1960-69 Leavers

Charles Abrams (1965-69), 1952-2022

Charles Abrams was cited in Hansard as having ‘performed a significant act of public service’, through his dedication to perfecting the Financial Services and Markets Act. A triplet, born in London in 1952, he became a leading voice in the world of Financial Services.

A year younger than his contemporaries, Charles’s time at both Colet Court and St Paul’s was marked by a quiet confidence; one which shone in his passion for Ancient History and Latin. He made particular friendships which enriched his whole life, and played rugby and squash.

His exquisite intelligence was rewarded with a place to read history for law at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was consistently inspired by the brilliant minds that came before him; his rooms overlooked Trinity’s Great Gate, and the tree where it is said that Isaac Newton saw the apple fall. Academia was a significant focus of Charles’s life and considerations, with an emphasis placed on detail and perfection. Charles became a Scholar, an achievement of which he was forever proud.

Charles followed his time at Cambridge with a position at the solicitors Linklaters & Paines, moving to New York and experiencing a new world as a result of The Big Bang. He was one of the first to recognise the landscape changing, forseeing its effects and eventually dedicating his life’s work to ensuring legislation reflected integrity. Just over a decade later, he joined SJ Berwin, becoming a partner in 1988 and founding and leading its financial services practice.

Charles’s mind became renowned, and he co-wrote the definitive guide to the Financial Services and Markets Act, pivotal in the aftermath of The Big Bang. He was dedicated to ensuring that intent was focused upon in determining whether market abuse was an offence. He made sure that enough checks were placed in the Code of Market Conduct, which led to the appointment of thousands of compliance officers. This, in turn, inspired the European Union’s Market Abuse Directive.

Charles soon became one of the world’s leading voices in the field. He spent his years advising the Conservative Party, gaining recognition throughout Parliament for ‘his remarkable grasp of the Act’ which, according to his colleague and friend, Lord Kingsland, ‘played a major part in shaping the [Conservative Party’s] approach’.

The importance he placed on integrity and dedication to one’s passions fed through to his personal life. Marrying his wife Georgia in 1987, he imbued his two children, Alexandra and Boris, with his inherent values. He shaped their upbringing with a mix of consistent love and education, ensuring that his children placed equal importance on morality and the correct use of a comma.

He inspired his contemporaries and friends with his persistent dedication to winning both his personal battles and professional, and succeeded in achieving vast change whilst combatting Multiple Sclerosis. He wrote many significant letters and books, including the Guide to Financial Services Regulation and A Short Guide to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Always with a wry smile and dry wit, he never ceased to amaze and lead change.

Written by Alexandra Abrams, daughter

Professor David S H Abulafia (1963-67), 1949-2026

David Abulafia was a distinguished and pioneering maritime historian whose research on medieval Mediterranean trade, in Sicily, the Balearic Islands and the Levant, led him to write acclaimed books such as a large history of the Mediterranean across time, entitled The Great Sea, which was awarded the British Academy Medal in 2013, and The Boundless Sea: A Human History of the Oceans, which explored how the oceans became connected through long-distance trade, and for which he was awarded the Wolfson History Prize.

He was also well known for his passionate interest in medieval and early Renaissance Italy, with an emphasis on southern Italy and the major islands. Other works included a biography of Emperor Frederick II and a series of articles about the kingdom of Naples in the 15th century from economic, cultural and political perspectives. His interest in the meeting of religions in medieval Spain and Sicily led him to the Atlantic, and a study of the first encounters between Europeans and the native peoples of the eastern and western Atlantic around the time of Columbus.

David Samuel Harvard Abulafia was born in Twickenham, Middlesex, into a Sephardic Jewish family on December 12, 1949. He was educated at St. Paul’s School (1963-67) and King’s College, Cambridge, where he completed his PhD on the Kingdom of Sicily, which became the basis of his first book.

He spent most of his career at the University of Cambridge, where he became a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College in 1974, was appointed to his first Faculty post in 1978, and became Professor of Mediterranean History from 2000-2017. Abulafia was Chairman of the History Faculty at Cambridge University from 2003–2005, and was elected a member of the governing Council of Cambridge University in 2008. He retired in 2017 as Professor Emeritus of Mediterranean History.

Abulafia was a hugely prolific author, specialising in Mediterranean history, beginning with his book The Two Italies in 1977. Much of his work focused on the economic history of the Mediterranean and in the meeting of the three Abrahamic faiths in the Mediterranean. He was influenced by the great French historian Fernand Braudel, in particular, his masterpiece, The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II (1949).

But he became increasingly critical of Braudel’s structuralist approach, arguing that Braudel did not pay sufficient attention to human agency. In a later book of essays which he edited, The Mediterranean in History, Abulafia wrote, “in writing the history of the Mediterranean it is essential to write a human history of the Mediterranean Sea expressed through the commercial, cultural and religious interaction that took place across its surface.”

Over more than 40 years Abulafia wrote numerous books including Italy, Sicily, and the Mediterranean, 1100-1400 (1987), Frederick II: A Medieval Emperor (1988), Commerce and Conquest in the Mediterranean, 1100–1500 (1993), The Western Mediterranean Kingdoms, 1200–1500: The Struggle for Dominion (1997), The Mediterranean in History (2003), Italy in the Central Middle Ages (2004), The Discovery of Mankind: Atlantic Encounters in the Age of Columbus (2008), The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean (2011) and The Boundless Sea: A Human History of the Oceans (2019), exploring the people who moved across the open sea, and emphasising the role of maritime trade in the political, cultural and economic history of humanity. It won the Wolfson History Prize and the Mountbatten Award in 2020.

He wrote on subjects ranging from the origins of the Inquisition in 15th-century Spain to the Catalan Kingdom of Majorca. At the heart of much of his work, he told one interviewer, was “an interest in the ways that connections across quite wide spaces – economic links but also cultural links –have been effected, and the interactions between these economic relationships and political developments.” His best work showed an extraordinary range and he combined this with an astonishing eye for detail.

He received numerous awards during his long and distinguished academic career. He was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2010 and a member of the Academia Europaea. In 2013 he was awarded one of three inaugural British Academy Medals for his work on Mediterranean history. In 2023 he was made a Commander of the British Empire for services to scholarship.

In his later years he became an increasingly outspoken public intellectual. He wrote opinion pieces criticising the UK’s membership in the European Union and in 2023 he wrote an article in the Daily Telegraph titled: “It would be uncivilised to give Greece the Elgin Marbles”, where he wrote that they belong “in London, in a great universal museum, not in the narrow confines of Athens’s Acropolis”.

In recent years he became a founder member of History Reclaimed, which set out to challenge the idea that we should be ashamed of our past, perhaps particularly slavery, and he became a fearless champion of intellectual and academic freedom.

Simon Sebag Montefiore, a fellow Jewish historian, said he had “lost a friend and a mentor”, describing Abulafia as “both an outstanding historian of world history, author of several masterpieces and also an academic who campaigned for free speech and against anti-Jewish racism in the public realm. His two master works, The Great Sea: a Human History of the Mediterranean and The Boundless Sea: a Human History of the Oceans – along with his earlier Frederick II – were outstanding works of literature and scholarship, distinguished by a genuine, rarely equalled polymathic knowledge of world history and culture, a superb instinct for anecdote and data, and a beautiful writing style, breath-taking span and depth and boldness of vision.”

In 1979 Abulafia married Anna Brechta Sapir, also a distinguished historian, who specialised in medieval Christian-Jewish relations. She survives him with their daughters Rosa and Bianca.

By David Herman (The Jewish Chronicle)

Anthony ‘Tony’ R Adler (1956-61), 1943-2021

Anthony Adler passed away aged 78 on 25 September 2021, suddenly from a heart attack. Anthony attended St Paul’s School from 1956 to 1961 and was chair of the debating society. He worked for many years in the music industry. More recently he was known for his historical research activities, often questioning accepted and/or recently re-assessed historical interpretations and frequently disproving them by presenting the facts which he investigated meticulously. A loving husband to Jan and brother to Gill, he will be forever missed by them and by family and friends.

Written by Anthony’s family and friends

Nicholas J C Argyris (1956-61), 1943-2024

Nicholas John Constantine Argyris was born on 22 March 1943 in London, the only child of Eileen Pollard and Constantine Hadjiargyris. He spent his early childhood in London before the family moved to Athens, Constantine’s hometown. In 1953 he returned to England, spending a year at boarding school before entering St Paul’s at the age of eleven.

Nicholas showed early intellectual promise, particularly in chess and at sixteen, he became British boys’ champion for the London League. An adventurous young man, he hitchhiked extensively across France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and other European countries. He became an Economics graduate from Cambridge University, where he met his first wife, Carol. They married in 1966 and both became teachers in London. They had three children: Chloë, Sophie, and Costa. After working as a schoolmaster from 1966 to 1968, Nicholas joined the civil service at the Ministry of Economics. In 1973 he moved to Brussels to work for the European Commission, where his career flourished. From 1993 to 2001 he served as Director of Telecommunications.

In 1984 Nicholas attended a circle dance teaching workshop, which led him to form a dance group near Brussels. Through this he met his second wife, Danielle, a Belgian national, whom he married in 1992. Dancing remained a passion for over thirty years.

After retiring in 2001, Nicholas and Danielle moved to Scotland. His interests were wide-ranging: chess, board games, and especially chess problem-solving, competing annually in the finals of the British Chess Puzzle Solving Championship. He also loved singing and was a devoted member of The Big Choir in Forres.

A man of impeccable taste and deep culture, Nicholas collected art, books, music, and films, later donating his library to Aberdeen University. Independent by nature, he valued a small number of lasting friendships and was widely respected professionally. Diplomatic, thoughtful, and spiritually minded, he believed in patience and negotiation, knowing that not everything is won in the first move. Nicholas died on 31 July 2024, leaving a legacy of intellect, integrity, and quiet generosity.

Adapted from Clare College Review (Issue 8)

Nigel B Backhouse (1959-64), 1947-2024          

Nigel Backhouse, who died on 12 March 2024, was born in Bristol in 1946 to Peter Backhouse and his wife Margaret (nee Jones). His early years were spent in Malta where his father was based as a civil servant in the Admiralty Naval Stores Department. The family subsequently moved to Egham where he attended Staines Preparatory School. He entered St Paul’s in 1959, becoming a Foundation Scholar in 1962. In 1964, he won an open scholarship to read Mathematics at Jesus College, Oxford. 

After graduating with a First in 1967, he remained in Oxford to study for a D.Phil, the last year being spent as a Graduate Scholar at Wolfson College. In 1970, he was appointed to a lectureship in Applied Mathematics at the University of Liverpool, where he remained until 2003, being promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1980. During his career at Liverpool, he taught the full range of Mathematics courses to students of Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Economics; supervised and examined many MSc. and Ph.D. students; and published numerous research papers. From 1971 until 1980, he was also sub-warden of a university hall of residence.

