In fond Remembrance

The following tributes to those we have lost are written by loved ones, classmates and colleagues; fitting tributes to their lives, memories and connection to School.

Ian Wright (OW 1953)

Sadly passed away on 28th May 2018, aged 81.

Roy Blower (OW 1951)

A dependable right back for the OWFC for many years. Sadly passed away in December 2018, aged 88.

Peter Noble Woodward (OW 1946)

Sadly passed away on 30th July 2020, aged 92.

Roger Fellows (OW 1956)

A long-standing member of South Staffs Golf Club, sadly passed away on 3rd February 2021, aged 83.

David Guest (OW 1957)

Sadly passed away on 24th February 2021, aged 82.

Roger Wilkes (OW 1944)

A regular member of OW hockey teams and brother of George ‘TOG’ Wilkes (OW 1943), sadly passed away in February 2021, aged 93.

Charles James Deacey (OW 1951)

Sadly passed away on 3rd February 2021, aged 88.

Lewis L C Cowan (OW 1952)

Sadly passed away on 26th October 2021, aged 85.

Robert ‘Bobby’ Thomson‘Tommo’ (OW 1973)

Bobby was a good centre forward who played for OWFC for some years. After a brief illness, Bobby sadly passed away on 2nd November 2021, aged 64.

Malcolm Burgess (OW 1953)

Despite suffering from dementia in his later years, Malcolm was very well looked after in a nursing home and is survived by his wife, Sue. Malcom sadly passed away on 11th November 2021, aged 85.

Patrick ‘Paddy’ Anthony Byrne (OW 1980)

Sadly passed away 15th February 2021, aged 58.

Paddy Byrne was a character; popular with fellow pupils and teachers alike. He will be best remembered for his gift of repartee, sporting prowess and being true to what he thought was right. Everyone at the School knew Paddy. His deep-rooted values made him a strong and loyal friend to all.

Born on 6th April 1962, into an Irish Catholic family, Paddy was the eldest boy and third of five children. He attended Woodfield Avenue Primary School before passing the 11+ and joining WGS in 1973.

He loved his time at WGS and threw himself into everything that the School offered; academic, musical, or otherwise. Ever loyal to the underdog, Paddy was an enthusiastic and proud captain of the Offley House team.

It was at WGS that he first developed his skills in public speaking, notably a Founders’ Day speech on Marxism. Using his wit and charm to great effect, and standing at 6 foot 5 inches tall, he was a commanding speaker to the most unforgiving of audiences.

His greatest passion at school was sport and (though never the fastest mover!) he represented WGS in football, cricket, basketball and volleyball. At 15, Paddy represented the School in table tennis and played in the Wolverhampton Under-19s team. In Eton Fives, Paddy used his ambidexterity to great effect as a core member of the highly successful WGS cohort of the 1970s. He became National Champion twice and was runner-up in the 1979 Open Championships. In 1977, he was a semifinalist as an under-age participant in the Under-16 competition.

In June 1984, he joined British Caledonian Airways and started a 36-year long, fulfilling career at the company. Here, he met the love of his life, wife Stephie. In recognition of his dedication and integrity, he twice received an Award for Excellence and Outstanding Achievement from the Group Chief Executive. He was incredibly well thought of by his colleagues, especially amongst the pilots he worked closely with as Duty Flight Crew Manager.

On top of building a successful career, Paddy volunteered. He had a strong interest in education and became a Foundation Governor, with a period as Chairman of the Parent Teachers Association, at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Bracknell. Typically, Paddy put the children at the top of the agenda during his tenure and left a lasting legacy.

Paddy’s volunteering efforts did not stop there. He involved himself in several London to Brighton charity walks, including one in 2012 which raised £60,000 for Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Paddy always kept up his interest in sport. He became a passionate golfer and active member of Cottesmore Golf Club. He was an avid fan of London Irish Rugby Club and was the fan sponsor of the Captain Bob Casey for many years, travelling to New York for their first ever rugby match outside Europe. He remained loyal to Wolves FC and proudly took his son, Joseph, to the Molineux and Wembley (once!) to watch them play.

Working in the air industry allowed Paddy to enjoy another passiontravelling. With highly discounted FirstClass tickets as a perk of the job, it was never clear whether his love of flying was due to exotic destinations or the chance to watch a few movies back-toback in a comfortable seat and be plied with booze for the length of a longhaul flight! San Diego was a particular favourite where Paddy enjoyed three long trips with his family.

Paddy was in his element in the company of close friends, holding court and brandishing his razor-sharp wit and clever quips. A typical evening with Paddy would be a heated discussion on the topic of the day, a highly competitive game of Scrabble or Yahtzee, topped off with a quiz about the old days (often referencing the School Red Book). All, of course, accompanied by a few pints of Guinness and some wine. Open, insightful, brutal, yet always goodspirited; Paddy could prick any bubble of pomposity or self-importance with a single jibe.

He was a much-loved, inspirational friend and will always remain in the memory.

He leaves a wife, Stephie, and son, Joseph.

Karl Paulins (OW 1980).

Peter Edmund Radnall Davis (OW 1960)

Sadly passed away 3rd February 2021, aged 78.

Peter and I were both at Wolverhampton Grammar School and in the same set, studying Classics under James Taylor, Bennie Polack, and Bruce Sherdley. While at School, one hobby we had in common was electronics (in the days of thermionic valves!), particularly transmitters. We discovered some exarmy ones which we bought cheaply, intending, along with a third friend, to be able to talk to each other from our homes. This had some success but unfortunately, the frequencies used clashed with something official. The police visited WGS and someone shopped us; words were had with our dads and we had to stop.

Peter and I read Classics at Cambridge; Peter at Trinity and I at Caius. Once, the two of us, my girlfriend and a friend of hers, had a camping holiday for a month in Greece, taking Peter's elderly Sunbeam-Talbot four thousand (more or less) trouble-free miles. Peter was an usher at our wedding - I married my then girlfriend - in Caius chapel but after we left Cambridge, we lost touch with each other.

