Obituaries

Frank attended RGS from 1936 to 1943. The education he received during that time stood him in good stead and although he pursued a career orientated towards science, maths and engineering, he also developed an abiding love of music, literature and poetry from his school days. After leaving school, Frank went on to study Electrical Engineering at St John’s College, Cambridge and after completing an accelerated degree, joined the Royal Navy in 1945.

For a clever, ambitious and adventurous young man, this proved a perfect career choice and the next 30 years proved the opportunity to explore the world and visit places he would never forget. A total of three years was spent aboard naval warships (HMS Defender and HMS London – late 50s and early 60s) sailing literally around the world and other postings included many happy years in Bath, time in a nuclear submarine, the joint armed forces establishment at RAF Medmenham and finally, command of HMS Vulcan situated on the north coast of Scotland at Thurso.

Having retired from the Royal Navy in 1977, the next eight years were spent living in Hampshire and working with ex-naval colleagues at Marconi Underwater Systems (part of BAE) and after retiring from work completely, the rest of Frank’s life was spent in that part of the world. He was, however, always keen to re-engage with his Northumbrian roots and in 2002 bought a small property in Morpeth, which he would visit as often as possible. Sitting on the terrace overlooking the River Wansbeck was one of his life’s great pleasures.

Throughout his life, Frank pursued excellence not only in his work life but also in the sports he so enjoyed. He ran for both the school and the Royal Navy, he played squash to a very high standard, he climbed (and ran) up and down mountains and in older age, cycled and hiked. He was married twice, to Ann (died 1997) and Celia (died 2012). He had one daughter Jane, and three grandsons for whom he was a huge inspiration.

By Jane Mills (née Simm)

I was sorry to hear of the death of Arthur Jowett (48-54), especially as, though not many people will be aware of it, the ONA is considerably indebted to him. Since the early 70s, when the Association was, frankly, in the doldrums, Arthur came forward and volunteered his services as Honorary Secretary –a post, shall we say, which was not greatly sought after. It was really an impossible job for one man, especially one gainfully employed, but Alister Cox (72-94), who had arrived a year or two earlier, saw how the land lay, and worked with Arthur and myself and one or two others to put things to rights. He saw that a full-time Secretary was needed, and pursuaded MG Robinson (34-72), Head of English, who was near retirement, to take on the job at the school with proper secretarial help.

MG Robinson started up the magazine, known originally as The Novocastrian News to replace the rather outdated newsletter which had constituted the only previous organ of communication. ONs gladly sent him their articles and items. Arthur stayed on as Secretary, North East Affairs (while MG Robinson was General Secretary) but he had stepped into the breach just in time. He stayed in that capacity until 1983 and was President in 1983-84.

Something of an eccentric, he ran a number of small businesses –insurance consultancy, printing, driving school and others. He regularly attended the ON lunches when he would relate the details of whatever controversy he was currently involved in. He was one of a kind.

By Bryan Stevens (44-49)

Fred was born in Nottingham, came to the North East in 1946 and entered the Senior School in September 1951, a direct grant or scholarship boy, along with just over 30 of us in Form II2 . To the end of his life he could recite in alphabetical order all of our names. All I can remember are the first three: Baxter (51-58), Bormond (49-59), Bryson (51-59), and these only through hearing Fred recite all the names when in recent years he, John Scott (51-58), Michael Oakley (49-59) and I, all II2 entrants, had twiceyearly lunches together. Sadly, only Michael and I are left standing, John having died in May last year, with Fred giving a tribute at the funeral but succumbing to double pneumonia only a few months later.

Fred and I were both from the coast area, and soon became friends. From school he went on to Kings College, Newcastle (then part of Durham University), then joined the accountancy firm of Price Waterhouse in Newcastle in 1961, qualifying in 1965 and staying with the firm until his retirement in 2000.