From an early stage, Nigel had a particular interest in school Mathematics, giving talks to schools, setting mathematical challenges, and representing the University of Liverpool at careers conferences. In 2003, he made the transition to school teaching, with appointments at Winchester College, Portsmouth Grammar School and Marlborough College. At the same time, he became involved in the setting and marking of examination papers for the International Baccalaureate and the Cambridge Pre-U, becoming the first Chief Examiner in Mathematics for the Cambridge Pre-U in 2008, and Chief Examiner in Higher Level Mathematics for the International Baccalaureate in 2013.

In his retirement, he kept busy working as a subject expert for Ofqual, and as a proofreader and editor for mathematical textbooks. His chief leisure activity was gardening, especially experimenting with unusual vegetables and fruit.

He was a kind and unassuming man, who wore his learning lightly. He is survived by his wife Diane, four children, and seven grandchildren.

Written by Diane Backhouse, widow

Colin M Bain (1958-63), 1945-2025

Colin Murray Bain died peacefully at his home in The Village of Arbour Trails, Guelph, Ontario on 21 November, 2025.

Born in London, on June 19, 1945, Colin spent his childhood in both London and the Scottish Highlands, his ancestral home.  As a pupil at St Paul’s, Colin was steeped in classical 19^th century education, studying Latin, History, and English, enjoying boxing, cricket, and rugby, and becoming Lance Sergeant of the school’s Combined Cadet Force.  With the encouragement of his brother, Donald Morrison Bain (1939-2009), Colin moved to Hamilton, Ontario in September 1963 to study Social Sciences at McMaster University.  At McMaster, Colin met Vida Ruth Seifert (1947-2016), who had come from Sudbury to study Science. They married in 1969 and had forty-seven happy years together.

Colin pursued graduate studies at the University of Guelph and his M.A. in History was granted in 1968. He entered the university’s brand-new doctoral program focusing on the industrial revolution in Scotland. Colin and Vi moved to Scotland for a year and, once installed in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Vi organised records for Colin’s research. Accordingly, three years-worth of research were completed in eighteen months, and Colin’s Ph.D. was granted at Guelph in 1973.

Having completed his Ph.D., Colin enrolled at Althouse College of Education in London, Ontario. He joined the teaching staff of Nelson High School and took early retirement from Acton High School in 2000.  In collaboration with his writing partner, Dennis DesRivieres, he co-wrote over a dozen social science textbooks for use in Ontario’s schools.

Colin used to say that his finest quality was his luck. He had the luck to be born into a rock-solid family, to have been exposed to an intellectually challenging education, to have met Vi, to find steady employment, and lastly, Colin felt lucky in that he chose to live in the best country in the world.

Donations can be made to Colin’s favourite charity, Halton Learning Foundation, in support of the Colin M. Bain Halton Social Science Scholarship.

By Nigel Bain (nephew).

Stephen A Basham (1957-62), 1944-2023

Born in 1942, Stephen arrived at St Paul’s in Hammersmith from Durston House, in Ealing, in 1957. He took an active part in school life from the start and always appreciated the opportunities and the good grounding St Paul’s gave him for the future. He was a keen sportsman and his main sport was rowing. He started as a cox, being fairly slight of build, but after two years he graduated to sculling and finally to an eight where he rowed at number three.

When Stephen left school, he joined the family advertising and staff recruitment business but after four years he decided he wanted to see more of the world. He went first to Australia where he joined an advertising agency in Sydney for a year before travelling through to India and Tibet on his way home to the UK. He joined another advertising agency in London before ending his career owning a printing business which satisfied his entrepreneurial flair.

Throughout his life, Stephen had many and varied interests including sailing and cruising on holiday to various parts of the world. He was a good pianist and an astute Bridge player. He was playing tennis and golf twice a week until a fortnight before he passed away. He was an active member of the Old Pauline Lodge being a Past Master and Secretary for many years.

Stephen and Nancy were married in 1971 and had two daughters and a son – Charlotte, Harriet and Rupert. Subsequently they had eight grandchildren who all gave Stephen great joy.

Written by David Basham (1954-58), brother

Krishan Nath Bhaskar (1959-63), 1945-2023

Krishan Nath Bhaskar was born of an Indian father and an English/South African white mother in Hampton Court. He studied at LSE, where he obtained first-class honours and higher degrees. He then taught at LSE, University of Bristol and was appointed to a founding Chair at the University of East Anglia. His subject area was Economics/Finance, specialising in the use of computers in accountancy, finance decision-making and business. He has published more than 56 books and written several hundred articles, papers and monographs. 

His professional interest in the motor industry started with a research grant given by the Joseph Rowntree Social Trust to study what to do with the then stalled British Leyland – a former automotive engineering and manufacturing conglomerate. At various stages in his career he has worked closely with GM, Ford, Jaguar, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Fiat, VW Group, as well as a variety of agencies and banks. 

After his divorce in 1994, he moved to Nice and Monaco before working from Luxembourg and then the French Riviera. He liked the slightly warmer climate there, though missed the camaraderie and friendship of the UK. 

Krish met Lindy in late 2011 and they married some years later. They enjoyed their time and travels together, particularly to Paphos in Cyprus. 

Krish continued to be involved in many sectors and disciplines right up to his passing. He had only completed his last client report four days before and had not long completed what would be his final book. In his later years, Krish had returned to his academic roots, helping to support schools with their marketing-based challenges. He had also crossed into supporting food and drink brands and in the past year had enjoyed working with a UK-based wine client specialising in fine wine from California and France – possibly his dream job as he got to try some of the wines too. 

Krish leaves behind his wife Lindy, daughter Carol, son Michael, and the grandchildren.

Written by Lindy Barnes, widow

Robert C Blalack (1965-66), 1948-2022

On February 2nd 2022, Robert Blalack passed away in Paris, where he lived for the last 20 years with his son (Paul Blalack, 23, screenwriter) and wife (Caroline Charron-Blalack, 57, journalist-author).

Robert studied Math, Physics and Chemistry at St Paul’s School, while his father, an officer in the US Navy, was stationed in England. Robert then attended Pomona College in California where he obtained a BA in English Literature and theatre arts. He then went to Cal-Arts where he was able to direct experimental films, some with his professor and mentor, Pat O’Neil. He left Cal-Arts with an MFA in Film Studies.

At first, Robert worked with optical printers, creating visual effects for several projects. He launched his company, Praxis Film Works Inc. in 1975, at age 27.

The same year, Robert was called by John Dykstra (chosen by George Lucas to supervise the Visual Effects for his newest film project Star Wars). Robert was one of the founders of Industrial, Light & Magic (ILM), creating the visual effects facility for the first Star Wars movie. He directed the team who created the special effect shots for the iconic blockbuster. For his major work on Star Wars, Robert Blalack was awarded an Oscar in 1978 for Best Visual Effects. He continued working on challenging movies such as The Day After (for which he received a Best Visual Effects Emmy Award in 1984), Wolfen, the series Cosmos: a personal voyage, Blues Brother, Airplane!, Robocop, Cat People… Robert also produced and directed many commercials and animated movies for theme parks. Attracted to the creative and artistic aspect of his work, he was constantly looking for new challenges.

After permanently moving to Paris, Robert Blalack travelled a lot, especially in the far East. He gave numerous lectures, in China, Germany, but also in France at the Cinematheque Française or La Femis film school. In his final years, he was developing an original and unique visual experience called “Living Paintings”, still unseen by the general public. Robert Blalack’s wife and son now focus on displaying his work and perpetuating his legacy. Robert Blalack will always be remembered as a generous and passionate artist. In the great landscape of modern visual effects, he should be counted as one of its pioneers.

Written by Caroline Charron-Blalack and Paul Blalack

Stephen A Blum (1959-1963), 1946-2014

Stephen was born in St John’s Wood on 17 February 1946. He attended Lyndhurst House Prep School from where he went to St Paul’s. Stephen was very keen on rugby which he played at school and he was a regular attendee at Twickenham. He pursued a career in Accountancy completing his articles with Blick Rothenberg & Noble in London. Stephen then joined Honeywell Inc., working for them in various countries including their Brussels European headquarters where he spearheaded the development of their worldwide accounting system and helped build their Strategic Development Division. Stephen met his wife, Desiree Stokes, in Brussels and they then married in London in 1983.

After briefly returning to England with the family from 1986-1991 as Director of Development at Tourism International, in pursuit of his dream, Stephen moved his family one last time to America, where he set up Escalante Inc., an international inbound tour operator with offices in Denver and Las Vegas. He continued working as President of Escalante Inc. until he died of cancer on 2 August 2014.

I had met Stephen through my wife’s family. On 2 August 2014, we were driving into Las Vegas in the hope of seeing him when we heard of his passing.

Desiree lives in Las Vegas and still owns and manages their business. Their elder son Jonathan, married to Amanda, is currently Assistant Deputy Secretary at the US Department of Treasury in Washington, DC.  Their younger son Alexander, married to Christina, has completed his Biochemistry Degree, and started his PhD in Pharmacy at the University of Colorado in the summer of 2020.

Written by John Knox (1966-1970)

Nicholas John Carr (1964–67), 1949-2020

Nick was born in Surbiton on 5 December 1949 and died on 13 April 2020, aged 70. At School he played rugby for the 2^nd XV and rowed in the 1^st VIII.  He studied at the RAF College Cranwell, before attending Ewell Technical College and qualifying as a Chartered Building Surveyor. He founded, and was later principal of, Smith Porterfield & Partners, before joining MDA as a director, finally becoming the sole practitioner of N J Carr & Associates in 1994.

He served the OP Club for over 50 years, being President (2009-11) and presiding over the 2009 Quincentenary Banquet for over 700 members in the Great Hall at Guildhall. He was actively involved with Colets at Thames Ditton from 1977 and a director from 1983, being instrumental in the re-building and re-development of the facility to the present day.

Nick was one of the longest serving, highest capped members of the OP Football Club playing over 700 games, including 564 caps for the 1^st XV, before playing for the B XV (Veterans). He formed part of the legendary and formidable front row with Tony Boardman (1961-66) and Simon Harding (1960-65), who played more than 1,000 games between them. He served as Captain, Chairman and Treasurer.

He was a Freeman of the City of London and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, unusually serving a two-year term as Master (2006-08). He was also a Freemason and Past Master of the Plaisterers and OP Lodges, respectively serving as Secretary and Treasurer.

His other interests included skiing, family and his local church, All Saints’ Little Bookham, where he served three terms as Churchwarden and was a former Chairman of the Friends of Little Bookham Church, a trust dedicated to preserving this 11^th Century Grade 11* Listed Building.

Nick married Helen in 1975, who survives him with their five children: Simon, Joanna, Samantha, Lizzie, and Penny and six grandchildren.

Written by Peter Baker (1960–64)

David H Cochrane (1959-65), 1946-2025

Our strongest memory of our brother David at Colet Court is his final sports day, when he was called up to the headmaster’s table, time and again, to receive yet another prize. At St Paul’s, rowing was his main sport, and three photos of him in winning eights still hang on the wall in his house. His favoured subjects were history and geography, and his skills were making and keeping friends, and managing people. He greatly enjoyed his time spent with the Honourable Artillery Company. Old photos show him full of smiles in his HAC military uniform, having just come down to earth by parachute, and in fancy dress as Billy Bunter and Dracula.