Touch was resumed fifty years later after my wife died and we did our best to catch up on the intervening years.

Peter spent his life teaching, as I did, at a series of prep schools until he retired in 2001. While he was keen to be involved in sport: 1st XI cricket, 2nd XV rugby, and soccer, his main interest was music.

He loved Britten operas, directed various chapel choirs and was a talented pianist and organist himself; concentrating particularly on the keyboard works of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. He always stressed the quality and importance of live performances by cathedral choirs, compared with the dry perfection of CDs.

His love of cars continued throughout his life and he was a regular visitor to the Motor Show. He successively owned a series of sports saloons: a Sunbeam Rapier, an Audi, a Ford Corsair and latterly, a Volvo. He travelled widely; mostly in France, which he loved. We never met again after leaving Cambridge but we exchanged a whole series of emails (I have more than ninety on my computer) on current affairs and academic subjects. These revealed the sharpness of his brain, his interest in and knowledge of philology and the development of languages, as well as the more remote areas of Classical Literature, Art, and Archaeology. He was, of course, an expert with crosswords. As one would expect, modern political correctness annoyed him, an annoyance which he had no hesitation in voicing. Unfortunately, his lifetime of smoking eventually caught up with him, and he died in February 2021. He never married.

David Morgan (OW 1960) .

Peter Shaw (OW 1959)

Sadly passed away 1st October 2021, aged 81.

Peter loved his time at WGS and spoke fondly of the School throughout his life. After leaving school, Peter attended Leicester University where he studied English.

Before taking the plunge into corporate life, Peter worked as a teacher in London. He then moved to be an Export Director for Parkinson Cowan, before joining British Gas as an Account Director where he stayed until retirement in 1995.

His corporate life allowed him to travel the world, something he loved. Peter married his wife Susan in 1980, after a chance encounter near to his workplace. Peter was a step-father to Sonja and a loving grandfather to his two grandchildren, Sarah and Luke, who both adored him. Peter was one of life’s true gentlemen with a real passion for cricket, horse racing, gardening, animals and his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Sarah Moriarty-Clancy, granddaughter.

Anthony Charles ‘Tony’ Foster (OW 1951)

Sadly passed away 2nd January 2021, aged 87.

Anthony Charles, born 2nd May 1933, spent most of his childhood on a farm in Shropshire with his grandparents and joined Wolverhampton Grammar School in September 1946.

At School, he was an enthusiastic member of the Cadet Force and particularly enjoyed shooting. He rose to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major and was well regarded, by the officers and the RSM, for his organisation of younger cadets.

Tony was called up for National Service with the 18 Medical Regiment (Royal Artillery) in 1951. On his discharge two years later, he became an articled clerk with a local accountant. He worked for several local companies and went on to run his own accountancy firm; he was well known and respected in Wolverhampton. David Orme (OW 1956) worked with him for some years.

Tony was a very cheerful and sociable OW, always ready to help a friend in need. He was active in the Old Wulfs Club and Association; he was often in the Club House in Queen Square and subsequently, at Castlecroft.

He was a regular supporter of the OWA Dinners throughout his life; he could often be found at the bar in the Derry Hall until the early hours of the morning. He greatly enjoyed these occasions and had many years of WGS stories to recount.

Tony was an enthusiastic Freemason and joined the Old Wulfrunians’ Lodge on 15th January 1975. He became its Master in 1987 and was then Treasurer for many years. He joined many other masonic orders and was well known in the Provinces of Staffordshire and Shropshire for his charitable work. He was a leading member of Ed Humphries’ Demonstration Team, which raised nearly £20,000 for a variety of national and local charities. He was also a keen supporter of the Federation of School Lodges and enjoyed visits around the country.

Tony was an energetic sportsman throughout his life; playing tennis, squash and then racquet ball until well past his 80th birthday. Younger OWs were amazed by his energy and prowess on the courts. He particularly enjoyed outdoor pursuits and was closely involved in breeding game birds. He was active in a shooting syndicate until his last few months. Appropriately, his funeral was held at Ryton Church in Shropshire, in the countryside where he spent many happy hours.

Tony is survived by his children: Andrew and Sally, and his five grandchildren. We extend our condolences to them. He will be sadly missed.

Tim Lawrence (OW 1971).

Donald Ibbs (OW 1947)

Sadly passed away 20th April 2012, aged 83.

After leaving Wolverhampton Grammar School, Donald became an apprentice water engineer with ThompsonKennicot. Thereafter, he worked overseas for many years in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Donald retired to the Philippines, where he lived until his death in April 2012.

David Ibbs (OW 1950).

Raymond ‘Ray’ J Jenks (OW 1953)

Sadly passed away 19th March 2021, aged 85.

Ray will be remembered as an accomplished footballer, golfer and a delightful companion whose sense of humour was so much enjoyed.

Ray had been frail for some time, before he passed away peacefully.

Joseph Henry Tyler (OW 2005)

Sadly passed away 31st July 2021, aged 34.

Like many of us reading this, Joe Tyler was an Old Wulfrunian but, like me, he was also an English teacher at Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood (a school attached to the same Livery Company as WGS), at the time of his premature death. When Joe joined Wolverhampton Grammar School in 1998, he was not only joining a school where his Dad (again like me) was also a member of staff, but he was in the first intake of the School's OpAL programme, designed to provide additional support for dyslexic pupils. Perhaps Joe's empathy for others stemmed from his own experiences of trying to navigate his way through the education system with dyslexia, or perhaps it was just Joe's inherently kind nature, but Joe was the most empathetic person – son, brother, husband, father, teacher, colleague and friend – I have ever known. When somebody dies, there is often a tendency to overstate their qualities and their contributions to our lives. Not with Joe, though: no superlatives are too great when it comes to describing the many positive ways his life touched so many of ours.

