given him solid foundations for later life.
He married his first wife Pamela in Exeter in 1966 at a small ceremony. In January 1974 their first son Daniel James Hayward was born and in October 1975, a second son, Michael John Hayward was born. They divorced in 1987.
His career as a civil engineer, after graduation, began in Hertfordshire but ultimately took him back to Leeds when he joined the British Waterways Board (BWB) in the early eighties. He remained with BWB until his retirement.
Fond of travel and adventure from an early age, he hiked in Austria and had many trips to the sea canoeing and walks around the Devon coast with friends. In later life he spent a greater amount of time travelling to all manner of places around the World; he loved skiing and the sun; he was happy constructing paths, walkways, and aerial adventure playgrounds in the garden; he loved gardening but did not enjoy weeding. In the 1990s he found out that he had a half-brother and sister, both of whom he met in later life. He spent some happy times with Bob and Val.
In the 1990s he made a number of trips to Kenya and in 2007 he returned there; this was where he met Josephine. They married in 2010 and in August 2010 Solomon James Nzai Hayward was born; then two years later Amethyst May Randu Hayward came along – his very special daughter. His son Michael and his wife Margo had two children although Peter did not see his grandchildren, Charlie and Chloe.
A very strong willed, passionate, and intelligent man, Peter fought against injustice and wanted always ‘to the do the right thing’. When he finally spent more time in Kenya, he found a number of practices of various bodies to be corrupt. Bribery was commonplace. He wrote countless letters to various departments about the bribery he found in everyday life. He told his youngest children that one day they could change Kenya for the better.
Ian Guy (School, 1977-1984)
Derek Hexter (Buller, 1949-1952)
Nicholas Thompson (Daw, 1964-1969)
Richard was born on the 2nd August 1938 in Exeter. Despite the hardships of the war years, in which his family home narrowly escaped getting destroyed by a German bomb, he spent a happy childhood with his parents and older brother Raymond.
Living so close to the River Exe inspired Richard’s choice of career. In the 1930s, his father bought an ex naval cutter. Adding an engine and building a cabin, he transformed it into a family cabin cruiser in which they spent much time on the river. As a result, Richard always wanted to join the Royal Navy. Aged 15, he went through the tough selection process to become a naval cadet, and was one of 36 selected to join the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in September 1954.
The 37 years Richard spent serving in the Navy were transformative – as he put it, “it converted a gawky shy boy into a reasonably competent naval officer, and gradually gave me the confidence to lead people”. Richard went on to achieve success both on submarines and surface ships. He then took on land-based roles, including time working for Nato in Norway, the MoD, and finally, the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service, of which he became Captain before retiring from the Navy in 1991.
It was through the Navy that he met his wife Aileen, who was a second officer in the Wrens. They met in 1969 while they were both serving in Gibraltar. They married the following year and remained devoted to each other throughout the rest of Richard’s life. They had two daughters, Alison and Katharine, and four grandchildren, Patrick, Charlotte, Eleanor and Phoebe, with whom Richard shared many happy memories.
After leaving the Navy, Richard worked for the British Sailors’ Society charity, before becoming Chief Staff Officer of the Maritime Volunteer Service.
Eventually Richard and Aileen relocated from Selsey in West Sussex, to Tiverton. Being back in Devon made Richard very happy, and he delighted in the community of St Peter’s Church in Tiverton. He also took great pleasure from his visits to the Exe Valley Leisure Centre, where he would complete 32 lengths of the pool before breakfast. And he was very pleased to reconnect with Exeter School, of which he had many fond memories.
Richard was a kind, wise man who was a lot of fun and possessed a zest for life. He died in a car accident on 26 May 2023, and is very deeply missed by his family and many friends
Alison Stenlake
Ewart Hopkins (Raleigh, 1947-1954) 1936-2023
Paul Bush (1938-1942)
Jeffrey Davis (Drake, 1942-1950)
Alastair Mew (Acland, 1990-1995)
Peter Harrison (School, 1946-1950)
Former SUR in English Pet Care columnist, Peter Harrison, has died at the age of 89. For more than 30 years, Peter and his wife Erny shared their love of animals with readers, offering their advice on a wide range of issues relating to pet ownership in southern Spain.
Born in Devon on 1 February 1933, Peter studied in Exeter before serving as an army officer during the Suez campaign in Egypt. In 1957 he started working in commercial television, becoming deputy Midlands controller for Associated Television in Birmingham. He then moved to London to join publishing firm McGraw-Hill, becoming international sales director, a job that took him around the world. After meeting his wife Erny in the Netherlands, the couple spent several years running a hotel on Dartmoor in the south of England. They came to live in Spain in 1988, staying first in their holiday apartment in Marbella and then moving to Alhaurin el Grande, where they opened the Petcare Kennels_ which they ran for 13 years. They later moved to the Alora area. Peter’s love of animals accompanied him throughout his life; he was a qualified riding instructor and took an interest in animal welfare while travelling around the world. He played an active role in the campaign to remove the quarantine obligation for pets being taken into the UK. Peter leaves his wife, Erny, and son, Neil.
Neil Cooper (Buller, 1944-1953)
Michael Dee-Shapland (Buller, 1940-1947)
Viv Jenks (Staff, 1998-2004)
Peter Ranft (Staff, 1986-2007)
Colin Roach (Buller, 1953-1960)
Robert ‘Bob’ Smith (Crossing, 1948-1958)
The Revd Ron White (School, 1947-1955)
Gareth Gunter (Crossing, 1965-1971) 1954-2022
Ken Bovey (Buller, 1940-1946)
John Clunies-Ross (1937-1945)
John E Dallen (Crossing, 1948-1954)
Edward Gigg (Raleigh, 1949-1955)
Stephen Nicholson (Drake, 1961-1968)
David Robins (Drake, 1951-1962)
Lawrence Walford (Raleigh, 1946-1956)
Colin Laskey (Buller, 1947-1957) 1939-2021
Colin Laskey was born in September 1939. He joined Exeter School in the junior school, before moving up to the senior school in 1951. When he left school, he went to work for the National Provincial Bank in Exeter. This job took him to Blandford Forum in Dorset before he moved to Hounslow, London. Not wanting to live in London despite the bank’s request, Colin left his job and opened a stamp shop. Colin was an avid collector and all round enthusiast. Following his retirement Colin joined the local history society and became chairman for a short period. Colin died on 6 December 2021.