He chose economics and after getting his degree at Reading University he joined Price Waterhouse, where he qualified as a chartered accountant. He greatly enjoyed making good progress in the firm, but after a few years his adored partner became terminally ill and, as her family lived abroad, he asked for leave to be able to look after her. This was typical of him to give help where it was most needed, and as this continued longer than expected he had to give in his notice.

Going back to work he decided to join HSBC which turned out to suit him perfectly. He was sent off to one country after another, as an auditor to sort out problems, and spent over a year in Hong Kong, and also in South Africa, and time in New York and South America, always enjoying the challenge.

From an early age family holidays had been spent in North Devon and soon after he started work, he bought a cottage there. Holidays there were offered to all family and friends while he lived in London but when he retired he was able to exercise his great love of gardening, and the fairly large garden became an amazing site of beauty.

David spent almost twenty years married happily to Cate and was a devoted step-father to Cate’s daughter and her grandson.

From Cate (wife), John Cochrane (1957-61) and Paul Cochrane (1964-69) (brothers).

Professor Philip A Cohen (1956-1961), 1943-2024

Philip Arthur Cohen was born in Bloomsbury, the only son of a Scottish surgeon and a Welsh nurse.  His was a family where political discussions were frequent and heated. His interest in history was kindled at St Paul’s, and he won an exhibition to Cambridge to read history.  But the teaching there disappointed him, and although he made some important friendships, he left, first to work on a trawler, then to join the 1960s radical movements in London.

He had a moment of fame in 1969 as “Dr John”, leading the squatters occupying 114 Piccadilly. Phil was interested in the life and culture of young people, and his next step was to become a youth worker and to write about it in “Knuckle Sandwich”, (with Dave Robins, 1978).  On the strength of this he was asked to join the Institute of Education to design an innovative pedagogy respectful of the culture of children and young people.

He then moved to the University of East London, where he founded the New Ethnicities Unit, shifting later to a more general interest in urban life and writing “On the Wrong Side of the Track?” (2013) about the impact of the Olympics on East London.  His final project was to direct “Living Maps”, an international network of radical cartographers very active today.

Phil was an enthusiastic sailor, and spent time relaxing on the river in Wivenhoe. His first marriage was to Pam Brighton, with whom he had a son, Ned, in 1970. The marriage ended in divorce; he then married Jean McNeil and they adopted a son, Stephen, in 1988.   They produced a book together in 2013, “Graphologies”, with text by Phil and paintings by Jean.

Phil’s interests were wide, he wrote continuously and produced, as well as academic works, books of autobiography, poetry, essays and fiction, and documentaries for TV.  His aim was always to bring the University into real life, and to give a voice to people who are not heard.

He is survived by Jean, his son Ned, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Anthony ‘Tony’ D H Crook (1958-63), 1944-2024

Professor Tony Crook CBE, a distinguished figure in planning research, academia, and charity governance, passed away at the age of 79. His immense contributions to the field, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and the broader social sciences community, leave an enduring legacy.

Born Anthony David Howell Crook on 22 December 1944, Tony graduated with a first-class degree in Geography from the University of Bristol in 1965 before completing an MPhil in town planning at University College London in 1967. He began his career as a research officer for the Greater London Council before joining the University of Sheffield in 1968. Over the decades, he became a professor of town and country planning, head of department, and later the university’s senior Pro-Vice Chancellor, overseeing academic planning, HR, and capital projects. His research into housing, particularly the private rented sector and planning obligations for affordable housing, was widely respected. He authored over 250 academic works, including the influential Planning Gain: Providing Infrastructure and Affordable Housing (2016).

Beyond academia, Tony was deeply engaged in the not-for-profit sector, serving on the boards of numerous organisations including The Conservation Volunteers, Shelter, Orbit Housing Group, and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. His commitment to housing policy and governance earned him a CBE in 2014 for services to housing and charities, and his guidance and leadership were instrumental in advancing planning education and research.

Tony was also a prominent advocate for the social sciences, serving two six-year terms on the Council of the Academy of Social Sciences. He co-founded the Campaign for Social Science and chaired its inaugural committee, reinforcing the role of social science in policy-making and public discourse.

Meeta Kaur, Chair of the RTPI Board, paid tribute: “Tony was a key figure within the RTPI and across the entire planning profession. His contribution is immeasurable, and his impact will continue to shape the future of planning.”

Tony is survived by his daughters, Hannah, a planning academic, and Emily, an architect. His commitment to education, housing, and governance has left an indelible mark, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.

Adapted from the obituaries published by the Royal Town Planning Institute and The Planner on 5 December 2024

Paul A Dare (1959-62), 1946-2017

Paul was born on 5 January 1946. He died on 10 October 2017 at home surrounded by family after a two and a half year battle with cancer.

Paul grew up in West London and the Isle of Wight and was a boarder at Colet Court and St Paul’s until 1962. Leaving school at 16, Paul began a lifelong career in finance when he joined Vickers Da Costa as an articles clerk. Later he would go on to complete his A-Levels at evening classes and read Accounting and Finance at the London School of Economics. Paul’s financial career took him to work in oil, computer technology, pharmaceuticals and banking.

Paul was always keenly interested in politics and came close to running as a candidate for the Social Democratic Party in 1983, eventually thinking better of it. This began a longstanding relationship with politics; he went on to be an active campaigner for the Liberal Democrats, before ultimately seeing the light and joining the Conservatives, in a time when all three main parties were all relatively centrist. Regardless of which political affiliation he had, it was a common theme throughout his life that he worked tirelessly for his community and we were enormously touched by the many people who approached us afterwards following his death with stories of how he had helped them with personal issues over the years. Paul had keen political instincts and a passion for detail, and would debate issues on pretty much any subject (at length). Sadly, his sense of timing was not quite as good and he managed to switch sides just as the Conservatives were suffering from mid-term blues and never managed to be elected to the local council. Nonetheless he continued to chair the local Conservative party for several years. Paul’s eye for detail and knack at Pauline-schooled argumentation led to many letters of his to The Times and The Financial Times being published.

At school Paul was an excellent sportsman, captaining the Junior Colts and Colts A XV. He carried on this love of sport, playing occasionally for the OPs, but in particular acquiring a lifelong love of rowing. As we grew up we would know that Saturday mornings would mean that Dad was out on the river, and as we reached our teenage years both of us would go on to row at school and, indeed, occasionally joining him on the Thames. The blazers of his fellow rowers from Kingston Rowing Club provided a welcome splash of colours at his funeral. While he rowed in red, when it came to football blue was the colour, a tradition which has been followed by his Chelsea-supporting sons and two grandsons.

Paul is survived by his wife, two sons, four grandchildren and a comprehensive back catalogue of Tolley’s Tax Guides, all of whom miss him terribly. We remember him most poignantly when we holiday in Scotland, speak French poorly, see a skuller on the river, or find there is no-one to interrupt during family meals.

Written by Tom and Felix Dare 

Colin R Dring (1959-64), 1946-2023

Colin went to St Paul’s, following his father Richard Dring (1928-31), embracing the school and forming life-long friendships that would shape him for life. His school days instilled in him a sense of resilience and a stiff upper lip that served him well. Colin faced every challenge with quiet determination, handling things with grace and a wry smile. It was this calm, steady presence that endeared him to those around him, never one to seek attention, but often with a sharp, dry remark.

On leaving St Paul’s, he trained as a Chartered accountant with FW Stephen’s (now Kreston Reeves) where he dedicated 40 years, rising to partner. He met his wife, Judy, a student nurse in London, and together they built a wonderful life full of joy, laughter with an ever-growing “Chaos of Drings” – David (1985-90), Caroline, and Christopher.

After leaving school, Colin set up ‘The Rhinos’ cricket club with fellow Old Paulines. Weekends were often spent with the family travelling to pavilions across England enjoying the cricket, never without an afternoon tea, barbeque or warm beer! He enjoyed watching other sports – rugby at Twickenham, cricket at MCC, and was a regular with old school friends at Fulham FC.

He was an avid music lover and was often found relaxing to a variety of different genres. More lately an avid opera fan, he enjoyed regular visits to the Royal Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall.

In retirement, Colin and Judy enjoyed holidays in Cornwall and West Wales, walking the coasts with their beloved dogs. As eight grandchildren arrived, Colin was quietly amused by their antics and, in return for his gentle and wise words, he continues to have a special place in their hearts. 

Colin remained loyal to the school and was keen to continue to assist by playing an active part as the Old Pauline Club Treasurer (1993-2011), and latterly as Vice President (from 2002).

Colin was ‘old school’, and it is his warmth, charm and kindness that we remember. A true gentleman who will be deeply missed.

Written by David Dring (1985-90), son

John ‘Johnny’ M Dunkin (1964-69), 1951-2025

John Dunkin, who died on 24 October 2025, was a proud Old Pauline, though prouder still to have spent almost all his schooldays at the St Paul’s Hammersmith site. He regarded the destruction of the Waterhouse building and the loss of its treasures, as an act of cultural barbarism and he cared deeply that the School’s military heritage should be properly remembered. Quietly persistent and often fiercely principled, he became a valued guardian of Pauline history. Through painstaking research, he helped restore the names, stories and artefacts of Old Paulines, particularly those who fell in both World Wars and he was a regular source of Atrium’s “Pauline Gallantry”. True to character, he steadfastly refused to provide a biographical note for the magazine: John had no interest in the limelight, only in preserving what mattered.

Beyond the Pauline world, John was a man of immense generosity, loyalty and humour. As an uncle he was ever-present, marking birthdays, saint’s days and milestones with unfailing thoughtfulness. He was happiest at Lord’s Cricket Ground, immaculately dressed, papers spilling from a bag, holding court with warmth and wit. He would often be seen in the Lord’s Pavilion with his OP brothers, twin Stephen (1964-69) and Peter (1969-73). Cricket was a lifelong passion and he was a co-founder of the Rhinos Cricket Club on 23 April 1986, where his welcoming spirit, sense of proportion and gentle authority shaped the club’s enduring character.

A Chartered Surveyor by profession, John moved to and spent seven years in Hong Kong in the late 70s, working for the government’s Dangerous Buildings Division and serving in the Hong Kong Regiment. Back in the UK, he joined the territorial army spending several years in the Intelligence Corps. A patriotic Englishman, devoted to tradition, he championed standards of dress, conduct and remembrance wherever he went. He never married, but he was a devoted brother, uncle, Godfather and friend, woven deeply into family life.

John’s last months were happy ones, filled with family, celebration and cricketing fellowship. He is remembered as a true gentleman: modest, principled, kind, and quietly formidable. He is greatly missed.

By Atrium’s Editorial board with the help of John’s family.

Peter Englander OBE (1965-69), 1951-2023

Peter Englander was a devoted family man who was known for his integrity, generosity, compassion and moral compass. He was a mentor, advisor and friend to many, and was always generous with his time. Despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2018, he lived a full and active life up until the last few months, including memorable family holidays skiing in the Alps and on Safari in Kenya. Peter also lived to see his two eldest sons marry and to meet his two baby grandsons. We are so grateful for that. The friendships he made at St Paul’s lasted a lifetime.

The following obituary was written by Peter himself, on 21 June 2021:

While Peter did not stand out academically or on the sports field, at St Paul’s, he always considered that the school gave him an excellent educational background which enabled him to succeed subsequently.