During his time at WGS, Joe took part in a number of drama productions, not least in his father Ian's production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, in which Joe was cast somewhat surprisingly as the idiotic, dim-witted knight Sir Andrew Aguecheek, described in The Wulfrunian 2003 as "an enfeebled love-sick knight

[who was] a delight [with his] drunken song and dance routine" causing the audience to be in "stitches of laughter". He must have been a good actor, with his Grade 8 LAMDA, for a fool is certainly not a word anyone would use to describe Joe. He was also a keen member of WGS rugby squad, which was an enthusiasm he carried forward to his teaching career, coaching the young rugby players of the future.

When Joe left WGS, he went to study English Literature at Cardiff University, where he met his wife Maheera, with whom he moved to North London when Joe got his job at Merchant Taylors'. The cherry blossom trees on the Long Drive of the School were enough to tempt Joe (and Maheera) to a life temporarily in Northwood. And "cherry blossom moments" are what we have come to call special moments of Joe's musings, when he would capture a passing moment so eloquently, with a poet’s heart, and with full, honest and unabashed immersion, letting go of the cynicism and materialism of the world.

Joe’s own biggest cherry blossom moment was surely the birth of his daughter Cecilia, who is now 4 years old. Joe's love for Maheera and Cece shone through in everything he did.

Joe was one of the first people I met when I arrived for interview at Merchant Taylors', a friendly face and manners so gentlemanly that Joe never walked through a doorway in front of me – either that day or any other subsequently. Joe also continually steered conversation away from himself and towards the person he was speaking to – with always a kind word or a compliment. As one of his favourite authors F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote: "[he] believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself." Time spent with Joe was time well spent. It was also a time when everything around you seemed calm, as if all was at peace with itself. Joe's classroom was a pleasure to enter during any lesson: it exuded tranquillity, simultaneously with a strong sense of academia and a desire to inhale all of Joe's wisdom, especially when it came to American Literature, a favourite genre of his. He once told a fellow colleague of mine that reading for 30 minutes felt like an hour and watching television for 30 minutes felt like 15 minutes: thus, reading added years to your life. A fountain pen and companion pot of purple ink were always poised on Joe's desk, ready to add dignity to all the work it marked, along with his fine dress sense: scarves, corduroy and tweed emanating style and scholarship. His passion for English, along with his empathy, is one of the many reasons pupils loved being in his classes so much. Joe's ability to put himself in someone else's shoes and consider things from their perspective is surely why he was soon promoted to a pastoral role at Merchant Taylors' –Head of Spenser House – perfect for Joe because, not only is it named after the poet Edmund Spenser, but also because Joe’s pastoral qualities were put to the greatest possible effect. It is no wonder that many old Spenser boys turned up to his memorial service to pay their respects to a wonderful man. Having sat opposite an apparently healthy, as ever entertaining and kindhearted Joe at a Christmas dinner in mid-December, it was then a few months until I saw him again because Joe fell ill just after Christmas 2019 with a rare, aggressive form of Ewing sarcoma (cancer in the lung tissue). Despite his positivity and grit, some online teaching, a couple of lectures on his beloved American Literature and (what seemed at the time) a realistic plan to return to teaching English fulltime in September 2021, Joe sadly died in hospital on 31st July 2021 with his family around him.

Frederick Charles Owen (OW 1943)

Sadly passed away 8th September 2021, aged 94.

It is a privilege to have been asked to write this obituary, but it is still hard to accept that Joe is no longer with us. So, there is nothing much that can be done except, once again, to learn from Joe: he lived every day like it was the first day of Spring; beautiful, enjoyed completely, filled with happiness and love. And he would tell us all to live and love every moment we have in this world that he enjoyed so much. As Joe himself said the day before he died: “I have led a rich fulfilling life. I have been loved, I have loved, I have passed on my love for life, and I have not taken life for granted. If you can do that then I think you’ve done rather well.”

In the words of one of Joe’s favourite modern poets, Owen Sheers, from his poem Hill Fort:

"…it isn't the number of steps that will matter, but the depth of their impression."

The steps that Joe made were fewer than they should have been but, luckily for us, the depth of their impression on our lives has been great indeed and we are infinitely the better for it.

Eleanor Trafford (OW 2002).

Frederick attended the School as a day boy, after winning a scholarship from the Wolverhampton Education Authority. After school, he went to work as an accountancy clerk with Bertram Kidson, where he stayed for many years.

Towards the end of the war, Frederick took a break from accounting and volunteered for the Air Force. They were oversubscribed, so he transferred to the Army and served for four years in Asia. After the war, he returned to the accountancy office and stayed there until the early 1970s. On leaving Bertram Kidson, Frederick became the Financial Director for Sydney Smith & Sons; a family firm of iron founders that he helped found. He retired from there in 1991.

Frederick was proud of winning his scholarship and thoroughly enjoyed his time at the School. Pamela, daughter.

Alfred Roy Pearson (OW 1943)

Sadly passed away 10th July 2021, aged 95.

A simple lad, Roy was born on Duncombe Street, Stourbridge, before moving to Pennfields where he attended Bradmore Infants School. Following a workplace accident, his father retired from being a conductor on the railways and the family moved to Kinver. Roy gained a place at Wolverhampton Grammar School and would cycle to school, grabbing the back of passing trucks to make the journey a little quicker and of course easier up the hills; health and safety was not yet on anyone’s agenda.

Looking at his school certificate, he was not the smartest of pupils but would always say: “Hard work and common sense is also very important as well as how you get the most from the people around you”.

After leaving school, Roy joined Lloyds Bank in Darlaston and apart from a period of service in the RAF from 1943 to 1948, remained with Lloyds Bank until October 1953. Roy met Barbara when working at the Hanley branch and was then sent to work in Cleobury Mortimer. With just three employees and very few customers, he soon found he had a new skill - rug making!

In 1953, Barbara found a Sales Clerk role opening at the Royal Doulton head office and encouraged Roy to apply. During the interview, the Managing Director asked why Roy was leaving a career in banking. The lucky card was when Roy said: “You probably don’t understand as you may not have heard of Cleobury Mortimer, but it is not exactly the wish I had after working in Colmore Row”. The Managing Director replied, “Mr Pearson, I was born in Cleobury Mortimer”. Roy got the job, married Barbara and the rest is history.