Clive Apsey (School House, 1951-1957)
Michael Curnow (Crossing, 1969-1976)
James Daborn (Crossing, 1990-1995)
Kenneth Hartley (Drake, 1956-1963)
Francis Jones (School House, 1941-1946)
Obituary published in the Church of England Newspaper. We are saddened to announce the death of the Revd David Alexander Grigor on 18th December 2021 aged 92. He served as: Curate of Christchurch, Hengrove (1954-57); Curate of St Mary’s, Marshfield (1957-60); Vicar of St John the Baptist, Newport Barnstaple (1960-67); Vicar of St Paul’s, Preston Paignton (1967-1973); Vicar of Christchurch, Rio de Janeiro (1973-74); Chaplain to Exeter School and part of the ministry team at Heavitree Parish (1974-77); Chaplain to Brighton College (1977-88); Chaplain to Warminster School (1989-92); Part-time chaplain in San Pedro, Costa del Sol (1993-94); Part-time chaplain at St George’s Tunis (1996-98).
Ronald Darch (School, 1944-1949)
Elizabeth Searle (Staff, 1995-2003)
Philip Rodd (Drake, 1979-1986) 1968-2020
Peter Brown (Drake, 1937-1942)
Christopher Burrows (Daw, 1995-1998)
Charles Dunstan (Buller, 1959-1966)
David (Ben) Ellis (Drake, 1948-1955)
Leslie Folkes (Drake, 1945-1951)
Val Hibberd (Staff, 1951-1965)
Rita Hore (Staff, 1957-1985)
Derek (Richard) Jenkin (Drake, 1940-1947)
David Pearce (Drake, 1950-1957)
Charles Potter (Crossing, 1949-1952)
Keith Routley (Buller, 1947-1958)
Jason Victory (Goff, 1980-82)
Peter Weeks (Staff, 1982-1994)
Andrew Phillips (Buller, 1959-1967)
Leslie Taylor (Raleigh, 1953-1958)
Hilda Mitchelmore (Staff, 1957-1994)
Hilda Mitchelmore joined Exeter School as assistant bursar in 1957, working for a part time bursar. At that time the Bursary was housed in a hut just inside the school gate at Manston Terrace. It then moved to the present office on Victoria Park Road. As the school grew in size she carried out the increasingly complex administrative duties and accounts on her own and at one time became acting bursar for a year in 1970 during an interregnum. She was a stickler for the correct forms of address and insisted that fellow members of the bursarial staff did not address the academic staff by their Christian names!
Hilda as a member of the staff common room immersed herself in the life of the school and cared deeply for its wellbeing. She joined wholeheartedly in so many activities, singing in a staff production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe, acting in staff reviews which she insisted were necessary to bond parents, pupils, and staff together, and to raise funds for school projects.
She retired from the bursary in 1984 after 27 years of dedicated service but in 1985 she became manageress of the new school shop and box office, a “temporary” appointment that lasted 10 years.
She never really retired from Exeter School and even in her hundredth year was keenly interested in its welfare. The school owes her a huge debt of gratitude.
But all of this was not enough for Hilda. Her interests and achievements were wide ranging and have been mentioned in other accounts of her life but it is well worth repeating them here. She gave much of her time to the Girl Guide movement and became assistant divisional commissioner and a member of the Guide National Council. She was also county advisor to the Girl Guides Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme and treasurer of the Friends of Guiding in Exeter. Her interest in young people continued when she was appointed as a foundation governor of St Peter’s School and a governor of Heavitree Middle School.
Hilda was a committed member of St Michael’s Church Heavitree and sat on Heavitree Church Council. She was their first woman sidesman and later the first woman churchwarden. She was one of the founder members of the Friends of Heavitree Church.
Somehow she found time to travel to Taunton as she was an avid Somerset County Cricket supporter.
Hilda lived a long and richly fulfilled life. She believed in service to others and demonstrated this in every sphere of her activities. Those of us who worked with her will never forget her efficiency, reliability and above all her kindness and willingness to help. She was a truly remarkable woman and will be remembered with affection by her family and by all those who knew her and benefitted from the friendship.
Ann Revill
Hilda Mitchelmore (staff, 1957-1994)
Steve Richards (Crossing, 1973-1980) 1962-2020
Steve Richards passed away in Thailand in 2020. He was a keen long-distance cyclist and led an unusual and interesting life out in Thailand. Steve remained close to many of his friends from Exeter School throughout his life. Steve’s parents, David and Virginia, have shared a book with the school that collects messages, photos and thoughts from Steve’s friends. This book will be kept in the Exonian Centre.
Ted Ashman (19 November 1937 – 11 March 2019)
On 11 March 2019, we received the very sad news that Ted Ashman, father of Giles Ashman, had passed away. Ted was a very well respected headmaster and a very dear man. Throughout his life, he had given his time to coaching and developing sporting opportunities for young people, across the whole of Devon. Since his retirement in 1998, he had also given his time generously to Exeter School, supporting fixtures, refereeing matches, hearing readers and joining us on school trips. His expertise and calm manner benefitted so many children and staff during that time. Ted was known for his services to cricket in particular, namely his involvement on the Executive Council of the English Schools Cricket Association for a number of years and 30 years of managing the Devon U11 cricket team. Nothing was too much trouble for Ted and his sporting commitment, dedication and influence are evident both within our school and across the whole county. Ted was a passionate supporter of Exeter City Football Club. On his 80th birthday Lee Holmes, man of the match, presented him with a celebratory card from all at the club. Ted was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A tribute by the Headmistress of Exeter Junior School, Sue Marks
John Taylor (1942-1951)
Alan Wardrop (Goff, 1957 – 1962) 1944 – 2019
Husband of Jane for 48 years, father of four and grandfather of 9., Alan Wardrop passed away aged 74. Alan played rugby for Exeter School’s 1st XV cricket and hockey teams. He also played cricket for Devon under 19s and went on to take more than a hundred wickets for Sidmouth’s 1st team in 1965. Alan captained the team in 1981 when they were second in the Devon League and was a member of the team which won the League in 1988. A keen fly fisherman who tied his own flies, Alan was Deputy Head of Care at the West of England College for 20 years.
Dennis Smith (1944-1947) 1931 – 2019
Dennis Smith was a boarder at Exeter School. His main sports interests were hockey and cricket. He studied accountancy and worked for Nat West and a number of commodity and investment firms in the city. He did his national service with the RAF. Dennis married Janet in 1957 and they have a son and a daughter. Dennis retired in the mid 1990s.
Christopher Urch (Crossing, 1974-1977)
Bob Horne (Buller, 1947-1953)
Clive Brace (Crossing, 1957-1963)
Andrew Bray (Collins, 1962-1969)
Ali O’Brien (Collins, 1975-1981)
Peter Fry (Daw, 1950-1960)
William Jupp (Daw, 1947-1958)
John Taylor (OE 1942-1951) 1934-2019
John was a keen aeromodeller as a school boy and, on leaving Exeter School, matriculated and joined de Haviland Aircraft Company. Here he obtained his Higher National certificate in aeronautical engineering.