From St Paul’s, he graduated from Manchester University with a first-class degree in chemical engineering. After working for Air Products, he won a Kennedy Memorial Scholarship to study management at MIT. After completing the course, Peter joined Boston Consulting Group, working in Boston and London before leaving to study part time for a PhD in ‘Innovation in the Telecommunications Industry’. He was awarded his doctorate in 1985.

He joined Apax partners, a venture capital fund, on its formation in 1981. The first fund raised £10 million. The most recent fund £10,000 million. Peter stayed with Apax for 30 years, serving on the Investment and Approval Committees. Whilst at Apax, Peter set up and chaired the Apax Charitable Foundation, the largest of its kind in Europe.

In 2019, Peter was awarded an OBE for his philanthropy. Peter served as Chairman of Bridges, a social investment fund until 2019 and as a Trustee of The Kennedy Memorial Trust until 2022. However, the achievement he was most proud of was his marriage to Leanda for 38 years and their three wonderful sons, Simon, Tom and William.

Peter Englander (1965-69) followed his father, Geoffrey Englander (1928-31) and was succeeded by his youngest son, William Englander (2009-14) at St Paul’s School.

Written by Leanda Englander, widow

Lord Terence M E B Etherton (1965-1968), 1951-2025

Terence Etherton won a scholarship to St Paul’s from Holmewood House in 1964 where he was Head Boy. He joined C Club and became an excellent historian and a very accomplished swordsman. He won an Open Exhibition to Corpus Christi College Cambridge, where he read History and then Law, and he became a member of the British fencing sabre team and would have competed in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 had there not been a boycott. Although he went on to become Baron Etherton and our second most senior judge, he was known to everyone as “Terry”. He was first and foremost a caring and unassuming person despite the heights of his achievements. Terry had time for everyone.

He believed strongly in social justice and in his last role as Chair of an Inquiry into the treatment of LGBT military personnel (prior to the ban being lifted on gay people serving in the Armed Forces) he travelled the country to interview as many former soldiers as he could. He was our first openly gay High Court judge and he married Andrew Stone in 2014 as soon as the law changed for civil partnerships.

His achievements were many. Chairman of the Law Commission, Chancellor of the High Court, and Master of the Rolls for five years. In 2019 he gave a lecture to the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in perfect Hebrew. A hereditary blood disease became a great toll on his health but he went on to give valuable service in the House of Lords. He died aged 73.

Jonathan Caplan KC (1964-68) and Derek Etherton (1963-68)

Francis C ‘Colin’ Excell (1958-62), 1944-2015

Francis Colin Excell was born 8 August 1944 to Stanley and Phyllis Excell at Guildford Hospital, Surrey; this was a hospital that used to be a workhouse so he would sometimes say he was “born in the workhouse”. His family actually lived in Observatory Road, East Sheen.

Colin went first to Tower House, East Sheen and later to St Paul’s (on the old site). He was in the choir of Christ Church, East Sheen and, at about the age of seven, was chosen to sing the “Once in Royal David’s City” solo at the carol service when his elder brother, Robin, had been chosen for one of the readings.

Colin was very practical and inquisitive; at the age of four he sat watching a workman doing ‘wood graining’ to correct war damage. After moving with his parents to Worthing, Sussex he did some wood graining at the new house for his father from the knowledge gained. As a member of St Paul’s Scouts, Troop 3, he helped at ‘agoonerees’, supporting disabled scouts while camping. He had taken up rowing while at St Paul’s and because of his small size, he naturally became a cox. Before there was a ‘national squad’ for rowing he was coxing it (Barns Cottage) and had hoped to attend the Tokyo Olympics; only coxless fours went however, but he was awarded his national colours.

Colin was involved with Expo68 raising money for Sussex Churches including the building of the daughter church (St Peters) for St Mary’s of Sompting, Sussex. In fact he eventually did four son-et-lumières: Chailey Heritage, Cuckfield Park, Sompting St Mary’s, and St Mary’s Goring. He did sound and lighting effects for various amateur theatrical societies.

Colin became unwell with stress in the late 1970s and was still not working when; through his parents’ membership of the Sussex Family History Group he met Judy Warren and they were married at Sompting St Marys in December 1981 and went to live in Goring on Sea. When he was again fit enough for work he immediately applied and obtained a job as a cleaner; he later became a supervisor of a team of cleaners and was highly regarded at the agency by which he was employed.

He also responded to calls for volunteers for Neighbourhood Watch and in 2000 became an early member of the West Downs Neighbourhood Watch Search Team. He was called out on several searches until 2010.

Colin became Chairman of the Sussex Family History Group in 2008 and only stood down (in 2015) after he had helped with the establishment of The Keep, which houses local record office material and at which SFHG has its own room. He was there at the beginning when the idea of The Keep was no more than an architect’s bubble diagram on a flip chart, and he was there at the end when the building was officially opened and he met the Queen. In between he worked tirelessly to help deliver the dream.

One of Colin’s many interests was the weather and he would view the reports on the BBC and also watch the skies. This usually enabled him to cut the grass just before the rain. Colin died on 7 September 2015, having been rushed to hospital by ambulance, of a heart attack. One hundred and forty people attended his funeral in Brighton on Monday 5 October with donations to the Friends of Sompting Church.

Nicholas R Gooud (1958-63), 1945-2020

Nicholas grew up and lived in Chiswick and was therefore able to attend the schools as a day boy.

During his time at school, he found his passion for rugby and became captain of the school team. Once leaving school he carried on playing for The Old Paulines.

He also represented the school in rowing.

He was a member of the Christian Union and attended many House Parties.

After leaving school he trained at Marks and Spencer and became assistant manager at the Putney branch.

In 1967 he had a change of career and went to work at the Bank of England. One of the joys of his job was that he was able to play rugby for The Bank. Against his own better judgment, he continued to play into his forties.

His Bank career meant moving around all departments and in 1982 he was working in Exchange Control, when the United Kingdom went to war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands. This was intense work from April to June, but he felt he was part of the war effort.

In 1985 he took the opportunity to go on secondment to help set up the Securities and Investment Board {SIB}, this was to become known as the City of London watchdog.  In 2001 it became The Financial Services Authority {FSA}, where he remained until he retired in 2005 at the age of 60.

He spent his retirement with his family enjoying his love of cars and films.

His family loved him immensely. He married his wife Katharine in 1972, and they set up home in Worcester Park in Surrey.

His first son Alexander was born in 1982. His second son Richard was born in 1986. Both boys have inherited his love of cars, films and technology.

The family will never forget Nicholas as a wonderful, dedicated father and an extremely caring husband.

Written by The Gooud Family

Martin Hankey (1957-62), 1944-2015

Martin was born in Maidenhead on 12 March 1944: a son to Gus and Irene and a younger brother to Tim.  At St.Paul’s he was an outstanding scholar, deploying his aptitude for Classics, languages  and friendship with his customary humour, vigour and aplomb.   In Peter Cleaver’s words; ‘he always seemed to win every prize going’; Ken Waters recalls that Martin never forgot any poem that  he had learned, including those in Latin. Passionate about rowing, too, he was stroke of the 2nd VIII  in 1962.  He went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, on an Exhibition in Classics.  Robert Ascott recalls him doing distinguished work there as well as enjoying success rowing in the 2nd May Boat.  Martin also much enjoyed singing in the choir at St.Paul’s, in a madrigal group at Trinity and later in the Tonbridge Philharmonic. At Cambridge, he met Gillian – a very bright classicist at Newnham – and Robert played the organ at their wedding.

Martin’s professional career took him almost seamlessly from Cambridge to qualification as a  solicitor in the City of London, in the leading firm of Herbert Smith and then Nordic Bank, a  consortium of four major Nordic banks including Handelsbanken, which later on decided to  go it alone. To set up a new bank from scratch was, in the words of his boss, Lars Evander, ‘an experience few are offered, and it was a pleasure to do it with Martin.’  He went on to become Head of Legal and Compliance for the investment side of the bank and was very happy there. Each summer he organised a regatta for the Nordic banks, using Tub Fours borrowed and then bought from the school, and also enjoyed to the full a Swedish Viking Society which combined memorising Swedish verse, singing raucous songs and drinking.  Whenever he wanted to relax and exorcise the pressures of work, he took to the Medway in his canoe.

Martin relished his links with the School and his contemporaries, offering drinks in his City flat for OPs before the Feast Service at St.Paul’s and supper at the Mercers, and also catching up at Colet Boat Club dinners. In 1990, as City Remembrancer, I admitted Martin to the Freedom of the City of London.  In 2007, he was one of 16 present of the 17 in the school Remove of 1957 at a dinner at Brooks’s hosted by John Govett, who recalls that he was the only one who said that he did not regret reading Classics.  In 2011, I hosted a lunch for nine of us at The Garrick for the 2nd VIII of 1961.

He was a devoted and adored husband to Gillian, father to Anna and Carrie and grandfather to Lucy, Thomas, Felix and Malika.  He was a very kind, loving, funny and, at times, eccentric man who loved to tell jokes, sing songs and read bedtime stories, doing all the voices.  Martin was very active locally in the Tonbridge Round Table, the French Circle with Gillian, U3A, 41 Club and other local groups. He much enjoyed holidays abroad, where his French, Italian, Spanish and Swedish were much in evidence, with copious quantities of camaraderie, wine and fun.  Italy and Greece always felt like a particular kind of home to Martin.

Already ill, Robert drove him to the Earliest Vintage luncheon at the school on 25th April last year. He told me about his concerns for Gillian’s health and the infection behind his right knee. Things only got worse.  The amputation of his right leg was far too late to halt the spread of the infection and cancer to the rest of his body.  Tony Fuller and his wife, Valerie, kept in regular touch with both Martin and Gillian. Alan Chaney kept him in stitches with regular emails from Denmark.

Bruce Boswell recalls Martin’s wish to continue canoeing, albeit with only one leg, and his fury that it was his right leg that was missing, making it impossible to heel and toe his beloved Alfa Romeo: ‘It will have to be a bloody automatic’.  As his health deteriorated, he was thrilled to be able to watch on YouTube from his hospital bed all five days of Henley Royal Regatta, culminating in the superb triumph of the 1st VIII in the Princess Elizabeth Cup for the first time since 1997.  Martin died on 28 July with his family around him, save Gillian who was too ill.  His GP, Dr Peter Bench, told Anna and Carrie that Martin was undoubtedly the bravest man that he had ever met.

Written by Adrian Barnes (1956-61)

Anthony M V Hoare (1959-63), 1946-2021

Anthony (Tony) Hoare was born in St. John’s Wood, London in February 1946. He became fascinated by butterflies by the age of six, first in Sweden, then on a Woodcraft Folk trip to Dorset. This became a fascination that would stay with him his entire life and take him to the furthest flung corners of the world. At the age of just ten, his Hungarian mother died, a terrible loss for Tony and his older brother Ian. Tony’s father remarried and the family moved to Barnes, making St Paul’s an obvious choice to educate him. Even in the snows of the unimaginably cold winter of 1962/63, Tony made it into school.