During his 36 years of service, he worked his way up the ladder to Sales Manager and then Sales Director; followed by a period as Managing Director of both the Royal Doulton Retail Division and Royal Doulton Australia. Roy was President of Royal Doulton China USA, based in New Jersey and New York, for the final five years of his career, and retired in December 1989.

Roy said of his time at Wolverhampton Grammar School: “I learnt so much during those seven years, made some lifetime friends and developed as a teenager ready to take on the world.” mindset. A ‘can do’ attitude would always be at the forefront of every task that lay ahead.

Outside of work he had a very large and diverse group of friends, travelled the world and ensured that every day was fully utilised with no valuable time lost. Roy was not ‘flash’ and saw no need to take a first-class flight when economy could get you from A to B in the same time. He was a Wolves fan all his life and would always check the results on a Saturday afternoon, even attending some matches until recently. He moved with the times, spending time on his computer or iPad making spreadsheets or simply taking care of his beloved digital photographs; he was a keen photographer.

He was forever grateful for his years at Wolverhampton Grammar School and would still say: “Wolverhampton Grammar School made me who I was and what I did in life”.

Roy often talked about respecting others and treating people as you would expect to be treated; the need to be open and honest and straightforward, to keep life simple and to always have a positive

Roy and Barbara were happily married for 67 years until Roy’s death and have two sons. He was well liked and through to his death was a true gentleman.

Tony Pearson,

son.

Eric George Dent (OW 1943)

Sadly passed away 11th September 2020, aged 95.

John Campbell Spencer (OW 1951)

Sadly passed away 26th March 2021, aged 88.

Eric George Dent was born in 1925 and grew up in Villiers Avenue, Bilston. He attended Wolverhampton Grammar School from 1936 to 1941. A keen footballer, he played for and captained the School team and followed the fortunes of Wolves for the rest of his life. He was just 14 years old when the War started but saw active service with the Royal Navy in the latter stages, spending time in India. His mother said he always wanted to ‘work with money’ so it was no surprise when he began a career in banking with Lloyds Bank after the War. His whole career in banking was spent with Lloyds. Starting with several branches in central Birmingham, where he met his future wife Hazel, he eventually became the manager of Lloyds Bank in Fenton, near Stoke on Trent. The family, now including daughter Julie and son Philip, moved home to nearby Newcastle under Lyme. Coincidentally, an old friend from Wolverhampton Grammar School, Roy Pearson, came to live in the same road with his family.

Eric and Hazel were close friends with Roy and his wife Barbara, spending several holidays abroad together with much laughter and stories aplenty.

Eric moved back to Birmingham to take charge of Lloyds Bank Small Heath. The family moved to live in Solihull for many years before Eric and Hazel eventually retired and moved to Alvechurch, near to Hazel’s family roots. Here, with a course on the doorstep, he finally took up golf which he enjoyed for many years, passing his skills on to grandson Alex during his many stays there. Alex was born in Wordsley, maintaining Eric’s Black Country roots and continued to support Wolves.

John was born in Walsall and attended Wolverhampton Grammar School from 1944. In 1951, he joined the British Army in Arborfield, Reading for two years. John completed his education at Bristol University from 1953 to 1956, graduating with a degree in Engineering.

In 1956, he was employed by Reed Paper Group in Aylesford as a Project Engineer and enjoyed playing on the company’s cricket team at Cobdown Sports Ground. In 1964, he emigrated to Canada to join H.A. Simons (International) Ltd., consulting engineers to the pulp and paper industry, until retiring in 1997.

After being diagnosed as terminally ill in 2019, John was well cared for at home until he passed away peacefully.

Eric and Hazel’s final move was to Cradley, near Malvern, in a purpose-built annexe to Julie’s property where he passed away peacefully, spade in hand in his vegetable patch - his favourite pastime. Hazel sadly passed away just a few months later, aged 90.

Phil and Julie, son and daughter.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Helen. He was predeceased by his brother Hugh (OW 1955). He will be sorely missed by surviving family and friends in Canada, England and Scotland. His passions were computers, music and photography. He was a kind man with a wonderful sense of humour.

Helen Spencer, wife.

Kenneth William Sproson (OW 1948)

Sadly passed away 4th April 2020, aged 90

Born in 1929, Ken attended Wolverhampton Grammar School and later, Wolverhampton College of Art. He served as a radar specialist instructor in the Royal Air Force before completing his education at the Royal College of Art in London. Ken was a designer for Wedgwood and married his childhood sweetheart Jean, also from Wolverhampton.

Ken and Jean emigrated to the United States in 1956. They became citizens in 1968 and moved to Hawley, Pennsylvania. Prior to retirement, Ken founded Sproson Designs Inc., a printing company for custom ceramic and glass decals. After retirement, Ken spent part of his time living with his children and in 2017 moved to Wilmington, Delaware, to live with his daughter and son-in-law.

Ken was a ‘Renaissance man’ with the charm of an English gentleman. He was fiercely independent, enjoyed travelling and had many interests and hobbies. In addition to ceramics, art and design, other interests included: track and field, judo, aerobatic flying, photography, astronomy, and geology. He was generous and enjoyed giving his time and talent to serve others.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael J Wellings (OW 1954)

Sadly passed away 4th April 2021, aged 85.

Michael attended Wolverhampton Grammar School from 1946 to 1954. He played defence for the outstanding, and unbeaten, First XI football team in his final year and was the senior in the Combined Cadet Force.

After reading Maths at Jesus College, Oxford, he joined the Army, serving in: Malaysia, Sudan, Germany, Belize and Northern Ireland. He retired, aged 55, as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Corps of Transport. He then worked for six years for SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), the charity helping veterans and their families.

Ken died peacefully at Millcroft Skilled Nursing Facility in Delaware. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Jean, who died in 1998.