If ever a man was suited to his chosen profession, Fred was. He was organised, very much a man of routine, and with a memory for details. He recalled how his first experience of accountancy was keeping the cash book and collecting the money for a Coronation street party in 1953. Specialising in trusts and personal tax, he was held in high regard by clients. Outside of work, Fred had many interests, principally cricket but also many forms of music, travel, crosswords, food and wine. He had firm views on food, and liked choosing the wine for meals. Another great interest was Mazda sports cars, as I discovered some years ago when he called on me in one, a bright red model. I wondered if my friend was suffering a delayed mid-life crisis, but no, it turned out he had long been an enthusiast. His latest model had alas only been driven once before illness overtook him.

Fred was a stalwart of Percy Main Cricket Club from 1953, a player then a well-respected Umpire and Administrator, both for the club and the wider cricketing world. Visiting him in hospital a few days before his death, I smiled on noticing that topmost of his bedside reading was The Laws of Cricket.

Outside of the cricket season, and particularly in retirement, Fred was a boon to the travel industry worldwide. Our twice-yearly lunches had to coincide with the days he was in the country; the synchronisation was not always easy. He was a solo traveller, his marriage in 1971 to Anne having ended some 20 years ago.

Fred was a kind, thoughtful man, somewhat private, but well-liked and held in considerable respect, as the numbers visiting him in hospital and attending his funeral showed. He had old-fashioned standards of behaviour and expected them of others. I had the sad privilege of conducting his Funeral Service, and was not surprised to find that the preparation for it had been done years ago. Though not a churchgoer, Fred was quite clear about the venue, the hymns to be sung, and the order in which they were to be sung. He leaves a daughter, a son and two grandchildren. His friends have good memories of a man who was organised to the last.

By Timothy Duff (51-59)

Neil Aitkenhead (45-55) born 1936, died 13 January 2018, aged 82.

David Boll (38-49) born 1931, died 14 May 2108, aged 87.

David Curd (44-51) born 1933, died 23 January 2108, aged 84.

Dennis V Gallagher (43-47) born 1932, died 15 December 2017, aged 85.

John Harrison (40-47) born 1929, died 15 May 2017, aged 87.

John ‘Clive’ Hilton (40-42) born 1929, died 13 April 2018, aged 88.

Stuart Hall (58-66) born 1946, died 27 March 2018, aged 71.

John Hodkin (44-47) born 1933, died 26 December 2017, aged 84.

John K Laidler (47-57) born 1939, died 16 February 2018, aged 78.

John ‘Byran’ Middleton (50-56) born 1938, died 2 January 2018, aged 79.

Stuart G Morrison (42-49) born 1931, died 2 February 2018, aged 86.

Edward J Reynolds (44-49) born 1933, died 6 January 2018, aged 84.

Walter Robson (48-56) born 1937, died 26 January 2018, aged 80.

Ian Thompson (52-62) born 1943, died 17 April 2018, aged 75.

It is with great sadness that I write to report that my friend and elder brother Ash, passed away on Good Friday, 30 March 2018 at the age of 62. Ash was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early January, and the end came more swiftly than any of us could have anticipated.

Having a brother four years older than me at the RGS had its advantages and disadvantages, but there were definitely more of the former and less of the latter.

Ash loved every minute of his time at the RGS and thrived in the environment. He was a particularly enthusiastic member of the CCF Naval Cadets and became a Leading Seaman while in the Lower Sixth; an indication of his natural leadership skills that he put to good use in later life. Ash was also an accomplished water polo player, and always described the sport as: ‘Far more violent than rugby’.

Ash was delighted, as was I, when his good friend Chris Thompson (64-74) and our sister Bev (Central Newcastle High School (66-76)) married in December 1977.

After completing his BA Hons in Economics and Accountancy at Newcastle University, Ash joined the family business of Pattersons the Ford Dealers in 1979. When he joined Pattersons, the turnover was less than £20m; when he eventually sold the business in 2007 the turnover was over £250m and they employed 375 staff. A phenomenal achievement by anyone’s standards.

