Fred died peacefully in January 2019, aged 91, after a long and happy retirement. He is survived by his loving wife Jo, three sons, Jan, Dean and Guy, daughter Caroline, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
After lecturing in Rhodesia and Edinburgh, he moved to the University of East Anglia in 1978. He joined as a lecturer in the School of International Development and retired as Professor and Dean of the School of Natural Resource Development in 2008. Frederick Alwyn Spencer
n John SLATTER MA PhD (1962) Born in Richmond, John was adopted by Henrietta and Albert Slatter. After Latymer he read Russian and French at Jesus College, Cambridge. He went on to marry Irene, also a student of Russian, at the University of London. An academic career for John followed in Russian Studies. As well as research into peasantry, he produced interesting work on the role of Russian émigrés in the UK. His first post was at the University of Birmingham, gaining his PhD before taking up lecturing in Russian History at the University of Durham, where his wife taught Russian. They spent the remainder of their careers at Durham, retiring in 2003. They had two sons, and a grandson. They enjoyed music and travel and kept an interest in Russian culture and current affairs. n Councillor Clive Christian SMITH MRAC AISP DMS AIM (1956) After leaving Latymer, Clive went to Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, followed by National Service in the RAF where his love of flying and travelling was born. His first job was in Malaysia as a rubber planter. He eventually managed a rubber plantation in Johor Bahru. Clive returned to England in 1968, intending to get cheap transport to Australia, however Diana, his wife, didn’t fancy Australia. They married and moved to Dunmow, Essex in 1970, raising a young family, as he continued his agricultural work as a Fertiliser Salesman, first for Fisons and then for ICI. Clive was also an Antiquarian Book Dealer. When he retired in 1991, he became Dunnow Town Councillor and Mayor. Annually, Clive would spend up to three months travelling. He loved New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands, which he explored, visiting farflung places like Kiribas, Tuvalu and Banaba. He made many friends and contacts on these trips. He also met up in 2002 with the School’s Rugby team as they stopped off to play in Fiji on their return from their New Zealand Tour. Clive kindly hosted a tea for them in their hotel. n Michael John STATHAM (1953) John was an enthusiastic pupil in his time at Latymer, also excelling in sport where he was selected for trials for the England Youth Football team. He remained very close to the School after he left through the Old Latymerians Association, as a keen and accomplished player in the football and cricket teams. He went on to a very successful career in investment management, working for a South African mining company, Charter Consolidated (now Anglo American). He married Valerie in September 1961 and spent many happy years living in Woking, Surrey before moving to Barton-On-Sea in 2006. John died peacefully, aged 83, in September at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Sadly Valerie died in 2009 but he is survived by devoted son and daughter, Neil and Elizabeth and adoring granddaughter, Olivia. A generous and devoted family man, he is much missed by all who remember him.
Over almost 50 years, Michael developed an international profile and reputation as a researcher and adviser in tropical agricultural development, land resources, conservation of biodiversity and soil conservation. He remained extremely active in retirement in various high-level advisory positions. In latter years, he was a regular supporter of Latymer’s Bursaries Appeal. He will always be warmly missed by loved ones. n Professor John Berkeley James WELLS BSc PhD (1955) John left Latymer having been captain of swimming and water polo and played in the Rugby 1st XV, to study Zoology, gaining a first-class honours University of London degree in 1958. This launched his academic career and he went on to gain his Doctorate at Exeter University. After working in a number of marine biological institutions, he emigrated to New Zealand in 1976. In 1991, he became the first full-time Dean of Victoria Wellington University and was instrumental in setting up the School of Biological Sciences.
OBITUARIES
n Professor Michael Anthony STOCKING BA MPhil PhD (1963) After leaving Latymer, Michael completed his Bachelor’s in Geography at Magdalen College, Oxford in 1969, winning the Herbertson Memorial Prize for best dissertation. He gained his Master’s at the Faculty of Science, University of London, where he also completed his Doctorate in 1977.
awarded the OBE in 1977. He returned to London as a Group Captain and was Deputy Director of Logistic Management at the MOD (RAF). After retiring in 1982, he was General Services Manager at Microwave Systems Ltd.
He became a world-leading authority on harpacticoid copepod crustaceans with many books and publications to his credit. He retired in 1998 and devoted his time to his local environment promoting community awareness and gaining civic awards in recognition. He had remained in contact with some school friends, notably Jefferson MACKEY (1954), who was his ‘Best Man’. John met his wife, Margery, at Ealing Swimming Club and they went on to have two sons and grandchildren. n Michael David WHITE (1959) Michael passed away last December at his home in Rochester, New York. He was proud to have been a Latymerian and often spoke of his time as a student. He enjoyed reading the Latymerian newsletters. Predeceased by his daughter, Sharon, and survived by his loving wife of 23 years, brother, sister, son, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren, nieces and nephews along with many close friends. n David Tudor WILLIAMS (1951) David died peacefully in January after several months battling against cancer. After school, David qualified as a Chartered Accountant. In the early 1960s, he became Partner of Futcher Head Smith, a medium-sized City firm. In 1977, he became Managing Director of the Lloyd’s underwriting side of the Alexander Howden Group. David Tudor Williams David later headed up A J Archer Underwriting Agencies where he was joined on the board by Bryan KELLETT (1956). In retirement, David continued his love of sailing, at one stage taking his yacht to the Mediterranean. He leaves a widow, two daughters, six grandchildren, and his brother, John Wynne WILLIAMS (1963).
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