Ken is survived by his daughter; Wendy, his son; Derek and four granddaughters; Sarah, Emily, Shannon and Jacqueline. Wendy Frydrych, daughter.

In his later years, he was a passionate gardener, buying and developing a plot of land in Farnham. To this day, the land is used for nature lessons by local schools and opens regularly to the public.

Roger Wellings (OW 1955).

Bernard Rockett (Former Staff)

Sadly passed away 24th March 2021.

Bernard Rockett joined the Chemistry Department at WGS in 1988, following his retirement as senior lecturer at the (then) Wolverhampton Polytechnic, and gave ten years of service. Not that he was new to WGS – he saw two sons, and later two granddaughters, progress through the School.

He quickly became a popular teacher by seamlessly adapting his teaching approach to cater to the younger audiences he was now facing. His knowledge of Chemistry was profound and, thanks to his numerous other interests, his wider experience was also great. This meant that he was an obvious figure to teach a GCSE course in ‘Science and Society’. He was also a Sixth Form

Tutor, where he displayed his ability to communicate with older teenagers.

A very modest gentleman, it was only by throwaway remarks in conversation that the spread of his outside interests became apparent: small railways, especially the Glyn Valley Tramway; natural history with a special interest in dragonflies; walking - including ‘Letter Boxing on Dartmoor’; and his interest in motor sport which led to a special focus on the super strong lightweight polymers used in racing car cockpits. Another interest was the military. At one time, preceding his WGS years, Bernard was a partner at a gun and militaria shop and took over an old gun manufacturing company.

Jeremy Francis Butler (OW 1983)

Sadly passed away 22nd April 2020, aged 55.

It is with great sadness that I tell you that an ‘Old Boy’ of the 1976 to 1983 vintage has passed away. Jeremy Butler was a friend to me from almost my first day of school at Woodthorne in Tettenhall, back in 1969, and for the next 51 years.

We both moved on to Wolverhampton Grammar School and were in the same form up until Sixth Form, when we chose different A Levels. However, we both continued our studies in Manchester where Jeremy graduated in Business Studies from UMIST. He then went on to get an MBA from Warwick University.

Jeremy was very thoughtful and kind; he was also shy with a bit of a gruff exterior and an incredibly dry sense of humour. It took time to get to know him but once he was your friend, he was someone you could rely on utterly. I have met few people who were as generous.

We would meet every fortnight or so for a beer and Jeremy would often speak very fondly of School and clearly appreciated the time he spent there. He would reminisce about the teachers and antics we got up to on the WGS skiing trips to Pamparovo, in Bulgaria, and Macugnaga and Madesimo, in Italy. One trip in the Sixth Form, to Noordwijk in Holland was a highlight, particularly the excursion to Amsterdam – for its museums and culture, naturally.

He wrote several books, ranging from a university Biochemistry textbook through to several books on small Welsh railways and even a children’s book on whales.

As far as his colleagues are concerned, the memory of his frequent penning of notes for his family, as a way of constantly keeping in touch, showed his strength as a family man.

What a person!

Our thoughts reach out to Val, James, Peter and their families.

Gareth Phillips, former colleague.

Jeremy had an incredibly tough time during the last 10 years of his life, losing first his father in 2011, then his sister two years later and finally his mother three years ago. Despite these tragic events, he never lost himself to bitterness or anger – his kindness and generosity of spirit shone through to the end.

Jez was my oldest friend and I will miss his friendship enormously.

Steve Knowles (OW 1983).

Sophie Pritchard (OW 2014)

Sadly passed away 30th March 2021, aged 24.

When asked what they remember most about Sophie (Soph), people often say her infectious laughter and glowing smile. If you ever heard her laugh you will know how difficult it was to ignoreonce she started giggling, she couldn’t stop, often causing the whole room to follow suit. Soph always found the joy and light in life; a sombre obituary just doesn’t seem fitting. Instead, it feels right to pay tribute to the fun, smiley, cheeky, kind and determined woman she was.

In 2006, Soph joined WGS as part of the last Big Six class to enjoy a year of fun and adventure under Miss Martin. She remained at WGS for secondary school and over her eight years there, navigated the many developments of every usual teenager. Unlike her peers, she also faced a constant battle with her body as she struggled with the symptoms of Friedreich’s Ataxia, a degenerative disease. This did not define Sophie. Her passion for life and determination to always have fun is what she would want us to celebrate and remember.

Soph had a cheeky, sometimes mischievous, streak. I could list the many pranks she was at the forefront of, but the one that roused most suspicion was just how many times we got stuck in the School lifts. This was one of her regulars and served us well across our years at WGS; it meant that we were able to sneak a few extra minutes gossiping, giggling, and enjoying ourselves rather than working. We would eventually reach the classroom, just a little late, and Soph would always act shocked when the teacher queried how we managed to get trapped this time. Naturally, she managed to charm the teacher’s annoyance away every time.

Soph was determined to never miss out on anything. When we did a high ropes assault course in Lower Sixth, she was adamant she would take part, which she did, and on our walking trips in Games she would be more than willing for us to lift her over fences in her chair so we could continue routes which, at first, didn’t appear accessible. She was fiercely competitive and was a keen sportswoman, competing in numerous adaptive sports. Due to her basketball abilities and enviable seated throw, you wanted her on your team for end of term King Ball tournaments. When it did become harder for her to partake in certain sporting events at school, she took this in her usual determined way and turned her attention to becoming the number one spectator instead - her form could always depend on her on Sports Day for the best chants and whoops of encouragement.

She was the most loyal and honest friend you could wish for and would challenge you, while supporting you, no matter what. In Year 9, when I suffered from terrible stage fright in the runup to a school production of Dracula, she came to performances to support me, alongside helping Ellie and Jess backstage. At the time, while all feigning a sudden genuine interest in costume, makeup and stage design, and helping dress me for each performance, they achieved their main aim to ensure that I always had a friendly face backstage. Each night, prior to the show, Soph would sit in the girls' changing room chatting away about anything and everything and helped keep my nerves in check. It wasn’t just her friends she supported; she was always on hand to cheer up anyone who was having a tough time.