Aged 25 he joined the Royal Air Force on a short service commission of three years. After leaving the RAF he spent several years with Saunders Roe on the Isle of Wight.
He then re-joined the RAF full[1]time, enjoying a successful career culminating in his retirement in the rank of Wing Commander. His interests included tennis and sailing.
He was also chairman of the RAF Association in Salisbury, a charitable undertaking he gave his strong support to for more than twenty years. John’s wife, Julia, predeceased him in June 2014. He leaves a son and daughter.
Julian Piper (Daw House 1958-1964) 1947-2019
Julian passed away in September 2019 and he will be greatly missed throughout the blues world and beyond.
Julian’s passion for blues began as a school boy at Exeter School in the early 1960s. Whilst his fellow pupils dreamed of being in the Beatles, Julian longed to live in Mississippi and play with local blues musicians. His dream came true when he lived in Louisiana for a year as part of his studies with the University of Exeter.
Julian’s love of music saw him establish Blues South West, originally a non-profit organisation which promotes blues music in the Exeter area. Up until Julian’s death he continued to mainly promote gigs in the Exeter area at The Phoenix, The Bridge Inn and The Globe Hotel in Topsham. He was renowned for taking chances on relatively unknown acts out of love for their music. He regularly wrote on music for a variety of publications and his knowledge and enthusiasm led to Radio 3 commissioning him to produce a four-part radio documentary, Blues on the Bayou, in 1991. In 2016 Julian published Blues from the Bayou, a reflection on the blues scene he experienced around Baton Rouge.
Julian was involved in the release of 11 albums. Most were with his band the Junkyard Angels with whom he toured across Europe and the UK. In recent years his daughter Lucy, a professional drummer herself, had joined him on stage.
He is survived by his second wife, Catherine (née Hayman), a teacher, whom he married in 1987, and their children, Lucy and Sam. His son, Jonathan, from his first marriage, to Claire de la Bertauche, died in 2012.
Thomas Brain (1977-1983)
Christopher Gulley (Drake, 1963-1970)
Daphne Paul, wife of Headmaster Frances Kinnear Paul (1950 – 1965) passed away peacefully in her care home in Poole in March just after her 100th birthday. She will be remembered by many OEs from that time as a constant presence at School functions and a friend to many. She is greatly missed by family and friends. Daphne Paul 1918 – 2018
Brian Canniford 1937 –2018 (staff 1975 – 1979)
Brian Canniford taught PE, Games and Art from 1975 and 1979 and was an active member of the CCF RAF section. Before joining the School, Brian had served with the UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus, and with the RAF Field Squadron in Suez, and Aden. On leaving the RAF, he trained at St Luke’s College of Education, and enjoyed his time at School, contributing to cricket and appearing in staff revues on stage. He returned to the Royal Army Education Corps, training young soldiers at the Guards Depot, and the Royal Armoured Corps. He gained a MSc in Management from the University of Surrey, which enabled him to begin work rehabilitating servicemen into civilian life. His love of cricket defined his later career and retirement, coaching and managing Army Cricket and Combined Services Cricket, and working for the ICC helping to oversee competitions, training and development. As a first-class umpire, Brian regularly stood for the MCC and Dorset CCC. He passed away in Singapore while returning from watching the Ashes series. He is sadly missed his son Robin Canniford (1989 – 1994), his family and many friends who remember his generosity of spirit, and his tremendous sense of fun. Sqn. Ldr.
Matthew J Bowes (Crossing, 1985-1992)
Nigel Graham Moore (Daw, 1961-1966)
Andrew Stamp (Buller, 1959-1964)
David Frederick J Chapman-Andrews (School, 1942-1947)
David Gist (Crossing, 1949-1956)
Tim Meredith (Drake, 1962-1968)
Jeremy Barnecutt (Drake, 1961-1968)
Mike Ellis (Drake, 1952-1959)
Clifford Litton (Goff, 1959-1966)
Roy Pidgeon (1939-1945)
Tim Hampshire (Crossing, 1987-1993)
Fred Metcalf (Buller, 1952 – 1960) 1941 – 2017
Fred grew up in Yorkshire and Newcastle. He joined Exeter School on a scholarship in 1952 when his family moved south and his friends remember him drawing cartoons, collecting jokes, and enjoying playing for the 1st XV and cross country, but he also escaped from watching School sport on Saturday afternoons to support Exeter City FC. After School, he worked in advertising but kept in touch with School friends at University, claiming on one occasion to be “reading satire at Balliol”. He spent his distinguished career writing jokes for politicians, comedians, and after dinner speakers, and producing numerous books including The Penguin Dictionary of Modern Humorous Quotations (1984). He wrote scripts for Sir David Frost, jokes for Morecombe and Wise, and helped John Major to add humour to speeches. Fred never married and lived at various times in London, Australia, Los Angeles and Somerset. In retirement, he moved to Limousin, France where, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, he sadly passed away after a busy lifetime of working with famous clients.
Tim Pidsley, 1963 – 2017 (Drake House 1971 – 1982)
Tim joined the Prep School in 1971, becoming the undisputed champion of the annual sack race, but in the main school, his career was somewhat more distinguished, serving as Head Boy and captaining the 1st XV Devon Cup winning side in 1982. He was an enthusiastic Ten Tors participant, and a memorable cycling expedition with Rob Wendover took him from Exeter to Norway. Following his Geography degree at Birmingham, he ran outdoor pursuits and teambuilding courses in Wales before establishing his career as a management consultant, delivering skills valued by companies around the world, including the management teams of Google. In 2005, he moved to Christchurch, New Zealand working with the Health Board and University and later helping to coordinate the work of civic leaders following the 2010 earthquakes. His leisure interests included running, cycling, rock climbing, skiing, and mountain treks in Iceland and up Mt Blanc. In the week before his untimely death, he successfully completed the Wellington to Auckland National Cycling Challenge. One of his collegeages wrote: “I believe that Tim lived his 52 years as well as it is possible to live. He loved life, loved his work and loved his colleagues. Tim was a Christian and his faith was strong and pure, it guided his actions and I think it was part of his greatness.” Tim’s life was remembered in services of thanksgiving in Christchurch and Torquay.
Dr Robert J Gayton (Raleigh, 1957 – 1965) 1946 – 2017
Rob Gayton sadly passed away in February 2017 after suffering a stroke. He was an academic neuroscientist and lecturer in physiology who worked at Birmingham and latterly Liverpool Universities before retiring to Devon. At School, he was Treasurer of the Music Club, a member of the successful shooting VIII and House Prefect in Raleigh House. Rob attended two recent OE days in 2015 and 2016 and was pleased to reconnect with the School and his local friends. He is much missed by his wife Liz and sons Edward and Richard and all who knew him.