After St Paul’s, Tony gained his Chartered Accountancy qualifications and in 1973 was invited to join the family firm of C. Hoare & Co., the oldest private Bank in the UK. He oversaw the introduction of computers to the Bank in the 1980s and his diligence, knowledge and generous nature, saw him rise to become Chief Executive.

While working in the City, Tony spent as much of his spare time as possible pursuing his love of butterflies. He was instrumental in the creation of Butterfly Conservation (BC), the charity that has grown from a handful of volunteers in the 1960s to a large, successful and influential one today. A highpoint of his work with BC was sponsoring a butterfly-friendly garden at Chelsea Flower Show, which won a Gold Medal.

In retirement, he travelled to many remote (and sometimes dangerous) locations, searching out the rarest and most beautiful butterflies.

Tony is survived by Gay (they had recently celebrated 50 years of marriage), their two daughters Annabel and Caroline, and their five grandchildren. His sudden death has left them all with a deep sense of loss.

Written by Miles King, son-in-law, with contributions from Anthony’s family

Giles T Holman (1960-64), 1946-2023

Giles joined Colet Court on a scholarship in 1957 from Willington, a prep school then based in Putney. He had an outstanding school career. He was comfortably in the top academic stream. In sport, Giles played scrum-half to with Paul Cartledge (1960-64) as fly-half in 1963’s and 1964’s 1st Rugby XV, and at cricket, he opened the batting with Stephen Baldock (1958-63) for the 1st XI. He was a prefect and treasurer of the Union Debating Society. After university, he was a regular member of OP rugby teams for many years.

Giles moved on to Trinity Hall, Cambridge in 1964 as an Exhibitioner, to read law as the basis for a future career as a barrister. However, in his second year, he changed to the English course, subsequently achieving a 2:1 degree.

On leaving Cambridge, Giles joined the Post Office, which was recruiting for trainee management following the first stage of its development from government control. He worked mainly on industrial relations, a sector in which he specialised for the remainder of his working life. It took him to a variety of organisations before he eventually returned to what had, by then, become Royal Mail, to head their employee volunteering programme. He accepted an offer of early retirement in 2000.

Giles never married and he lived in the same house in Wimbledon from 1986 until his death. His passion was the English language and he particularly enjoyed reading, and writing poetry. He was constantly frustrated by the misuse of words and by poor and incorrect pronunciation on the BBC. In later years he was greatly exercised by the climate crisis.

Giles became a familiar figure in his local area, riding an elderly bicycle and generally with a huge halo of grey-white hair. He was greatly respected locally as a good neighbour. He died in April 2023, one month before his 77th birthday. His memorial service brought together a substantial number of local friends as well as a good representation of his Pauline contemporaries.

Written by Richard Holman (1974-78), brother

Professor Bryan D Lask (1954-60), 1941-2015

Bryan Lask, died aged 74 on 24 October 2015 after a long illness. He continued to work, teach, write and research until six months before his death.  He was a pioneer child and adolescent psychiatrist with an international reputation for his work on eating disorders, especially those occurring in children and adolescents. After 12 years, 1983-1995, investigating and treating the families and psychological states of these patients, (usually, but by no means always girls), he turned his attention to the possibility that there might be a brain-based explanation for these conditions. In the mid-1990s, with his colleague, Isky Gordon, a leading paediatric radiologist, he embarked on a series of studies of brain functioning. Alongside these, in collaboration with research psychologists, he carried out numerous studies of neuropsychological function. It had previously been assumed that the causes of anorexia nervosa lay entirely in the personalities and upbringing of those suffering from this disorder. Inevitably parents were made to feel guilty at the thought they might have been responsible for their children’s disorders. Lask and Gordon were able to demonstrate changes in regional blood flow in the brains of girls with eating disorders. With his long-standing colleague, Ken Nunn, an Australian child psychiatrist, Lask developed a neurobiological theory focusing on the insula, a deep-lying structure in the brain, as central to the development of these conditions. Following training at Great Ormond Street, Nunn has had a successful academic career in Australia but he and Lask remained close friends and colleagues over the years.   These studies were brought together in a book entitled ‘Eating Disorders and the Brain’, edited by Bryan Lask and Ian Frampton. More than anything else, Lask aimed to reduce the stigma and blame associated with eating disorders by highlighting that they were not a choice but an affliction for those affected.

From his earliest days as a consultant child psychiatrist, Lask had shown an unusual ability to bring scientific rigour to his subject while retaining genuine enthusiasm for finding ways of treating illness. At a time when treatment studies in the field were rare, he carried out a controlled study of family therapy in patients with childhood asthma, showing benefit to those who received the treatment. He showed an early interest in childhood onset anorexia nervosa and, with his colleague, Rachel Bryant-Waugh, a gifted research-orientated clinical psychologist, he carried out an important series of clinical and follow-up studies of this condition. It became apparent from these studies just how crippling early-onset anorexia nervosa could be. An article published in 1987 from the team he led described the first large series of young children with anorexia nervosa. There were 48 children aged less than 14 years, 13 boys and 35 girls. They were aged 7 to 13 years and half had not reached even the first stages of puberty. They showed the typical symptoms of the condition, with food refusal, severe loss of weight, depression, fear of fatness, distorted body image, self-induced vomiting, excessive physical exercise, obsessional behaviour, bingeing and laxative abuse.  The existence of the condition in children before puberty and in boys gave the lie to the idea that this was a disease of adolescence or that it arose from a fear of growing up to be a fully mature woman. Childhood onset anorexia nervosa was revealed to be a serious condition. A follow up seven years later revealed that 10 children had remained moderately or severely impaired in their everyday lives and two had died.

He also had a gift for identifying previously unrecognised disorders. In 1991, with colleagues, he published the first clinical description of so-called pervasive refusal syndrome, a condition in which children aged 9 to 15 years refuse to eat, drink, walk or talk for months or even years at a time. One of the four children described was a nine year old girl transferred from a paediatric ward. After she had developed normally into an intelligent, hard-working, popular girl, she had become increasingly withdrawn. She eventually stopped speaking, making only high-pitched moans. On admission to the childen’s psychiatric ward she was alert and showed interest in her surroundings but avoided eye contact by covering her eyes whenever an adult came near her. She refused to walk or care for herself, and resisted all physical contact, including any form of feeding. After 18 months of group and individual therapy and encouragement from nursing staff she was eating normally and was mobile but refused to go home. Reasons for her rejection of home were suspected but nothing could be proved. Eventually she was placed in a small group children’s home, fully active.  Pervasive refusal disorder is now identified as a major syndrome, occurring, for example, in refugee children who have given up hope at a time when they feel their parents have also given up hope.

One of Lask’s outstanding characteristics was his ability to communicate to patients and their families as well as with the wider public. He was much in demand as a speaker at international conferences. The week after his appearance in October 2013 on the Radio 4 programme, Inside Health, talking about eating disorders, the presenter, Mark Porter, reported that his producer had had so much positive feedback from listeners on his contribution, he was thinking of setting up a Bryan Lask fan club!

He was brought up in London, the eldest of the three sons of Rita and Aaron Lask, a general practitioner well known for his interest in psychosomatic medicine. He was educated at St. Pauls’s School, and trained in medicine at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. Like at least some other doctors who eventually found a niche in psychiatry, he had great difficulty in passing the examination in Physics necessary for admission to medical school. After two failures only St. Bartholomew’s would consider him but they required a pass (50%) in Physics. On 21 December 1960, he had not heard the result and, with great anxiety, plucked up the courage to ring the Professor of Physics. This happened to be Joseph Rotblat, a nuclear physicist who had worked on but then withdrawn from the Manhatten Project and who later won the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Lask a ‘sympathetic and kindly eastern European accent emerged and said ‘Lask, yes indeed Lask. I do have your result here. You obtained 49% but as Christmas is approaching we’ll call it 50%’.

After medical qualification in 1966, he trained in psychiatry and then child psychiatry at the Maudsley and the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London. He met his wife, Judith, a social worker who achieved prominence in her own field, when he was a junior doctor and she a young social worker. They had been allocated to co-lead a therapeutic group in the Maudsley Children’s Department.  Lask was appointed consultant child psychiatrist in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children, London, in 1975. There he entered fully into all aspects of the work of a very busy department, while setting up the first nationally recognised Eating Disorders Clinic for children and adolescents with Rachel Bryant-Waugh. This was a very busy and productive time for him.

In 1998 he moved to St. George’s Hospital where he was appointed to a Chair in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. From 2004-2011 he worked as a Visiting Professor and Research Director at the Regional Eating Disorders Service, University of Oslo, Norway. His international standing was confirmed by his election to be President of the Eating Disorders Research Society from which he received an ‘outstanding leadership and service award’. As recently as 2012 he was appointed the founding editor of a new journal ‘Advances in Eating Disorders – theory, research and practice’. He was constantly trying to encourage plain English, develop practical approaches, dismantle professional pretense and avoid medical jargon. In 1985 he published an article in the Journal of Family Therapy entitled ‘Jargon, Ambiguity, Pomposity and Other Pests’, deploring the style of much academic literature in the field.

It is not widely known that from 1977 and for the rest of his life, Lask battled with the complications of treatment for cancer of the bowel.  His condition required admission to hospital every year often for days or weeks at a time. He wrote a paper on the psychological effects of stoma surgery, but his own courage and energy in the face of long-standing illness were remarkable. He maintained a punishing schedule of teaching and presenting keynote addresses at international conferences. He became separated, but not estranged, from Judith who gave him great love and care throughout his life and his illness. He died after saying goodbye to her, and is also survived by his two sons, Gideon, the CEO and founder of a multiple technology business and Adam, an archaeologist who runs a training business in his field, as well as four grandchildren, Raffi, Lucas, Cassius and Lila.

Bryan Lask, child and adolescent psychiatrist, was born on 18 February 1941. He died on 24 October 2015, aged 74.

Written by Phillip Graham, colleague

Paul A Leppard (1954-1960), 1941-2019

Paul was a second generation OP following in the footsteps of his father Anthony ‘Tony’ Leppard (1922-28). Paul became a vice president of the OP Club in 2006.

After responding to a call in an issue of the OP News for a sub editor, he was immediately made editor – producing his first edition in 1995. Twenty six editions later he stood down in 2008.

In his first term at school Paul kept a meticulously detailed diary and found it years later clearing out the attic after his mother died. On his first day he “joined the fencing society and played rugger”. Paul spent the second half of his first term as a boarder at High House. A contemporary and friend throughout his life was Stephen Bailey (1955-59). Paul played clarinet and created the school’s music society – later playing in a concert at Wathen Hall. Paul gained his silver fish in his second year at St Paul’s. After St Paul’s he went to Trinity College, Dublin, to read maths.

Paul was thrilled that Adrian Barnes (1956-61), the City Remembrancer, officiated at his Freedom of the City of London ceremony in 2000. Paul had named his first son after Adrian.

Paul was a true individual and hated committees, Highly intelligent – his MENSA scores put him in the top two per cent – he was easily bored especially with committees: “waffle, waffle no action” he would say. Paul was the epitome of life-long learning at all levels. He spent a lifetime researching his family name tracing all Leppards in the world back to one family in Lewes. He gained a diploma from Birkbeck in Genealogy and the History of the Family.

