OBITUARIES DEREK LESLIE GRANT (40-49)
GRAHAM BRAGG (86-93)
RICHARD H ROBSON (38-41)
BORN 1932, DIED 13 JUNE 2020, AGED 88
BORN 1975, DIED 2 MAY, AGED 45
BORN 1929, DIED 27 JUNE 2020, AGED 91
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erek was one of the dwindling band of RGS evacuees at Penrith during the Second World War. An accomplished sportsman with success in running, boxing, cricket and rugby, playing in the 1st XV in his final years at school, Derek retained with pride some of the Athletics Certificates presented to him by Headmaster, E R Thomas, one of which records him as Dunford Bowl runner-up. He also played rugby and cricket during his RAF National Service in Egypt. He was also both an enthusiastic spectator and player of golf at Arcot Hall and Bamburgh clubs for many years. Derek was also a long suffering but loyal fan of Newcastle United and always remembered seeing the FA Cup lifted by the Toon in 1952 at Wembley and was at St James’ Park on a regular basis with his season ticket until ill health intervened. In his later years, he also enjoyed playing crown bowls. For many years, the MD of a prominent garment manufacturing business in Newcastle, Derek loved life and even when severe illness overtook him, he bravely and without complaint retained his reputation for story-telling and bonhomie. For many years he was a regular attender at the RGS Masonic Lodge, as well as being a member of other lodges and orders. He retained a great love for his school and was hugely proud to see his grandson, David Fagleman (99-06) become Deputy Head Boy and captain of the 1st XV, as well as his granddaughter Kate Fagleman (06-08) enter the RGS Sixth Form in 2006. By David Goldwater (51-62) with Richard Grant (72-82)
t is with great sadness that I write in regard to Graham’s passing after a long battle with cancer. Graham won a full scholarship to RGS after attending Windy Nook primary school. He was an irrepressible and enthusiastic member of school, hugely amenable to all who knew him and greatly popular with his Collingwood classmates (J Ponton (8393), F Cook (86-93), T Healer (83-93)). After graduating from Salford University in 1996 he went on to forge a successful career with Virgin Media, Vodafone and latterly Oracle. Graham was a lover of all sport, but it was football which held his most fervent passion. He played the game semi-professionally and was an ardent supporter of Newcastle United. Upon falling ill two years ago, Graham typically adopted a positive and stoical approach throughout and displayed huge strength of character in the face of such a grave illness. Graham is survived by his mother Anne, partner Rowen, and son Jake, 7. Whilst composing this brief eulogy to Graham I have been continually struck by the tragedy of his passing at such a young age and of the final narrative from the film Stand by Me: ‘I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12…Jesus does anyone..?’ By Tony Healer (83-93)
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ichard, known to friends as ‘Robbie’ spent his first RAF tour flying Meteors in the day fighter role. He had a narrow escape when a towed glider target lost a wing which hit the nose of his aircraft and smashed the cockpit canopy and Robbie’s goggles. At the end of his tour, he became a flying instructor on Meteors and Vampires before moving to a Canberra squadron. On leaving the RAF at 38, Robbie studied Geography at Dundee University, becoming a teacher, first at a Scottish comprehensive school, later on in England. Returning to his love of flying, he took up a Retired Officer’s post at HQ Air Cadets, responsible for gliding schools. He retired to Spain, but returned to Houghton-le-Spring with his wife and family. Here, he continued his studies and took a degree in medieval Scottish history. It was appropriate for a man with an impressive memory and an analytical mind. He wrote an autobiography An Airman of the Queen and despite increasing ill health enjoyed his phone chats with friends of over 70 years from RAF Cranwell, which had meant so much to him. Richard passed away with his family around him.