Eldon Sandys (Raleigh, 1941 – 1945) 1929 – 2017
Eldon joined the School as an 11+ scholarship student from John Stocker, after his family moved from Lancashire at the outbreak of WW2. Despite the wartime restrictions, he enjoyed his time at School, was very fond of rugby and the Army Cadets and was a School Prefect. He went on to pursue a successful career in local Government gaining Fellowship and later Chairmanship of the Institute of Trading Standards. He retired in 1990 and continued to enjoy sport, notable playing bowls for Devon. He moved to Leicestershire when his first wife passed away, and after remarrying, added travel to his many interests. His second wife Jenny, three sons and four grandchildren survive him. Meeting the Headmaster at the School Founders’ Day service in the Cathedral recently was a great pleasure. In his day, Founders’ Day took place in the Chapel!
Revd Frederick Smale (Raleigh, 1948 – 1956) 1937-2017
Fred passed away in January at Herne Bay in Kent. At School, he was Prefect, second XI Cricket Captain and a Sergeant in the CCF. He graduated in Theology at King’s College London, and was ordained in Canterbury Cathedral. After a curacy at St Mary’s Bristol, he spent his whole ministry in the Diocese of Canterbury. Fred was a regular attendee at OE Dinners, most recently in 2014. His wife Leonora, two sons Andrew and Martin and his wider family and friends sadly miss him.
Michael Selley (Buller, 1960 – 1972) 1953-2017
Mike was the second son of the late Exonian Wilf (1934 – 1944) and Audrey. He was Head of Buller House, and Head of School. Mike excelled on the sports field, captaining the 1st XI cricket and badminton teams and playing hockey for the 1st XI. Playing cricket for the school in 1971 against Devon Dumplings, Mike top scored in the batting and took a hat trick in the bowling. He studied dentistry at Guy’s Hospital, later moving to Devon with his wife Pauline, to join his father’s practice. He played hockey for Isca, was Secretary of the Old Exonian Club, chaired the local British Dental Association, and was chairman, and later president of Exeter Round Table. As a loyal supporter of Exeter Chiefs, he organised arrangements for supporters when in France, and was generous with his hospitality at his Brittany home. Mike will be remembered as a wonderfully friendly and approachable man; a true ‘bon viveur’.
Lawrence Ackland-Smith (Drake, 1940-1949) 1931-2017
Larry was in Drake House. He loved his sport, gaining colours in 1st XI hockey, 1st XI cricket and shooting, and half colours in rugby. He achieved the Bronze Cross in Lifesaving, was in the CCF Band. “Lawrence smiles on everything” was a comment on a report card. After School, he served in the 8th Royal Tank Regiment, playing sport for the army and passing out as ‘Best Trooper’. For forty years, he was a construction manager in oil refining across the world, living in Europe, Australia and Africa. Larry was a great supporter of the School, and a regular attendee at the Golf Day and OE Dinners. Larry passed away in August, and many OEs celebrated his life at the thanksgiving service. He is remembered as a popular, cheerful and good-humoured man and is much missed by his wife Maureen, children Michael and Fiona, and all who knew him.
Ian Shears (Raleigh, 1975-1982) 1963-2017
Ian devoted his career to building up his farm business near Topsham, going organic in 1987 and pioneering new business ventures including a successful farm shop and an organic bakery. Ian encouraged wildlife on the farm including rare birds. He is much missed by his wife and children and all who knew him.
Adrian Saunders (Crossing, 1975-1978) 1958 – 2017
Adrian joined Crossing House in the Sixth Form from 1975 to 1978, coming from Ardingly College. His Classics teacher, Norman Shiel, remembers him as the most naturally gifted student he had taught in both classical languages. Adrian sparkled at classical reading competitions, delivering the pieces with supreme fluency and from memory. After leaving School, he worked in the Department of Coins and Medals at the British Museum and then thrived at Brasenose College, Oxford, moving on to teach at The Dragon and St Edward’s Schools in Oxford. He later taught at the American University in Cairo, and Koç University in Turkey where he was College Lecturer of Latin and Greek. He divided his time between Istanbul and Ephesus. (Selcuk), where he was a tour guide. Sadly, Adrian developed oesophageal cancer and passed away in June. His Muslim funeral was in the great Isa Bey Mosque in Selçuk, a building he loved and where he spent much time reading the stones, and translating inscriptions. Friends, colleagues and students from across the world met together in Selçuk in September to celebrate his life.
Henry Gordon Spence Murray (Raleigh, 1945-1952) 1935 – 2017
Bill (Henry) was in Raleigh House from 1945 – 1952. He was in the CCF Army Section, and played a key role in the Modelling Society with Mr Hazard. In his career, he was the Landlord of the White Horse Inn Thruxton and The Shears, Collingbourne Ducis. He passed away peacefully in Tidworth, Hampshire, aged 82. He is much missed by his wife Gillian, children Tiffany, Lucy and Nicholas and four grandchildren. He will be remembered for his generosity, charm and fantastic sense of humour.
Dr Donald Frank Burnett (Daw, 1947-1954) 1936 – 2017
Donald was a Daw House Prefect and excelled in cross country running. He went on to St Peter’s Oxford where he gained a half blue. During a long career in higher education, he helped set up a course in 1990 to teach academic communication skills in Kenya when he was Head of Communication Skills at Egerton University, and authored ‘A History of the People and Parish of Ide’. He latterly lived in Stockleigh Pomeroy near Crediton. He is sadly missed by his wife Polly, children, grandchildren, family and friends.
Derek (Joe) Mullins (Crossing, 1947 – 1955) 1936 – 2017
Joe Mullins passed away on Friday 13 October 2017 after a brave battle against cancer. He joined Exeter School on a scholarship in 1947 where academic matters took second place to his love of sport, but he showed real promise in Maths and qualified to study Chartered Accountancy. Joe was Head of Crossing House in 1954 and Head of School from 1954 – 1955. A very talented sportsman, he captained the rugby 1st XV and the cricket 1st XI and played for the 1st XI hockey side. He received colours in all three sports and represented Devon at rugby and hockey. The 1955 Exonian rugby report referred to “his skill and resource …at scrum-half” and in four seasons with the 1st XI cricket side, Joe contributed numerous fifties and controlled his team very astutely. His effective leadership skills were recognised in the CCF, in which he served as Under Officer in 1955. The Annual Inspection that year, led by the eminent Field Marshal Sir John Harding, was dampened by poor weather. The Exonian reported: “Cadets in the ranks and in the Band were obviously trying their hardest. Tribute must be paid to the imperturbable and efficient manner in which Under Officer Mullins commanded a parade where nervous strain obviously ran high”.