And whatever he decided to do he excelled. Photography and film making were passions. A well known London orchestra fired a BBC film crew and employed Paul to produce its worldwide promotional film “because he understood the musicians”.

Despite a fear of flying he travelled the world quickly learning the language of the country – putting this ability down to maths and music. He was a great rock n roller, a terrific ballroom dancer but the worst disco mover in the world!

Paul died in Cannes, where he had lived for many years, from post operative septicaemia aged 77. He leaves a wife, Leigh, and two sons – Adrian and James – from a previous marriage.

Written by Leigh Mendelsohn, widow

James L Lewis (1963-67), 1949-2020

Jim Lewis was born in Los Angeles, California, on the 6 June 1949. His family moved to London in 1963 and Jim started at St Paul’s School that autumn. A talented trombonist, he won the school’s Brass and Woodwind Prize twice and also played double bass in a jazz band. He co-authored with his younger brother revue sketches that were performed at the school in 1967.

He went on to train at Guy’s Hospital, gaining his MB BS in 1972, achieving honours in the surgical part of the examination. While at Guy’s, he directed two student plays, The Fire Raisers and The Knack. After qualifying, he held a variety of posts as part of the Guy’s Surgical Training Scheme. He became a Member of the Royal Colleges of Physicians in 1974 and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1976. As part of his studies for a University of London MS degree, which he was awarded in 1985, he spent a year as a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School.

In 1987 he was appointed a consultant general and urological surgeon at the Kent and Sussex Weald NHS Trust and became a full-time urological surgeon in 1996. A forward-thinking innovator, Jim helped to introduce a raft of new techniques in his department, including laparoscopic surgery and radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

Away from the operating theatre, he was the Medical Director for the Kent and Sussex Weald NHS Trust between 1996 and 2000. Jim was chairman of the Kent Cancer Centre Disease Orientated Group in Urology from 2000 to 2006, which was responsible for the design of urology services in the Kent and Medway Cancer Network. Also, he chaired the South Thames Specialist Training Committee in Urology between 1998 and 2002 where he co-ordinated the merger and restructure of the South Thames (East) and South Thames (West) training schemes. In addition, Jim found the time to become an Advanced Trauma and Life Support instructor in 1994 and a Course Director between 1996 and 1998.

He retired from what was now the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust in 2006 and went to live in Dana Point, California. He came out of retirement in 2008 to become the Trust’s Medical Director in the wake of a severe outbreak of hospital acquired infections. By the time he retired again in 2010, he had instigated numerous reforms that, among other things, reduced acquired infection rates to one of the lowest in the UK.

Back in California, Jim continued to devote time to his lifelong interests in film, theatre, music and travel with his wife, Bev. After a twelve-month battle with pancreatic cancer, which he faced with his usual positive attitude, Jim died on the 2nd of February 2020. He was married three times. Jim and Anne, his second wife, had two daughters. When he married his third wife, Bev, in 1997, he gained three step-children and, ultimately, his extended family grew to include nine grandchildren. He was devoted to what he and Bev called ‘our blended family’.

Written by Peter Lewis (1965-69), brother

John M Litchfield (1955-60), 1942-2024

After attending Durston House preparatory school in Ealing, John went on to study at St Paul’s, where his main love was rugby. He passed the Outward-Bound course and, through one of the master’s, acquired a love of birds which was to last his whole life. John completed a Timber Trades apprenticeship with James Latham, East London, lodging locally and throwing himself into this very new world. He met his wife at St Matthew’s Church Youth Club, Ealing Common, where the couple were married. At the end of his apprenticeship, he moved to Richard Graef, a veneer company at High Wycombe.

He and his wife bought their first home at Hazlemere and welcomed the arrival of their sons, Peter and Matthew. Seven years later, John was appointed manager of the then Gabriel Wades at Wolverton, Milton Keynes, just as the new city was beginning. This firm eventually became Jewson’s and their offices alongside the Grand Union Canal were one of the main suppliers for Milton Keynes. Moving to a small Northamptonshire village, John and Sue welcomed the arrival of David, their third son.

John was a true gentleman with strong family values and a wonderful sense of humour. Honest as the day is long, with a strong sense of community. His staff admired him and, under his leadership the firm flourished.  Within his community he was a Parish Councillor, Church Warden, Tree Warden and Youth Club Leader.

In 2012, the couple retired and moved to live near their oldest son and his family in Dorset. He took up cycling and would happily cover 60 miles a day. He designed and stocked their new garden, encouraging an amazing variety of birds. Surrounded by different plants and trees, he was at his best. Alive and alert, he could lecture you on the different types of plants together with their names and where you could find them.

Sadly, John was diagnosed with dementia, a disease which he fought bravely till the end. We miss you, John. May your wonderful soul rest in peace.

Written by Rev Sue Litchfield, widow

Nicholas J L Lockett (1957-62), 1944-2019

Nick was born in Surbiton in 1944 and lived much of his young life in Kingston where he attended Arundel House Prep School later going on to St. Paul’s. He always showed a keen interest in electrical engineering which lead to a long and successful career, through a Marconi sponsorship he went on to obtain his degree in this field at Loughborough University.

Nick’s association with Marconi (later GEC and British Aerospace) allowed him to travel extensively and work overseas in Kenya, Trinidad and Cyprus. He also worked more close to home at Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station in Cornwall and latterly at the Marconi Research and Development Centre in Great Baddow.

Nick married Jan in 1979 and they and step son James moved to Tiptree where their daughter Emma was born and they later moved to Great Totham.

Nick enjoyed many hobbies including photography and music, he was always whistling, humming or singing and needed little encouragement to play his clarinet, harmonica, concertina or in fact, anything he could get a note out of. He was also a keen Radio Amateur, (call sign G4 EMB) and was for many years an active member of RAYNET (the Radio Amateurs Emergency Network).

A surprising late addition to Nick’s interests was keeping pet rats (having looked after his daughter’s when she went to University) resulting in him becoming a founder member of The Estuary Rat Club and Treasurer to The National Fancy Rat Society – travelling all over the country to shows and meetings, he was very highly thought of throughout both organisations.

Nick received treatment for cancer in his last few years but this did not stop him spending time with his family, including his two Grandsons Freddie and Barnie. He spent his last 2 years of life at Woodland View Nursing home in Colchester and died on 15th June 2019, after an unexpected decline, with his daughter Emma by his side.

Written by Nicholas’ Family

Alexander ‘Serge’ Lourie (1959-64), 1946-2024

Serge Lourie, who died late last 2024, went from St Paul’s School to Worcester College, Oxford, to read PPE from 1965 to 1968. Serge then qualified as an accountant with Cooper Brothers (now PWC), but politics claimed him early on. He became a Labour member of the Westminster Council in 1971 and was GLC member for Hornchurch from 1973 to 1977.

As a member of the Labour administration, he signed the documents that resulted in the move of the School to the current Barnes site, not that he felt that was necessarily something to be proud of.

When the SDP was formed in 1981, Serge left the Labour Party and joined the new party, which was when our paths first crossed. Despite being at the same school and Oxford College, we had not met as I was slightly older.

By then, I was Deputy Leader of the Liberal group on the Richmond Council, so Serge fought the 1982 election in alliance with us. He was elected to Kew Ward, which he held until 2010. The SDP merged with the Liberal Party in the late 1980s, so from then we were in the same party.

Serge’s career in Richmond closely followed mine. I was Deputy Leader of the Council and Chair of Policy and Resources from 1983 to 1997 and, when I retired, he took over from me until 2001 when he became leader of the Council. He lost his seat in 2010.

Serge was always delighted he was not the only Old Pauline on the Council. Apart from us, we had David Cornwell (1954-58) and the late Raymond Hart (1949-53) as Lib Dem colleagues, and the late Geoffrey Samuel (1944-49) on the Tory benches.

Apart from his political career, Serge was a leading player in a number of housing organisations as well as the Kingston Hospital NHS Trust, and found the time to run five marathons.

He will be much missed by Julia and his children, his many friends and colleagues, and by all the organisations he so ably supported.

Written by The Rt Hon the Lord Timothy Razzall (1957-62), former colleague

John S Matlin (1956-61), 1943-2025

John Matlin, age 82, passed away on July 26, 2025, survived by his sister Janet Solomon, and his two daughters Jessica and Susanna.

John was born in London in 1943. He attended St Paul’s school for boys as a weekly boarder in Collins Court from a young age, and was known during his years as the Pillow Fighting Champion of the school. He graduated from St Paul’s to then take his Law exams, and began working as a solicitor in the City of London. John soon started his own Law Practice in his mid 30s until deciding to take an early retirement at 50 years old to pursue his true passion. He went back to University as a mature student and graduated with his PhD in American History and Politics. He taught American History at the University of Birmingham and U3A, and published six books during his second career. He was a teacher at U3A for many years, and ran a successful blog. He truly enjoyed writing and connecting with his readers and students.

John is also remembered proudly for his charity work. He is a Founding Member, Trustee of over 30 years and a Patron of Teenage Cancer Trust. From very humble beginnings, the Charity now has 28 units around the country, many of which were opened by John. His start in volunteering began at St Paul’s. He answered phones for the Samaritans for over ten years on the overnight shifts, only stopping once he started a family. When his young daughter was born needing heart surgery, he fundraised tirelessly and opened the Eric Morecambe Outpatient Cardiac Wing at Harefield Hospital. John felt so strongly about giving back, and raised money and volunteered his time throughout his entire life.

John played sport while he was at school including cricket and rugby, and he continued to play and watch all sports, especially his beloved Spurs football club. He was there when they won the Cup in 1961. John loved rock n roll music, and he also loved to dance. In his youth was a fantastic dancer. He danced in the London clubs and is still featured on YouTube under British Pathe, Latest In Dancing, 1962. He was featured dancing in the recent Tyrells crisps commercial doing the Locomotion, holding a giant crisp. He was as surprised as his family to see his teenage self appear on TV.

John was a lawyer, teacher, author, charitable man and academic. But he would tell anyone, his biggest triumph in life was his marriage to his American wife Linda of 51 years. John is remembered by his sister, daughters and grandson.

By Jessica Ralys (daughter) 

Ian C McNicol (1960-64), 1946-2024

Ian was born in New Malden on 25 November 1946. He had a younger sister, Susan, who died in 2018. The only other family are two cousins, one living in Edinburgh and one in Tasmania.

He attended St Paul’s School from 1960 to 1964. He took science A Levels and was a stalwart of the 3rd XV Rugby and 3rd XI Cricket teams. He read Chemistry at Bristol University, but then qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He did a variety of accountancy jobs until he retired in 2012.

‘Tickles’ was given the nickname by fellow members of the OP B XV, based on Mr McTickles, a character in the Beano comic. He was an ardent reader of books, newspapers and magazines. Until recently, he completed the Times and Telegraph crosswords in under half an hour for each, and was a proud prize winner. His other great interest was astronomy – he was a life-long subscriber to the Sky at Night magazine.

Ian made a significant contribution to OP sport. He was a prop forward for the OP B XV in the 1970s. When he finished playing, he was the touch judge for the OP 1st XV. He also played cricket for the OP 3rd XI and was a regular tourist, but is best remembered for his many years as an umpire.