After completing her A Levels in 2014, she studied a BTEC at Wolverhampton College. Here, she made more friends and worked towards her goal of studying at Aston University. In 2016, she was offered a place on their Accounting for Management degree programme. At university, Soph was determined to experience the usual things students did and moved into university accommodation. Here she enjoyed the highs and lows of living in student digs, immersing herself in the Birmingham nightlife and attempting to cook. Her time at university came with challenges but she remained determined to complete her degree and, above all else, have fun. She graduated in 2020 (sadly online) with a 2:1. I am told she was a firm favourite of the lecturers and her fellow students, just as she had been at WGS.

Whilst at Aston, Soph undertook a year in industry at Limitless Travel, a company specialising in adaptive trips and travel for people living with disabilities. It was the perfect fit for her as she loved to travel. She holidayed annually in Cornwall with her treasured dogs, travelled to Spain, as well as convincing her parents to take her on various daredevil-style trips to Hawaii and Egypt. Soph joked that while there were many disadvantages to being in a wheelchair, getting good tickets to events and shows was not one. She certainly took advantage of this and attended the London Olympics, saw her favourite band McFly on numerous occasions, and almost annually went with her family to watch Wimbledon. Her death came as a terrible shock, at a time when many of us could not meet in person to celebrate her life. It is a testament to Soph, her parents Helen and Steve, and her brother Matthew that she achieved and experienced so much in her 24 years. Listening to Helen, Steve and Matthew’s incredible eulogies, I was reminded again of how inspirational she was (she would roll her eyes at me for calling her that). I know that many of her loved ones, including myself, continue to follow her mantra of ‘just keep going’ no matter what, even though now we must live in a world without her.

In 2022, the School will be hosting a charity tennis event involving the Class of 2014. The aim will be to raise money in Sophie’s memory for charities who helped her throughout her life, whilst coming together and enjoying tWo of her favourite things: tennis and cake!

Lydia Manley (OW 2014).

Paul Jennings (OW 1960)

Sadly passed away June 10th 2021, aged 79.

Paul had a modest childhood and attended Bingley Street Primary School, before passing the 11+ and joining WGS. He flourished academically, as well as finding his lifelong loves of music, Bridge and fell-walking.

Paul won a State Scholarship and Postmastership to Merton College, Oxford, in 1960 to read Maths, where he became the captain of the College darts team and ‘Master of the Winks’.

Paul met Carole, on holiday in Iceland, and, after much toing and froing to visit each other when they could, they married in 1966.

In 1964, Paul was appointed Maths master at Burnley Grammar School by Noel Stokes, himself a former member of staff at WGS, and was subsequently promoted to Head of Maths then Deputy Head. He also taught Bridge and in 1979 won the English Schools Cup, with three players going on to play at the highest level.

A Wolves fan his whole life, Paul retired in 2002, and was wonderfully supported by Carole throughout.

Extracted from the eulogy read at Paul's funeral.

Peter Ernest Richardson (OW 1944)

Sadly passed away 1st August 2020, aged 93 be an accountant. He spent some time in Cornwall before returning to Wolverhampton to join his parents in the family fashion retail business Peter’s, where he did the bookkeeping and stock purchasing. chatting with residents and helping out at social events. He was always the first to arrive to help and the last to leave. In 2007, Peter was nominated for the Wolverhampton Volunteer of the Year Award. On his 80th birthday, he attended the Mayoral awards reception and won the runner-up prize. He was described as ‘a wonderful ambassador for good and a testament of his faith and his love of people.'

Peter Ernest Richardson was born in Wolverhampton on 4th April 1927 to Arthur, a WW1 veteran from Northampton working in the motor trade, and local girl Alice. In the early 1930s his parents opened a shop in Salop Street, Peter’s Retailing ‘Clothes for the Discerning Lady’, specialising in mourning wear.

From Crowther Grove, he moved with his parents to a bungalow, that he helped design, in Finchfield. One day, he returned home with his dog called Chris; his parents were not best pleased.

He enjoyed concerts and theatre and saw the all-time greats at the old Hippodrome, including George Formby, who he always enjoyed listening to. He was also a friend and regular attendee of the Grand Theatre.

Peter, an only child, grew up and spent the war years at Crowther Grove, Tettenhall, attending Richmond House School until the age of nine. His school reports show that he was good at Maths and had an interest in scripture. His singing, described as only 'very fair', improved with age; he had a lovely singing voice in his adult life! After Richmond House, Peter went to Wolverhampton Grammar School and his school reports made mention of his ‘uncontrollable chatter’. Although his headmasters' reports were never particularly encouraging, in December 1944 he passed the School Certificate with Credit in English Language, French, German, Elementary and Additional Mathematics.

Like his father, Peter was a good snooker player. He started playing when he was around 10 and in 1946, reached the last eight of the ‘All England Youth Championships’, beating the national champion en route. The Express & Star described him as ‘a modest lad’ and his unassuming manner stayed with him.

After school, Peter worked with Gilbert Shedden, where he trained to

In 1965, Peter married Heather in Brewood Church. Kathryn was born the following year and Rosemary two years later. North Wales was the family holiday destination of choice and they holidayed in Harlech every year.

He founded the Brewood Chess Club with Charles Spencer in the 1980s and organised Theatre trips for club members.

Peter’s Christian faith was important to him throughout his life. His main motivation in life came through his love of helping others and he worked voluntarily for various organisations, often behind the scenes.

For many years Peter volunteered for the Samaritans. He was also involved in the Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support Group and became a committee member for the NSPCC. There were many occasions when his two-hour slot with a collection box outside Sainsbury's would turn into an all-day event, if the collector due to follow on couldn't make it.