In his early career Ash was appointed as a Trustee, a Board Member, or Chairman of countless commercial organisations and charities. When Ash ‘retired’ in 2007, be became busier than ever. The list seems endless and eclectic, and appointments include: President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Business Link Tyneside, Chairman of the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear, Board Member of The University of Northumbria, High Sheriff of Tyne & Wear, and most recently Chairman of the North East Ambulance Service.

Ash was also involved in numerous charities. He didn’t just talk the talk. Ash gave the most precious commodity, which was his time. He rolled up his sleeves, and gave up his evenings and weekends to support a variety of worthy causes.

Ash was awarded his OBE in June 2003 for services to the business community. When Her Majesty the Queen asked him what he had been doing to deserve his gong, he responded with typical humility: “I was just doing my hobby jobs Ma’am.”

Along with others, including David Goldwater (51-62) and former Headmaster James Miller (94-08), Ash was a key player in the founding of the RGS Bursary Campaign in 2002 and went on to become the first Chair.

Ash loved his cars, and as a teenager would buy old bangers, do them up, and then sell them on at a profit. He was always destined for a career in the motor-trade! That passion continued throughout his life and his most recent purchase was a magnificent SS100 (a forerunner of Jaguar), which he adored. Along with his lovely wife Gill, Ash and friends enjoyed open-topped tours of the UK and Europe.

A Service of Remembrance was held at St Andrews Church, Corbridge on 11 April 2018, attended by over 300 people including Headmaster John Fern and David Goldwater (51-62). ONs from Ash’s year included: Trevor Nicholl (64-73), Richard Tomiak (64-74), Andrew Protheroe (64-75), Dave Crawford (64-74) and Chris Thompson (64-74). Many other ONs were also in attendance.

Ash is survived by his wife Gill, children Kelly, Mark and Lucy, and sister Bev. We are all going to miss him terribly.

By Rex Winter (68-78)

I was devastated to hear of Ashley’s most untimely death. He was very much one of the good guys and he will be sorely missed by a very large number of people.

I shall always be very grateful to him for his role as first Chairman of the Bursary Campaign. To this he brought his great ability (which he wore very quietly and lightly), his concern for the underdog, his understanding of why social inclusion is so important to the RGS, his knowledge of North Eastern business, his huge range of contacts, and his ambition for the region. He was very generous of his time and always cheerful, supportive and good company. Chairing volunteer committees demands a special skill and he was expert at keeping members happy and committed.

I was (privately) rather dubious about the size of our initial target; I have, I am delighted to say, been proved wholly wrong, with the campaign raising millions more than I had expected. That is a testimony to the very strong foundations that Ashley laid. The large number of RGS students who have been able to attend only with the support of bursaries are the people who should be really grateful to him.

A very good man.

By James FX Miller (94-08), retired Headmaster

Anyone interested, please call 0191 488 7459.

The RGS Community Choir is looking for new members following on from their fourth successful year. The choir meets every Thursday (term time only) from 6.30pm until 8.00pm in the RGS Performing Arts Centre. There is no cost involved to participate and members will receive all vocal scores free. Good voices and enthusiasm required. Potential singers can join the choir in September. For

sch.uk.

Price: £39/£29 (£29 if you are aged 25 or younger or aged 80 and over). The price includes the drinks reception, dinner, and a choice of wine on the table.

Dress Code: Formal (Optional Black Tie/ Evening Dress). There will be no fixed table plan; however, it will be possible to reserve seats. Tables will seat eight diners, and parties of less than eight will share the table with others to complete the octet. If you would like to reserve seats please contact the Development Office at ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.

The deadline for reserving seats is Wednesday 3 October 2018. Please note that no tickets will be issued. Once you have reserved and paid for your place, we are unable to refund your money. If you require confirmation of your booking, please provide an email address.

Tie 100% pure silk, slip-stitched, fully lined £29

Bow Tie 100% pure silk, ready made £29