In 1955, when Joe began his long career in accountancy, he immediately got involved in the Old Exonian Club, serving the Old Exonian Club as a committee member from 1959, Chairman from 1985 to 1995, and President from 1996 to 2007.He worked tirelessly to secure the Club’s finances, oversaw the introduction of a new Old Exonian magazine, and played a key role in the project to extend the OE Centre where his name is commemorated on a plaque. Joe played in numerous OE v School sporting matches, including in recent years the annual OE golf days. He donated the Joe Mullins Trophy, awarded each year to the overall winner of the School v OE sports competition, and it was characteristic of Joe that he should attend what was to be his final OE dinner in September, and presented the 2017 trophy in person.
Joe was a regular and welcome visitor to School with his wife Gay supporting sports fixtures, plays, concerts, and alumni lunches and dinners. Joe laid wreaths at our Remembrance Services, and was a significant member of the Old Exonian Lodge.
Joe was an Exonian of distinction, who embraced and demonstrated all the values that the School holds dear throughout his life. He was a consistently proud alumnus who spoke fondly and highly of the School and a strong advocate of the School today. All who knew him were privileged to count him as a friend and all will remember his warmth, good humour and steadfastness. He is much missed by his friends, family, and especially Gay, his daughter Sarah, son Christopher, stepson Simon, and his three grandchildren Emma, Dan and Tom.
John Poustie (Staff, 1991-2013) 1948 – 2017
John Poustie passed away on 29 December 2017 at the age of 69. He retired from staff in December 2013 after 21 years of excellent service in many roles including teaching History, Geography, RS and Games, serving as a CCF Officer in the Army Section, and taking the lead in pastoral care first in Drake, and from 2008 as Head of Collins. John’s career began in the 1960s with marketing roles for Shell Mex and BP and included selling encyclopaedias, landscape gardening, and running a pub, but it was in the classroom and coaching sports that he truly excelled. He was a much loved and dedicated school master, whose eternal positivity and optimism shone through, with the famous classroom hats and his encouraging phrases “never better”, “tip top” and “no problem at all”. He was an excellent raconteur and would regale his classes with countless stories drawn from his eclectic knowledge of history that made the subject come to life. A talented sportsman in his own right, he played for Torquay Athletic and Exeter Rugby Club in the 1970s and 1980s and latterly Exeter Extra Bs and the Wessex 2nds, while summer brought cricket matches with Thorverton and Devon Dumpings. He was an impressive sports coach, where he touched many lives, enabling countless rugby, hockey, cricket and squash players to excel. He achieved national success with his squash teams, and his U15 rugby side won the Devon Cup the year he retired.
John was a fantastic colleague and a good friend to pupils and teachers alike, always willing to get stuck in and lend a hand, whether on a CCF exercise or taking a cover lesson for an absent colleague. Whatever he was doing, his cheery phrase “It’s all going very well” would be heard.
John was a legendary teacher who always had a smile on his face. Nearly 400 past pupils, friends, colleagues and family members packed the School Hall in March to celebrate his rich life, lived to the full, and share memories and stories. He is remembered and much missed by all who knew him, and especially his mother Shirley, wife Lyndsey, children Tom and Paddy, and step children Jake and Laila.
Marcus Bede Colville (Townsend, 2005-2015) 1997- 2017
Marcus attended Exeter School from 2005 to 2015 and was in Townsend House. He sadly passed away on 13 December 2017 at the age of 20 in Newcastle where he was studying Medicine. He was a popular and richly talented young man, who had particular gifts for music, especially singing, oboe and piano, and sport, notably rugby, cycling and sailing. His compelling love of action and adventure touched many from the rugby 1st XV and the Newcastle Medicals RFC to the orchestras he played with and the School’s Choral Society. He is remembered for his sense of humour, original and witty ideas in the classroom, and his camaraderie on school trips, and is very much missed by his parents Alaric and Rachel, siblings Philippa, James and Tom, and his many school and university friends. A fundraising page has been set up by his family in support of mental health research for young people. It can be found at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marcusinmind and, with support from friends, teachers, school events and his family, it raised over £25,000.
Richard Ware (Drake, 1972-1979) 1961 – 2017
Richard (Ricky) Ware attended Exeter School from 1972 to 1979 and was in Drake House. He enjoyed sport, was an able athlete, and set a high jump record. He was a popular pupil and a good friend to his peers. After leaving School, he worked for BT and following early retirement took on a role with Age Concern, providing company for many in their later years. Richard remained resolute and optimistic in the face of his illness, keeping in touch with many friends and OEs right up until the last few days, but sadly lost the battle in the summer of 2017. What struck everyone about Richard was his joy of life and the way he engaged with all, whatever their background, and as a result was universally popular. The huge crowds that attended his funeral evidenced this. He is much missed by family and his wide circle of friends in Exeter and elsewhere.
Richard John Bruce-Kidman (School, 1959-1963) 1945 – 2017
Richard Bruce-Kidman was a member of School House from 1959 – 1963. He played rugby for the 1st XV. He went on to run his own transport business. Richard attended the OE Exeter Dinner on a regular basis including the Centenary Dinner in September 1990, and more recently in 2012. He passed away suddenly at his home in Milborne Port in April 2017. He is sadly missed by his children Claire and Diana and his nine grandchildren, his brother Peter and his many friends.
Kenneth Gordon Hamilton (Raleigh, 1939-1942) 1928 – 2017
Kenneth (Ken) was in Raleigh House at School from 1939 to 1942, and passed away in January 2017 in New Zealand aged 89. He spent much of his time there doing voluntary work with the Scouts and with blind children, for which he learnt Braille. He was also a children’s reading tutor for which he thanked the good grounding he received from Mr B Foster under the stewardship of Mr John L Andrews in the early 40s. He is sadly missed by his children and grandchildren.
Roger Tucker (Drake, 1954-1961)
Roger passed away on 15 September 2017, aged 74. Roger had attended Ladysmith School before winning a scholarship to Exeter School, and enjoyed the CCF and playing in the school chess team. His turn-out in Corps uniform was always exemplary, and remembered well after his time.
Roger’s career was spent in the construction industry, having qualified as a Quantity Surveyor from the London School of Building. He worked for, among others, Taylor Woodrow and Y J Lovell, before returning to Devon to head up Exeter firm Woodmans. His last position was with the Midas Group of Newton Abbot. He loved golf, serving as captain and later chairman of Tiverton Golf Club, and ornithology, becoming local group leader of RSPB. He was for many years a leading member of Silverton Methodist Church. Roger’s main love was his family; he is greatly missed by wife Sue, two daughters and four grandchildren.