He spent 25 years as a volunteer at The Woodlands Residential Home in Penn; organising games evenings,

On retiring, Peter joined the 050 Friendship Centre in Wolverhampton. He enjoyed many new activities and made longtime friends. New activities included; climbing Ben Nevis, to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and learning to ski at 67 years old. He also enjoyed more sedate games of indoor and crown green bowls.

After a stint in hospital, Peter spent three happy years in Holmebank Residential Home. He was quickly won over by the manager’s dog Alfie, whom he called ‘Fluffy’, who spent many a morning sitting on his lap in the lounge. Peter was one of the fittest in the home and loved to help and support other residents.

In 2016, after another stay in hospital Peter moved to Atholl House Nursing Home. He was a popular resident and nicknamed ‘Mr Smiler’. He had a lovely room overlooking the garden and enjoyed daily visits from his daughters.

Peter passed away with Kathryn and Rosemary by his side. He is remembered fondly by his family and friends. Many recall his sense of humour, patience and kindness; ALL describe him as a gentleman.

Kathryn Robinson, daughter.

Sir Michael Rutter (OW 1951)

Sadly passed away 23rd October 2021, aged 88.

Professor Sir Michael Rutter was born on 15th August 1933, in Lebanon where his father ran a hospital near Beirut. The family returned to Britain just before the Second World War and Michael was evacuated, aged seven, to North America and lived with a Quaker family from 1940 to 1944. On returning to the UK, Michael attended WGS, followed by Bootham School, York, and then went on to Birmingham Medical School, where he trained in general medicine, neurology and pediatrics, before specialising in psychiatry.

In 1966, Michael joined the Institute of Psychiatry at the University of London as a senior lecturer and was then appointed as the first Professor of Child Psychiatry in the UK, particularly known for his research into the early years of children’s emotional development. Regarded as the ‘Father of Child Psychiatry’, Michael laid the foundations of Child Psychiatry and Developmental Psychopathology as it is today.

He has published more than 400 scientific papers and chapters, alongside 40 books including: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - now in its sixth edition - which is accepted as the established textbook in the field.

In 1984, Michael established the MRC Child Psychiatry Unit at the Institute of Psychiatry, followed 10 years later by the Social, Genetic and Developmental

Psychiatry Centre, which aims to narrow the gap between ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’.

He was the recipient of numerous honorary degrees and was an honorary member of the British Academy. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1987 and was knighted in 1992 for his contribution to the field of Child Psychiatry.

In 2014, on Who’s Who, Michael stated that he was fond of ‘fell walking, tennis, wine tasting, theatre [and] family’. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

Excerpts from Michael’s obituary in The Telegraph

Keith Thomas Brockless (Former Staff)

Sadly passed away 24th November 2021, aged 84.

After I arrived at WGS as a young teacher in 1968, I was in awe of many members of the teaching staff. To me, they were like a race of Titans, very intelligent, right on top of their subjects, academically very formidable – though saved from being intimidating because of their kindness and their great spirit de corps.

Keith, who had been recruited to an outstanding Classics department in 1960, was one of that Common Room. He could hold his own with any one of them in terms of ability. No one who came into contact with him, as a colleague or pupil, could remain unimpressed by his remarkable intelligence and scholarship. Even his manner of speaking, precisely formulated and clipped, gave a good indication of the clarity and penetration of his understanding.

He left in 1964, to go to France for three years, to master the language (one huge benefit of his stay being that he met Nicole and, somewhat to the surprise of his parents, returned to England with a wife and two little daughters). Later he learned German in just a few months in order that he could take a school exchange visit to that country, so he taught Latin, Greek, French and German at WGS – until his retirement in 2000, after nearly 40 years.

When one reads our Founder’s Day speech of the Headmaster, E.R Taylor, when he expresses a welcome back to Keith on his return from France in 1967, one can sense his pride in attracting staff of Keith’s academic quality –winner of the Porson scholarship at Peterhouse, Cambridge, with a firstclass degree in Classics and, in 1974, of another first-class degree, in French, from the University of London. Keith was a man after his own heart. On his first departure, in 1964, he was praised in The Wulfrunian for his ‘ranging beyond the immediate disciplines of his subject’, for his ‘enthusiasm’ and his ‘always inventive’ teaching.

What did his colleagues think of him? Those in the languages departments saw him as a walking dictionary and encyclopaedia who could always supply immediately the meanings of obscure words, their etymology, the social, political, economic and historical contexts of language. He was kind, obliging, cheerful – and with all that knowledge, modest and unassuming. And his pupils? One of them writes, ‘I never really came across Mr Brockless until my second year sixth, when a few of us decided to do French as a voluntary subject. The man we met was kind, punctilious, and almost conspiratorially encouraging. I remember us doing Anouilh’s Becket with him and having a ball of a time’. A colleague in the French department, on a French exchange visit, remembers overhearing pupils discussing their teachers: he says, ‘they thought the world of Keith.’

So, please, if you never came across Keith, do not imagine that he was a Gradgrind, a Dry-as-Dust compendium of facts; or a Casaubon, spiritually crushed by recondite learning. For he was witty, amusing, cheerful, irreverent – in fact, capital company. Always he retained a hint of boyish fun and enthusiasm about him. His leaving speech in 2000 was redolent of all these qualities and is still remembered today.

Keith was very thorough and efficient. Whatever he organised went smoothly – whether it was a course of study, an exchange visit – or the tuckshop, which he ran for great success for many years. Let us hope that in that time he did not produce too many Billy Bunters, but I feel sure he had scorn for the ambition of the modern, all-regulating state to prescribe even what we eat.

He was very communally-minded too. He helped with the Scouts in his early years; he was an invaluable member of French and German exchange visits. For a time he played the oboe in the School orchestra. (In fact, his earliest ambition was to become a professional oboist). He sang in the choir, played the organ, accompanied junior assembly on the piano. ‘None sought his help in vain’, The Wulfrunian recalled in 1964.