In addition, Ian contributed to the administration of OP sport. For many years, he was Honorary Treasurer for OPCC and was Secretary to the Ground Committee. 

Ian’s love of cricket extended to his membership of the MCC and Surrey CCC. As a member of Surrey, he would invite friends to attend the Test Matches at the Oval. The trips are remembered with great affection. 

Ian was a member of the St Paul’s School Colets Society and left a significant legacy to the bursary fund. He died on 14 February 2024. His ashes were spread at the OP ground at Thames Ditton in the presence of the OP 2nd XI and their opponents of the day.

Written by John Ellis (1959-63) and John Dennis (1959-64), friends

Jeremy F Mew (1956-62), 1943-2022

I first met Jeremy Mew (known for some reason as J P Mew at school) as a speedy winger for the under 14s and D Club. He was then struck down by polio, for which the treatment at that time was being kept immobile in bed. He eventually stayed on an extra year at school to complete his studies. On the rugby pitch, we met up again in the 3^rd XV of 1959 and 1960, by which time he had become an open side wing forward, having for good reason lost some of his speed.

We both joined the Boat Club under ‘Fred’ Page and rowed together in the Spring of 1959 for the Colts A crew. He moved through the 3^rd and 2^nd VIIIs, and we next rowed together in the Henley VIII of 1961. In his ‘extra’ year, he was Captain of Boats.

He went up to St Edmund Hall in 1963 to read Geography, rowing for the college and gaining five oars in the process. He also set up a Saddle Club, horse-riding in the mornings and rowing in the afternoons. He gained a good degree, and then a Dip Ed, after which he joined the Royal Navy before taking a lectureship at York University. This gave him a base from which to enjoy the Lake District, where he restored a 17^th century farmhouse he called home.

In the late 1990s, Jeremy moved down to Sussex to be near his widowed mother. From there, he curated his father’s jewellery designs (some of which were for the Royal Family) and water colours, all now with the V&A. He had only just completed this project when health issues became more of a problem. Despite inheriting the incurable condition known as Huntingdon’s Chorea, his physical decline was not matched by any loss of mind, nor spirit or humour. The bravery he had shown overcoming childhood polio was also there in his final days.

Written by Peter Driscoll (1956-61), friend

Peter J Montganon (1963-67), 1950-2019

When the school moved from Hammersmith to Barnes, the 1st XV pitch or “Big Side” was lifted and the headmaster photographed holding the final piece of turf. As editor, Peter reproduced the photo in the school paper captioned; “The last sod to leave Big Side”. It was an early flash of the fearless approach he would bring to his career as journalist and corporate governance activist.

A “Foundation Scholar” he followed his brothers, Christopher and Timothy, to St Paul’s; sister Catherine attended the girls’ school. President of the Chesterton Society and Secretary of the Historical Society, his paper on the Borgias was described as “a theme natural to the deliverer’s insatiable appetite for scandal”. He won a Travelling Scholarship and a place at Cambridge to read Modern Languages. There he edited Varsity, meeting his future wife, Isabel.

If St Paul’s nurtured a taste for scandal and travel, Peter channeled it well. He spent his next thirty years with Reuters (three continents in one decade) and the Financial Times, editing Lex and leading coverage of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He once joked a journalist need only the ability to send a telex when drunk.

In 2000 he began a second career in corporate governance with the Association of British Insurers, becoming President of the International Corporate Governance Network. Following his death from a heart attack aged 69 tributes came from as far afield as the Tehran Stock Exchange. The FT wrote that his “shrewd analysis, sure-footed moral sense and dry wit brought him both influence and affection”.

Writing on corporate culture and good governance last year, Peter argued that a business must stand for something: “when a company’s employees go to work in the morning, they ought to do so with a sense of purpose beyond that of simply making money for their owners” – advice reflected in his own life, full of purpose and joy.
He is survived by Isabel, all his siblings, his two children and five grandchildren.

Written by family and friends

Chailert ‘Chai’ Na Nakhorn (1960-65), 1947-2023

Jon Na Nakhorn (1964-67), 1950-2017

With great sadness, I lost my father, Chailert (Chai), in August 2023, and my uncle, Jon, in December 2017. My relationship with my father was at its strongest during his last ten years after we moved back to East Anglia and reconnected properly, following years apart due to my parents’ divorce, school, the army, and life itself. 

I miss my father dearly. He also leaves behind my brother Toby, my sons and his two dearly loved grandchildren, George and Arthur, and his sister, Jen, who survives both him and Jon. 

As part of their obituary, I thought it fitting to share this lovely piece by Tim Newcombe (1963-67), with whom I have recently reconnected.

“I was very sad to hear of the deaths of both the Na Nakhorn brothers, both contemporaries and friends of mine at St Paul’s.

I was at school with Chai and Jon in the mid-60s, a time of great change and a certain amount of rebellion for some. It was the time of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, rhythm and blues, and hair being allowed occasionally to venture over the ears. There were endless parties at the weekends, often involving the Girls’ School or Putney High.

The Na Nakhorns came from an aristocratic family in Thailand and were sent to Tower House School in Sheen, I believe, before going to St Paul’s. They did not board, instead residing with a guardian family near Richmond Hill.

Chai was the elder brother and, to me, was something of a hero. He was a pioneer of fashion – always elegant, often wearing a long fur coat. This was the time of Biba, Kensington Market, and Portobello Road. He sang, played guitar, and led the school band c. 1964. By chance, I bumped into him when I moved to Norwich around 1980, and we ended up sharing a house. Chai settled in Norfolk, married, and had two sons, Jeston and Toby. He continued his passion for music, often playing at local venues.

Jon, in my year, followed his brother musically. We formed a band, playing mostly music by the Kinks. Jon later returned to Bangkok, holding a senior position at Thai Airways.”

Written by Jeston Na Nakhorn, son/nephew and Tim Newcombe (1963-67), friend

John S Parker (1959-63), 1946-2020

My brother John Parker, born in 1946, entered Colet Court as a scholar in 1956 and left the senior school at the end of 1962, on election to an open scholarship in mathematics at Trinity College Cambridge.  He was no sportsman but received a superb training in maths in the 8^th form from the celebrated Jack Moakes.  At Cambridge, where he was in his element, he got firsts in both parts of the tripos, very close to the top of the list in the second part. He started a PhD at Warwick University but broke it off to become a civil servant in the Ministry of Transport, which mutated into the Department of the Environment. He enjoyed the work and rose to the rank, if I remember, of Under Secretary, until disaster struck:  because of a personality clash with a boss recruited from the private sector and not appreciative of civil service ways he was forced (unjustly and wastefully, in my view) into early retirement. In this enforced state of leisure he joined the Hertfordshire family history society and conducted spectacularly successful researches into every branch of our family history.

He was a loner among loners, who never married but could apparently live happily with few social contacts.  But his interest in family history was an expression of a strong loyalty to family: he kept us all in touch and was a devoted uncle to my daughter. Only now do I realise how shamelessly I exploited and relied on him to cope with all the administrative tasks (for instance after our parents’ and other elderly relatives’ deaths) of the family. Until middle years he was a keen mountain walker, with an impressive total of conquered Munros; classical music was also very important to him, and he read voraciously, mostly non-fiction, and stored an extraordinary amount of what he learnt in a quite formidable memory.

Written by Robert Parker (1963-1967)

Peter D Quick (1965-69), 1952-2018

Peter arrived at St Paul’s with a scholarship and was immediately fast-tracked to take his O levels at 14 and his A and S levels at 16, leaving his final year to spend preparing for the Oxbridge entrance exams. He felt very privileged to be in such an academically demanding school and it was something he looked back on with enormous pleasure. He was also thrilled to be able to play as much sport as he wished, playing rugby, cricket, fives, tennis, table tennis and squash. When he was offered a Postmastership (scholarship) to read PPE at Merton College, Oxford he played in many of the college sports’ teams and also played tennis for the university, gaining his tennis Blue.

After Peter left Oxford, he joined what was then Ocean Transport and Trading as a graduate trainee. He worked in numerous different Ocean subsidiaries before deciding that he would return to studying and enrol on the MBA course at Cranfield. Having gained his MBA, he took a job lecturing at the Oxford Brooks school of business and discovered a passion for teaching; from there he moved to EAP (now ESCP) the foremost French Business school where he relished teaching the extraordinary culturally diverse groups of post-graduates who walked through its doors. In 2015 he retired and was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. His wife Alison, whom he had met in his last year at Oxford, and he had had three children. Tragically, not only did he have to contend with his disease, but also with the unimaginable distress of his son’s cancer diagnosis and death in 2017. Peter died aged 66, on 12th October 2018. His gift to family, friends and students has been to engage them in uncompromising and stimulating intellectual debate; his gift to his family has been his unwavering love and support. He is hugely missed by Alison, Rosalind, Vivien, their partners and his grandson.

Written by Alison Quick, widow

Henry J Roche (1957-63), 1945-2022

Always appreciative of language’s structure, my younger brother Henry relished the rigorous Cotter-Cruikshank Greek-Latin regime at St Paul’s. He won a Classics Exhibition to Magdalene, Cambridge where he gained a prize for Latin Verse composition – spending the money on Solti’s Tristan recording. For his third year at Cambridge, he abandoned the evaluative questions of ancient literature for the reassuring precision of linguistics, telling me vividly about Indo-European genesis and of the various evidence for the Ancient Romans’ pronunciation. His typical literary tastes were Dornford Yates, Arthur Ransome and Sherlock Holmes.

His school Ancient History essay grades stuck at gamma. Once he really applied himself – but still got gamma: “I don’t know what they want!” he wailed. “The Gracchi to Nero” never caught Henry’s imagination, and his underlying diffidence was not dispelled until, aged 24 (after 2 years’ teaching 11-13year-olds at a private school in Ilkley), he joined The Royal College of Music to study piano under David Parkhouse OP. Henry was inspiring to live with as he worked thoughtfully on building his technique to convey music’s power. “Music”, he said, “exists to make sense of life.”

He and I loved St Paul’s music under Ivor Davies (choir, wonderful hymns, lively orchestra) but the rigorous teaching programme which Henry needed was not available. Nevertheless, Ivor said Henry’s playing at a school concert of Rachmaninov’s 2^nd  piano concerto was outstanding.

Well-liked as Head of Music Staff at the Royal Ballet, Henry savoured the expressive synthesis of Dance and Music. His solo piano performances there included Les Noces, Ondine, Rituals (Bartok) and Isadora. With the Ballet, he visited China, Australia, Brazil etc, where he would invite distant but appreciative (and hospitable!) cousins to the ballet. He fostered the life and music of Mendelssohn’s dear friend, our ancestor Moscheles, who had worked for and revered Beethoven. When I cooked spuds and fish for my brothers, Henry transfigured things, playing especially ballet scenes or Bach.

Written by James Roche (1956-62)

Godfrey P ‘Peter’ Scott (1958-62), 1944-2023

Peter (known by his first name Godfrey until leaving St Paul’s, but thereafter always as Peter) was the eldest son of the distinguished mathematician D.B. Scott, Sussex University’s founding Professor of Mathematics. Peter followed his father’s footsteps into a notable academic career, being best known for the Scott core theorem.