David Anthony Wood (Buller, 1967-1974)
Richard Marley (Raleigh, 1975 – 1984) 1963 – 2016
Richard joined Exeter School in the Third Form in 1975 in Raleigh House. He represented the School in hockey, cricket and tennis and was also a prefect. Following his A Levels in Geography, Biology and Chemistry in 1982, he achieved a 1st in Biology at Sussex University which led to a career in publishing scientific journals beginning with Pergamon Press in Exeter (where he met his wife to be, Deb), and then at Cambridge University Press. Richard remained a keen sportsman playing hockey for his local club, running marathons and he cycled from Land’s End to John O Groats to raise money for charity. He sadly passed away at home in Ely aged 52 in April 2016, after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving Deb and daughters Becky and Zoe. Many of his contemporaries from School were at his memorial service including Graham Inglis, Richard Vinton, Chris Abel, Alex Wallace, Jon Carr, Emad George, Mark Phipps, Robert Murray, Phil Coombes and Dexter Perrott where one of the eulogies was given by Jerry Perrott. A real character, sadly missed.
William Trump (School, 1942 – 1951) 1934 – 2016
William entered School House in 1942 and left in 1951. He was a School prefect and played rugby, hockey for the 1st XI and was also in the shooting team. He ran a dairy farm near Exeter Airport until retiring due to ill health. He kept in touch with the School through three of his grandchildren.
Simon J Williams (School House 1948 – 1955) 1937 – 2016
Simon was a pupil in School House from 1948 – 1955 where he was a School prefect and member of the cross country team, gaining his School colours. He served with the Royal Tank Regiment, and as a German-speaking liaison officer in Germany. He was also a hard-working volunteer in North Wales helping to rebuild the Welsh Highland Railway. He enjoyed keeping in touch with School attending OE days and dinners on a regular basis, most recently in 2015 at the 1950s reunion. He latterly lived in Sweden with his wife Elisabet. A lovely man, hugely missed.
David Cockram (Raleigh, 1941 – 1948) 1930-2016
David joined the School in 1941 in Raleigh House where he played 1st XV rugby and cricket gaining School colours in both and was Silver Bugler in 1947 in the corps of drums. He left in 1948 to follow a career in farming and land management. He was still enjoying farming in his eighties near Wimborne and passed away following a brief spell in hospital aged 85. David was very proud of the School and looked forward to events where he enjoyed sharing memories and jokes with his friends. He only missed one OE dinner in the last 20 years. A charming, gentle man, sadly missed.
Anthony Smith (Drake, 1952-1957)
Tony was a member of Drake House from 1952 to 1957. He disliked games but was an enthusiastic member of the Young Famers’ Club (The Dug Diggers) led by Lionel Barker, whose projects included making a wagon rope from baler twine, and building gates and a dry stone walls around the School. Tony was one of the “train boys” travelling in daily from Newton Abbot by stream train with his lifelong friend David Hough. After leaving School Tony became a Civil Engineer with Exeter City Council, specialising in sewage treatment. He spent a large part of his career down manhole covers, acquiring an intricate knowledge of the city’s drainage system. He married Mary in 1974 having met her at the Vespa Club. David was a great collector who never threw anything away. His house in Huxham became a living museum of mechanical and agricultural artefacts. He was very involved in the community around Stoke Canon and kept the Churchyard of St Mary the Virgin Church mowed and tidy right up until his sudden passing, aged 77. Tony was a member of OE committee and a regular attendee at OE dinners, including over 20 in Exeter and also events in London and Cambridge. He was a quiet, unassuming man with a delightful sense of humour who is much missed.
Patrick Tilbury (Drake, 1979 – 1984) 1968 – 2016
Patrick was a pupil in Drake House from 1979 until 1984, taking part in the French exchange and enjoying those lessons where he could demonstrate his encyclopaedic knowledge and offer ideas and theories. After leaving School he worked abroad making friends across Europe and in the USA, and then studied in Leeds. Patrick sadly passed away in January 2016 at the age of 47 after a short illness in the RD and E Bolham Ward. Many of his School friends attended his funeral service where memories of happier times together were shared, particularly of his love of Star Wars and Doctor Who. Patrick leaves behind his parents David and Barbara, brother John and sister Emma and many very good friends. He was a memorable individual and a real character who lived his sadly short life to the full.
Ivor Clarry (Head of Classics and Head of Buller House, 1952 – 1979) 1919 – 2016
Ivor joined the School in 1952, following his war service where he reached the rank of Major, and a teaching post at West Hartlepool Grammar School. He later became a distinguished Head of Classics, contributing to many classicist achieving awards at Oxford. He kept Latin and Greek thriving in the curriculum at a time when their value was called into question. He was a Form 1 teacher, and for 15 years, Housemaster of Buller House, based in Room 4, setting a high standard and taking a strong interest in the welfare of his pupils. An active sportsman himself, he coached rugby 1st, 2nd and U16 sides. He was a bass singer of renown, singing solo parts in classical works, operas, and musicals such as Patience, and shortly before his retirement leading a group of staff in a song and dance routine as Roman Soldiers in the memorable staff revue Ms Alice in Blunderland. Outside class, he ran the community service programme, which included pupils tending the vegetable garden behind Emswood. Pupils, colleagues and friends appreciated his firm counsel and advice. Following his retirement in 1979, Ivan continued to sing in Choral Society and visited School regularly for events and OE dinners, most recently in 2010. He played golf with other retired teachers well past his 90th birthday, translated classical works, and tended his own garden. He stayed in touch with several of his former pupils and appreciated their letters and visits. A long life, lived well.
John Spencer (Crossing, 1951 – 1959) 1940 – 2016
John was a member of Crossing House from 1951 to 1959 and was a skilled sportsman, gaining School colours in rugby, hockey and cricket. He was Head Boy, vice chair of the Crossing Club and Victor Ludorum 1958-59. He continued his sports after leaving School, winning the Devon Golf Championship aged 19 as an amateur, and playing county and South West hockey. He was latterly resident in Surrey, but attended the OE Dinner in Exeter on a regular basis, up until 2014.
Helen Hone 1929 – 2016
Helen passed away peacefully in Devon in August 2016 aged 87 years. She was the wife of the late Robin Hone, Headmaster 1965 – 1979. She will be remembered by OEs as a loyal and enthusiastic member of the School and a good friend to both pupils and teachers, many of whom attended her thanksgiving service. She was particularly supportive of younger staff when they joined the School and helped welcome them into the community.
Bryan Wilson MBE (Drake House 1940 – 1948) 1932 – 2016
Bryan was a happy and enthusiastic pupil in Drake House from 1940 – 1948, usually placed around the middle of the weekly form order. Rugby, cricket and swimming were activities he embraced with natural enjoyment and ability. In his two years of National Service, he earned Sergeant’s stripes; no mean feat. He later gained Commissioned Rank during his service Army Emergency Reserve becoming a Captain and being awarded the MBE. He later worked hard later for SSAFA, the Forces’ charity, chairing the Hampshire Branch. Bryan had a career in management, working for Woolworths, Marks and Spencer, Bel Cheese and then the International Synthetic Rubber Company at Hythe, Hampshire living nearby. He was a loyal friend, keeping in contact with several OEs all now in their 80s, and attending Exeter and London dinners. He is survived by his wife Audrey and daughter Julie. His loyalty, sense of humour and the gusto he put into all his activities will be remembered by all who were privileged to know him.