Independently-minded, sometimes quietly forthright, and very highly principled, senseless rules could cause his hackles to rise, and if he recognised a decision as unreasonable, unjustifiable, or bureaucratic obfuscation, he was likely to oppose it with determination. After his retirement he found himself imprisoned, with many other passengers, on a metro-tram that had broken down. A wait of several hours was likely, as the passengers were forbidden to disembark until the tram had been towed into a station. In the face of dire threats of prosecution, Keith led all the passengers off it in perfect safety – an event commemorated in The Express and Star

Very highly principled people are sometimes censorious and narrowminded. Keith was tolerant and reasonable. Once, on the cross-Channel ferry, in the course of a French exchange visit, the purser of the ship approached Keith with a complaint that some Sixth Formers (who were over the legal age) were having a drink of beer. Keith (who, himself, was drinking tea) replied that they were with him, that they were young adults, that they had paid their fares like any other passenger – and that he was to leave them alone! So the purser was sent packing! And, on another occasion, very unusually, he swore when it was suggested in a department meeting that work should be marked with green pens, as red ink was too ‘threatening’.

He was very kind. He would do anyone a good turn. When I was seriously ill in hospital, he gave up his lunchtimes for three weeks to transport my father to the hospital. Many other people will remember similar acts of kindness. He was almost totally selfless. So, goodbye Keith! We shall miss you so much – our gifted and lovable friend, colleague, teacher. What could serve best as an epitaph for your life and work? Yes – the enviable compliment paid to you in 1964: ‘None sought his help in vain.’ That indeed – together with our deep gratitude for what you were and did.

We send our heartfelt sympathy to Nicole and their daughters, Hélène and Judith.

Robert Brandon, friend, and colleague.

"I was very sad to hear from Alex Frazer that Keith Brockless had died: he was, of course, a legend in the School, immensely popular and respected, and regarded with amazing affection by the boys. He taught me for one year in the Sixth Form. It was very good to have some Latin taught by someone who was also a modern linguist. I remember how he used to teach semi-concealed behind an enormous brief case and swathed in a scarf. He used to get us to translate in the order in which we were sitting in the room, so some boys would calculate ahead which bit was theirs and prepare only that bit!"

Simon May (OW 1978).

Peter Henry Evans (OW 1952)

Sadly passed away 3rd December 2020, aged 86.

As well as being a very successful businessman, Peter was also a brilliant sportsman, both during his time at WGS and afterwards. He played hockey for the Old Wulfs and was even offered an opportunity to play football for Manchester Utd, turning it down to stay in Wolverhampton with Anita!

both Richard and James, the former being a successful business consultant, the latter a director in a software company.

Keeping the family tradition alive, of Peter’s 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren (… so far!) two of James’ daughters are also OWs and one is a current student at WGS. Katie (OW 2021) has just completed work experience at her old school, as part of her PE degree course at Leeds.

was his way. Peter made lifelong friends gained whilst at WGS, and with Anita, created a family that will always hold WGS in the highest regard for the start it gave them in education and sport.

In Loving Memory of Peter Henry Evans

Together Peter and Anita leave a wonderful and memorable legacy and are both sadly missed by all their friends and family.

15th April 1934 - 3rd December 2020

Peter was incredibly proud of his three sons James (OW 1984), Carlton (OW 1982), and Richard (OW 1988). Carlton carried on with the football genes, gaining his Blues in the Varsity matches for Cambridge whilst studying Law there. Carlton is a senior partner at Linklaters; London has also attracted

After losing his wife Anita in January 2019, Peter was looked after by his three sons. He had battled with Parkinson’s for quite a few years, never giving in as

I, like many, marvelled at Peter's elusive footballing skills. ‘Titch’ Evans (as he was almost universally known) was an extremely elusive, and nimble-on-hisfeet, footballer. His dribbling skills would frequently cause would-be tacklers to be completely wrong-footed.

Monday 15th February 2021 at 10.30 am St Bartholomew’s Church, Penn

Bernard White (OW 1952)

Those privileged to have played sport with Peter will know that he excelled at football, hockey and golf. How well I remember being in the OWFC 1st X1, which boasted a forward line comprised of Brayshaw, Ross, Durnall, Palmer and Evans. We at the back just gave them the ball and watched them play havoc with the opposition defence.

Tony Phillips (OW 1961)

Paul Douglas John Brighton (OW 1977)

Sadly passed away 19th November 2021, aged 62.

A former BBC colleague and great friend remembered: “He loved interviewing politicians but managed to stab Denis Healey with a pen by accident in the studio, drawing blood from the former chancellor. It all ended in laughter though, as it so often did with Paul.” One of Paul’s proudest moments was when he interviewed John Major on an election bus and it broke down so, instead, they went into the nearest pub together for a pint.

Paul joined WGS in 1970. He played a mean cornet and in many brass band performances. In the Sixth Form, he gained a scholarship to Trinity Hall, Cambridge. There, he studied English and in 1981 gained a First-Class degree, followed by a Masters in 1985. Paul even managed to fit in an appearance on Mastermind, with Gladstone as his specialist subject, and reached the semi-final.

Paul’s journey into radio began with a job in the Advertising Department of Beacon Radio in Wolverhampton. After a successful time at Beacon, Paul applied to BBC Radio WM and became the local reporter. His talents were recognised and he was soon offered his own programme, ‘Coming Home’, based in Edgbaston, where he developed the content and gained a good audience.

Changes at BBC WM prompted Paul to move to Radio Oxford for a short period before successfully securing a lecturer post at the University of Wolverhampton, where his broadcasting experience was enormously valued by colleagues and undergraduates alike. He co-published a course book, News Values, and later co-developed a well-respected foundation degree course in Broadcast Journalism for Wolverhampton University and College. Finally, he became Executive Principal Lecturer and Head of Media and Film at the University.

By 2013, Paul was well established and working on his next publication. However, in June that year he suffered a severe stroke, which impacted his active career. A group of former colleagues from the University helped publish Paul’s final book, Original Spin: Downing Street and the Press in Victorian Britain.

Derek Thom, cousin.