Peter came to St Paul’s as a Foundation Scholar, studying mathematics under the celebrated A.J. Moakes. After graduating at Balliol College, Oxford, he took an MSc and then a PhD at the new Warwick University.  He was appointed lecturer at Liverpool University in 1968, becoming Reader in 1984. In 1987 he became a mathematics professor at the University of Michigan, where he remained until his retirement in 2018. In 1986 he was awarded the London Mathematical Association’s Senior Berwick Prize, and in 2013 was elected Fellow of the American Mathematical Society.

Peter’s mathematical achievements are significant, but impenetrable to the layman. Interested mathematicians should perhaps review his University of Michigan memorial or his Wikipedia entry.

In addition to the strength of his research, Peter was a great expositor; his mathematical writing, as well as his approach to teaching, was inspirational to many mathematicians and will continue to be influential.

Peter was a kind, generous and gentle father, who loved playing with his children. He made them feel secure and prepared them for success, inspiring scientific and mathematical curiosity about the world through encouragement and unconditional love. He set a great example, accepting and appreciating others on their own merits with calmness and patience.

Peter died peacefully in Brighton, Michigan in September 2023, aged 78. He is survived by two daughters and a son, two granddaughters, two of his three brothers, and the wives from his three marriages. He will also be mourned by his beloved partner, his extended family and many dear friends.

Written by Colin Scott (1960-63), brother

Sir Nicholas F Stadlen KC (1964-67), 1950-2023

Nicholas Felix Stadlen (b. May 3, 1950, d., of mesothelioma, October 5, 2023) was a great person – a great lawyer, a great campaigner, but above all a truly great humanitarian and human being.

Nick being three years younger than I, we never quite overlapped as we proceeded through the Classical VIII, and he went up to read Classics at Trinity Cambridge when I was beginning my final year at Oxford. So, it was not until later in life and through our mutual interest in Matt, his oldest son and one of my brilliant Classics pupils at Clare College, Cambridge, that we met again.

Nick’s parentage was distinguished, his university and subsequent legal career every bit as much. As a silk of the commercial bar (Fountain Court chambers) he rose to be a High Court judge, trailing the glory of having delivered the longest recorded speech ever, on behalf of the Bank of England against creditors of BCCI – not the Board of Control for Cricket in India, but a collapsed bank.

Taking early retirement aged 63 (his ‘grand climacteric’), he pioneered a series of podcast interviews with the likes of both Desmond Tutu and FW de Klerk. South Africa captured his and our interest again in his award-winning film treatment of the 1963/4 Rivonia trial that condemned Nelson Mandela to 27 years of imprisonment.

Nick was a beacon of justice, the soul of modesty, and possessed of a unique sense of humour. Nick leaves a widow, Frances (née Howarth, daughter of our late High Master, Tom Howarth (1962-73)), and three sons and also OPs, Matthew Stadlen (1993-98), William Stadlen (1995-2000) and Thomas ‘Tommy’ Stadlen (2000-05).

Written by Paul Cartledge (1960-64)

Chris D Stanford CB OStJ. (1963-67), 1950-2020

Christopher David Stanford attended St Paul’s then read Modern History and French at Merton College, Oxford. Joining the Royal Navy in 1967, his naval career spanned 35 years and included major sea commands during the Cold War, Gulf and Bosnian conflicts, interspersed with senior positions within the Ministry of Defence. In his final, much lauded role, Chris oversaw the transfer of the last military hospital to NHS ownership and the establishment of Birmingham’s innovative Royal Centre for Defence Medicine. In 2002, Chris moved seamlessly into a second career as an international headhunter at Odgers Berndtson, handling senior roles across Government, the Healthcare sectors, Life Sciences and Education. Notable appointments under his stewardship included the President and Provost of UCL, the President and Principal of King’s College London, the Chief Medical Officer, and the Chief Executive of NHS England.

Chris will be remembered as an enormously capable, open-hearted and gregarious person, and a greatly valued mentor and friend to so many. He was passionate about British railway history, and with his wife, Annie, rescued and renovated an 1882 Victorian railway carriage, which resides in their beloved Somerset cottage garden. Other passions included maritime history, photography, singing and playing the guitar (and entertaining the ship’s company during long stints at sea), live music, the arts, visiting historic houses and gardens, rugby, and enjoying leisurely restaurant meals with his children.

Chris was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University, made a member of the Order of St John in 2001, and appointed CB in 2002. He was a Fellow of the Nautical Institute and of the Royal Society of Arts, a Master Mariner, Chairman of the Somerset and Dorset Marine Society and Sea Cadets, a Younger Brother of Trinity House, a Board member of the White Ensign Association and a Governor of King Edward VII’s Hospital.

Chris is survived by Annie, his four children, and four grandchildren, whom he adored.

Written by The Stanford Family

Robert G M Suter (1957-1961), 1943-2025

In Autumn 1957, Robert Graeme Milner Suter arrived at St Paul’s from Thorpe House school following in the footsteps of his father John Dack Suter (1921 – 1925) and elder brother John Richard ‘Dick’ Milner Suter (1951 – 1954). Robert was in Collet House for his first year before moving to Macintosh House. He had fond memories of playing rugby for the school’s 4^th XV and continuing to play afterwards for the Old Pauline’s after he left. He represented the school in rowing for the 2^nd and 3^rd XIII, winning a number of regatta tankards along the way. He recalled coaching a younger rowing team in his last year, though the combination of steering a bicycle along a tow path, coaching and holding a megaphone was a little tricky, resulting in the occasional tumble into the river.

Music was always very important for Robert, particularly classical and military music. As well as playing the piano, Robert played the timpani drums for the school orchestra and discovered at an OP reunion in 2016 that Professor Robert Winston had played the same instrument in the school orchestra just before Robert had joined. Robert had a beautiful baritone voice and sang in many choirs down the years. This included the impressive Bucks Choral Society as well as the St James Accord Gospel choir; although he was not always too sure about the more ‘modern’ songs that they performed and the swaying along to the music. In his later years as he began to struggle with dementia, he and his daughter, Sue joined the Caring Chorus and latterly the Dementia Choir in Gloucester.

Robert was always fascinated with the military and joined the school’s CCF army section, allowing him to develop, in particular, his rifle shooting. This was a skill that he came back to in his late 30’s when he represented John Lewis, Brent Cross at various events, including shooting full bore at Bisley. He would endeavour to complete a couple of cards a week and even shot for Middlesex and was very proud of the trophies and medals that he won; displaying them for everyone to see. He recalled how the CCF had to be careful marching in step across a bridge near the school so as not to cause too much resonance and lead to a collapse.

Whilst Robert was still at St Paul’s, he started helping at Suters; the family-owned department stores based in Slough and Uxbridge; during the school holidays. He left St Paul’s in July 1961, obtaining A levels in Geography, Economics and Political Sciences. In December 1961 he started training with Spicer and Pegler in London as an apprentice accountant, remaining with this firm until August 1968.

In 1968, on his 25^th birthday, Robert joined Suters and then 8 days later he married Anita (nee Coombes), whom he had met at the Black Horse pub in Fulmer and had helped to get a buying role at the Uxbridge Suters store. They were married at St James Church in Gerrards Cross and made their home in Chalfont St Peter, and it was here that his children Russell and Susanna were born in 1972 and 1974 respectively.

With his accountancy background, Robert initially started working within the Suters’ store accounts department before switching to manage the China and Glass section, bringing in new innovative products that were extremely popular with the customers. After 3 years Robert was invited onto the Board of Directors at Suters. As a senior buyer he attended trade fairs across the country in places such as Harrogate and the NEC in Birmingham and he was Suter’s young Executive representative for the Independent Stores Association (ISA – later AIS), visiting and establishing links with other small family run department stores across the UK and Europe. Robert remained in these roles until the family business was sold to Owen Owen Ltd. in 1978.

Robert next moved his family to Suckley, Worcestershire and started up a house renovation business operating as Robert Suter Ltd and successfully renovating a number of properties. Robert became involved with the local Round Table and joined 1^st Leigh Cub Scouts as the Leader Bagherra before another move followed to Malvern.

Sadly in 1982 his marriage to Anita ended, coinciding with a return to Gerrards Cross. This prompted a move back into retail, and he took on role as a section manager with John Lewis at Brent Cross. He worked in Special sales before moving to menswear, carpets and large electricals. Robert also successfully took on the running of the John Lewis staff social club for a number of years.

After a house move to High Wycombe in 1998, the long drive to Wembley became increasingly difficult for Robert and in 2001 he transferred to the John Lewis branch in High Wycombe. Robert continued to work full time work up to his 65^th birthday in 2008, when with his declining mobility he reduced his workload to 3 days a week and finally retired in July 2013 at the age of 69. Robert had spent 31 years working for John Lewis and 44 years in total in retail. When he left Brent Cross in 2001, he was described by his boss as an articulate and intelligent man who fitted into the team very well; he was conscientious, used his own initiative and was a pleasure to work with.

Robert’s faith has always been important for him and he was an active member of St James, Gerrards Cross for over 70 years. He sung in the church choir for many years and after he retired, he was able to devote even more time to his role as a sidesman, often setting up services at both St James churches in Gerrards Cross and Fulmer. He was an ambassador for Tear Fund and represented this Christian charity on trips to Indian and Uganda in 2012. He loved to travel and really enjoyed exploring the culture and local wildlife when he visited his son and family in Malawi in 2014.

As an avid supporter of Wasps rugby club, Robert continued to support them as a season ticket holder following their move to Coventry right up until they folded in 2022. He loved watching international and club matches with his children and grandchildren.

With his health failing, Robert moved to Gloucester in 2022 to be closer to his daughter Sue and after struggling with Alzheimer’s and Blood Cancer, he passed away peacefully on March 8^th 2025, aged 81. He is survived by his daughter Sue and his son Russell along with his two grandchildren Jacob and Molly.

Russell Suter (son), Sue Pritchard (daughter) and Philip Suter (brother) – July 2025

Hugh Williams (1961-64), 1947-2023

My older brother Hugh went first to Colet Court, then on to St Paul’s School with a scholarship. From St Paul’s he went on to Guy’s Hospital Medical School and, in his final year, took many prizes – notably the University of London Gold Prize for Medicine. After qualification, he specialised in haematology and became consultant haemotologist at Maidstone, working on the same site where his father worked as a consultant psychiatrist years earlier, Oakwood.

He married Yvonne Glen, a fellow Guy’s student who also became a consultant pathologist, but she worked in east Kent, near their home in Canterbury (a significant daily commute for Hugh). Two children arrived and were slotted in to the routine of music, good food, and dinner party conversation. Hugh also fitted in teaching, writing textbook chapters and specialist journal articles, whilst also managing the garden, walking the dog, and running the local shoot.

Hugh firmly believed that you should take an interest in everything: an ‘omnivorous attitude’ as he called it. He was a keen sportsman, always playing (usually squash) with passion.

Hugh’s final years were sadly clouded by dementia, possibly brought on by a blow to the head sustained during a game of squash. He survived Covid but pneumonia then claimed his life.

Written by Adrian Williams (1965-69)