Frederick Cyril Flood (Raleigh, 1948 – 1958) 1940 – 2016
Frederick (1948-1958) was a member of Raleigh House. He was a School Prefect and Sergeant in the CCF and had a career as a Chartered Accountant before retiring. Though living in Dunstable, he enjoyed keeping in touch with School and attended dinners and events, most recently in 2008.
Frederick L.B. Vigers (School, 1948 – 1955) 1937 – 2016
Fred was in School House from 1948-1955. As a sportsman, he played 1st XV rugby, and also represented Devon, and was captain of Hockey. He was a Sergeant in the CCF and member of the band. He went to RMA Sandhurst and was commissioned into The Royal Leicestershire Regiment in 1958, serving in Hong Kong, Borneo, Aden and Malta and continuing to play rugby and cricket. After leaving the regular army in 1969, he spent seven years in the TA, reaching the rank of Major. He loved Devon and enjoyed his retirement in Crediton.
John H Goodman (School, 1934 – 1943) 1925 – 2016
John was a member of School House from 1934 to 1943 when he left to join the Royal Armoured Corps. He was a House Prefect and member of the JTC (as the CCF was then known) being awarded the Silver Drumsticks in the band, and School colours for shooting. He latterly lived in Honiton and enjoyed keeping in touch with the School, attending OE dinners from time to time.
David J Ley (Daw, 1950 – 1953) 1937 – 2016
David Ley was in Daw House from 1950 to 1953. In more recent years he lived in Cromer in Norfolk where he was President of the Royal Cromer Golf Club and kept in touch with the School through the magazine.
Michael Luckes (School, 1970-1972) 1956 – 2016
Michael (Mick) was in School House 1970 – 1972 and passed away suddenly in October 2016 in Plymouth, aged 60 years. Much of his career was spent at sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary where he was a specialist in communications. He is sadly missed by his wife Susan, children, grandchildren and many friends.
David John Hacking (Raleigh, 1945 – 1949) 1932 – 2016
David was a member of Raleigh House from 1945 to 1949, enjoying sports, the band and playing hockey for the 1st XI. He went on to University College Southampton, and then joined the Merchant Navy, returning to Devon later in life. He attended OE events regularly, including OE day in 2013. He died peacefully at home near Exeter and is sadly missed by his wife Ann, children and grandchildren.
Peter Head (Buller, 1940-1947) 1930-2016
Peter passed away in the autumn of 2016 after a short illness. A wartime pupil at Exeter School, he took part in a wide variety of activities at School including the Band where he won the silver bugle in the Cadet Force. He enjoyed keeping up with the OEs attending London events, most recently in 2014.
John Prior (Buller, 1959-1964)
Richard Unthank (1953-1960)
Adrian Treble (Goff, 1972-1978) 1960 – 2016
Adrian (Ady) sadly passed away in July 2016, aged 55 years. He was in Goff House from 1972 to 1978, and studied Sciences in the Sixth Form. After leaving School he worked in Exeter in Information Technology, managing his own company. He is sadly missed by his wife, family and friends.
John F Hatton (1932-1938)
Douglas P Wilkinson (1947-1950)
Colin Shears (Raleigh, 1946-1952)
John E Rowland (Crossing, 1948-1954)
Reverend Canon Francis (Frank) John Hawkins (Daw, 1946-1954)
Russell Wendover (Buller, 1947-1956)
Keith Lethbridge (Raleigh, 1967-1974)
William John Richardson-White (School, 1948-1956)
Russell Fairhead (1939-1944)
Alastair Young (School, 1950 – 1954) 1937 – 2015
Alastair was in School House from 1950 -1954, played a full range of sport and then built up a career in retail management in Devon. He was an active member Isca Hockey Club and Exmouth Cricket Club for over 20 years and was latterly active in Round Table circles and Secretary of Exeter City Disabled Supporters’ Association. Alastair lived in Countess Wear where he built up an extensive collection of over 400 plants which he lovingly tended on his mobility scooter. After he passed away, his plant collection was offered to gardeners in Exeter with donations going to Marie Curie Nurse. His memory lives on across the city gardens.
Paul Dunscombe (Buller, 1966 – 1971) 1953 – 2015
Paul was in Buller House from 1966 – 1971 and studied English and Modern Languages in the sixth form. He enjoyed sports and was captain of the Cross Country team. He went on to study English at Mansfield College Oxford and kept in touch with the School through the OE Club. He sadly passed away in London in 2015.
David Rhys-James (School, 1930-1940) 1922-2014
David was in School House from 1930 – 1940 and a House Prefect. He attended JTC camps including Tidworth, gained his colours in rugby and enjoyed the swimming and fencing clubs. After School, he reached the rank of Captain in the 2nd Dragoon Guards and in retirement took up flying, gaining his Private Pilot’s Licence flying with the Southern Air flying Club. He attended the OE Dinner in Exeter on several occasions. He passed away aged 91 in Worthing, Sussex.
Dr David Hugh Simpson Stephens (Raleigh, 1942-1949) 1931 – 2015
David Stephen was a member of Raleigh House from 1942 to 1949 and died in January 2015 aged 83 in New Zealand. A School Prefect and a keen sportsman, he represented the School in rugby 2nd XV, captaining the side, and was an active member of the J.T.C. (CCF). He is sadly missed by his wife Maggie, children and grandchildren.
George Adrian Heywood (School, 1962-1965)
Bob Nash (Staff, 1973-2000)
Bob Nash passed away peacefully at his home in Hele on 2 June 2014, aged 79. He joined Exeter School in 1973 as Head of Art from his first post in Fareham following his service with the Army. In the art room, he was an inspiration to those who loved the subject and he helped many to gain places at art and design colleges. His lasting memorial to the School is his sculpture celebrating its 350th anniversary installed outside the Dining Hall. During the 1980s he developed History of Art A level with Chris Finn, and many gifted pupils went on to study it further, particularly at Cambridge. OEs will also remember his teaching of English classes and latterly his part time work in the Design Technology Department. Outside the classroom Bob was an Officer in the CCF Army Section and enjoyed field days and Friday afternoon activities on Woodbury, Dartmoor and Exmoor. Bob was a gifted craftsman who could make, paint or mend anything. Many remember his Morris Oxford car which he had converted to diesel by installing the engine from a post office van. It was very economical although rather noisy and required frequent administration of WD 40. Several present and former teachers from Exeter School attended his memorial service at St. Dison’s Bradninch, including Mr Fryer, Mr Walker and Mr Davidson, John Allen, Harry Guest. Chris Finn, Lawrence Sail, Michael Temple, and David James. Bob Nash will be warmly remembered by a generation of Exeter School pupils he encouraged to go on a develop careers in art, art history, and design.
Dennis Milstead (Buller, 1975-1979) 1960-2014
Dennis Milstead died suddenly of a heart condition while leading the Teignbridge Trotters on his favorite run along the Templar Way at Stover. After a busy four years at Exeter School where he developed his interests in outdoor activities, he had a successful career in London, before returning to Devon in 2006. He then became fully involved in marathon running, cycling and climbing. As an accomplished mountaineer he took part in expeditions to peaks in Nepal and South America, and donations from his memorial service went to Community Action Nepal, to help the indigenous people of Nepal raise their standard of living. There have been many tributes to his work with running teams and coaching young runners, and also to his positive outlook, sense of fun and his ability to encourage everyone around him. Dennis is survived by his wife, Jacquie, and his three children, Harrison, Cameron and Oliver.
R M F (Bob) Fenning (Raleigh, 1934-1938)
Karl Lines (Collins, 1975-1986)
Ian Miller Tilt (1944-1949)
Nicholas Roy Govett (1962-1969)
Paul Vincent (1956-1960)
Cris Duggan (Staff, 1980-1983)
Gordon Edwards (Buller, 1937-1943)
Margaret Beckwith (1998-2014)
Wilf Selley (1934-1944) 1926-2014
Wilf Selley had an association with Exeter School as pupil, O.E., parent, grandparent and governor, which spanned several decades.
Wilf joined Exeter School Preparatory Department in 1934 and moved into Buller House at the start of the Second World War. He was a keen and talented sportsman, captaining the 1st XV rugby team in 1943/4 Wilf playing fly-half, where he was renowned for his “safe hands and for being a speedy runner”. He was vice captain of the 1st XI hockey team, and captained the 1st XI cricket team where he was “a quick scoring batsman and a noted fielder at cover”. He also found time at school to be sub-editor of the Exonian, act in the 1943 school play, and serve on the School Fireguard Committee.
On leaving Exeter School in 1944, Wilf went up to Guys Hospital to study dentistry. He recalled taking his best plaster impression with German rockets falling all around London Bridge and the whole building vibrated!
After qualifying in 1948, Wilf joined the Royal Army Dental Corps for his 18 months’ National Service, before returning to Exeter to join his father’s dental practice. He quickly became known as a very professional but jovial dental surgeon who loved treating families. He developed a long-term association with the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where he was a part-time associate specialist oral surgeon from 1951 – 1991. His invention of a piece of equipment that helped both cleft palate children and adults who had swallowing difficulties led him to become an Honorary Research Fellow at Exeter University, giving lectures around the world. Wilf was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy in 1987. Wilf felt privileged to have combined general practice, the stimulus of his hospital appointment and his research and treatment of so many cleft palate and speech impaired patients.
Wilf was above all a family man. In 1949 he married Audrey Smith, who he had met whilst at Guys, and they were happily married for 64 years. His five children, Peter, Michael, Andrew, Timothy and Elizabeth, were all educated at Exeter School, as were three of his grandchildren. His son, Mike, daughter, Liz, and grandson, Charles, followed him into the dental profession.
Wilf’s was a Governor of Exeter School from 1975-2003, serving on the Preparatory School Sub-Committee. He was actively involved in several fundraising appeals including the Assembly Hall (1960s) and the Sports Hall (1970s). Wilf was also a great supporter of the Old Exonian Club.
As a pupil, parent, O.E. and Governor, Wilf’s contribution to the life and success of Exeter School was immense, and he will be affectionately remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ian Oswald Wilson (Drake, 1937-1945)
Philip Murray Milton (1944-1947)
Michael Tozer (Drake, 1946-1957)
Dr Adrian Perry (Crossing, 1960- 1967) 1949 – 2014
After leaving the school Adrian obtained a 1st in Physics at Kings College London and then obtained his DPhil in Solid State Physics from Oxford University in 1973 and undertook Medical Physics clinical training in Glasgow. After a stint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he immigrated to Perth (Western Australia) in 1985 where he later co-authored papers on iodine eyeplaque brachytherapy and SRT localisation.
Adrian was one of the senior statesmen of medical physics in Western Australia. Adrian was one of the founders of the older ARECQA accreditation system and oversaw the early careers of many young medical physicists. He loved teaching medical physics and along with training doctors and physicists at Royal Perth Hospital, Adrian made an international contribution as a visiting professor at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
His favourite aspect of radiotherapy physics was undoubtedly stereotactic radiosurgery. Adrian visited the specialist team at the University of Florida and, with contributions from several clinicians and physicists, was proud to implement an equivalent system at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, which was used for clinical treatments for 20 years.
Adrian was a strong advocate of professional certification and contributed to the College as a radiotherapy physics examiner. He was instrumental in ensuring and maintaining the high quality of Australian medical physics.
But his greatest professional contribution was that, during his time as Head of Radiotherapy Physics, Adrian was responsible for the provision of safe and effective radiotherapy to ~60,000 West Australian cancer patients.
He retired as Head of Radiotherapy Section, Medical Engineering and Physics, Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia in July 2010. He enjoyed 4 years of retirement in the company of his wife, Anchor, before his untimely death in 2014 whilst on one of their regular holidays in Malaysia.
David Edwards (Daw, 1950-1958)
Derek Cole (Drake, 1939-1946)
Geoffrey Wakefield Whitton (1930-1932)
Geoffrey was head of the well-known Exeter auctioneer Whitton and Laing until his retirement in 2012, which he took over when his father died in 1944. He was also a city councillor and helped revive the Haldon Races.
John Williams (1934-1941)
Jonathan Wallis (Drake, 1961-1968)
Jonathan trained as an Actuary after School and worked mainly in Investment Research as a consultant. He also pastoreed a lively free church in the New Forest. He was a rugby player and keen cross country runner when at School and also ran for the Old Exonians as well as attending OE dinners. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, children and grandchildren.
John David King (Buller, 1953-1957) 1940-2009
John was born in Rawalpindi in India in July 1940, and joined Exeter School in 1953 before going on in 1957 to an engineering training programme with Rolls Royce in Derby. He qualified as a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and spent his entire working career as an aero engineer with Rolls Royce test engines notably the Trent series which power aircraft including Boeing 777’s and 747’s. John retired in 2001 due to ill health and died in December 2009. He is survived by his wife Jenny, daughter Sally and two grandsons, Sam and Arthur Harling.
