IN MEMORIAM

WWI Memorial Dedication | World War I Roll of Honour | World War II Roll of Honour | Post WWII Forces deaths
please contact the editor if you wish to add someone to this page: links will open in a new window.
useful link: Cambs. County Council CAMDEX on-line partial register of births, deaths, marriages

Abbott, R John BA (Birmingham) Senior History Master 1967-72: died Tuesday 5 April 2011, aged 71: via Dick Bozeat

Ades, Michael J BMus (Nottingham) taught Music at SGS 1960-64. Daily Telegraph 7 Sep 2004: Peacefully at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, on 31st August 2004 aged 72 years: via Stephen Martin

Adkins, John R BSc (Lond) Physics 1965-67: died July 2001

Allen, CW Bill (1935 entry): died 3 Feb 2007: brother of Terry 39: via Bill's daughter Dr Deidre Holes

Alsop, Brian (1952 entry): died of cancer in 2002: worked in the Middle East for many years and spent some time living in Texas: via his daughter Sharon Kent

Armitage, Mr Edward Headmaster, 1945-72

Armitage, Mrs May GF Languages 1966-72: died aged 94, 9 Sep 2008: via the family

Atkinson, Mr Cecil E Music 1955-56: he became a priest and moved to Devon. He and his wife have died: via Mr Terry Jones

Audus, Professor Emeritus Leslie J (left 1929): died aged 99 on 5th May 2011, via his daughter Fiona Pushman

Audus, Peter R 'Nibbs' (1949 entry): via Peter Stonebridge

Audus, Ronald C (1942 entry) d 24 Nov 2009, he was an Electrical & Mechanical Engineer: via his stepson

 

Bailey, David (1947entry): via Mike Goodchild

Bailey, Francis (1937 photo): died 6 Sep 1991: for many years at CI Caravans Newmarket: via daughter Glenda Bailey

Banyard, Robert (1895 entry): We were much distressed to hear of Mr Robert Banyard's death. His affection for the School was long and loyal. We offer our warmest sympathies to Mrs Banyard and her sons, both of whom like their father were pupils of SGS. Soham Grammarian Spring 1949.

Bedford, Peter (1934 entry): died 25th Oct 2004: via Yvonne Bedford

Bethell, Owen Keith (1943 entry): died 29 Nov 2002 aged 70: via John Kisby

Blake, Trevor (1963 entry): died 2006: Deputy headteacher at Blyth Middle School in Northumberland, aged 54: via Peter Smith

Bonnett, Sid (peer group 1945 entry): died 1 Nov 2008: age 75 after a short illness: reported by Brian Knott/Terry Newman and confirmed by Mrs Christine Bonnett from who will provide further information in due course.

Bridgeman, Flight Sergeant Russell J, RAF (1937 entry) - from the Summer 1961 Soham Grammarian
Flight Sergeant Bridgeman was one of six RAF personnel killed in an Avro Anson which crashed in the Isle of Man in February 1961. Rusty, as he was known to his contemporaries, had joined the RAF as Boy Entrant and was engaged on work at the Technical Training Command Communications Flight at RAF Wyton - see also post WWII

Brown, Norman: via Donald Monk

Bull, John (1940 entry): evacuee from London's East End, Lord Mayor of Westminster 1984-85: died Dec 2007: via editor

Burlingham, Ken (1937 entry): via Brian Lane

Burton, Geoff (1950 entry): Haddenham and Cyprus, d 10 June 2005, aged 66 at home in Haddenham: via John Favell

Butler, Roger A (1959 entry): after a sometimes "chequered" school career Roger Butler ended up with a degree from Royal College of Art. He went on to become a successful architect with his own company based in Ealing, West London. Roger suddenly and unexpectedly died of a heart attack on February 14th 1988: via Tony Burton 60, Roger's brother in law

Bye, Noel (1940 entry): d 2005, via his daughter Carol Betts

 

Capes, Officer Cadet Colin J, RAF (1958 entry) - from the Summer 1966 SG
Colin Capes died in a climbing accident in the Peak District, at the age of 19 - a sad end to a career of promise. He always wished to make the RAF his career and had many disappointments before he succeeded. He entered the RAF as an Officer Cadet at the RAF's own college at Cranwell, last autumn.
Always cheerful, bubbling with life and energy, he was an invigorating personality. His contemporaries will always remember his throaty chuckle, and the quips and opinions which ensured that no lesson became tedious. So much a part of our school life, he is a friend we shall feel the loss of in the adult world - see also post WWII

Carter, Harry (1949 entry) has died aged 69 on 28th September, 2007. His funeral took place at St Mary's Church, Burwell on 4th October 2007: via Clive Bray

Cazenave, Dave (1967 entry): via Mike Gardner

Christopher, John William (1946 entry): via Roger Wright: Christopher, aged 74, came from Witchford where his father kept the local village shop. After National Service in the RAF, he worked at Ely Railway Station for a while until he joined The Huntingdonshire Constabulary. He worked his way up through the ranks until his retirement with the rank of Chief Superintendent in charge of administration at Police Headquarters, Huntingdon. His funeral took place on 18th March 2009 at Colney Woodland Burial Park Norwich, where he was laid to rest beside his wife Margaret who died in 2005. For several years he and Margaret lived in Wymondham where they had moved to be near his family.

Cockerton, Alec E (1943 entry): funeral 19 May 1951: Soham Grammarian Summer 1951

Cole, Ken (1948 entry) d 10 Feb 2010 at Addenbrooke's Hospital after a long illness. Funeral in West Chapel of the Cambridge Crematorium Fri 19 Feb 2010: via Brian & Beth Lane.

Coleman, Philip B (1945 entry): killed in a road accident at Chettisham not long after the 1949 school photo was taken: via Sid Bonnett

Coulson, Donald G (1947 entry): via Peter Hunt

Count, Grahame (1965 entry) on 1st December at Addenbrookes Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He leaves his wife and two children in Willingham, Cambs. Grahame was a keen sportsman for all of his life and worked latterly for Marshalls, Cambridge: via his brother Michael Count.

Covill, Bertram C BEM (1925-26 entry): d 2001

Coxhead, Henry (1940 entry) d June 2004: via his brother John Coxhead

Cranwell, Douglas (1937 entry) died 28 Sep 2010 in a motor accident, aged 83: he was a life Vice-President of Ely City Football Club: via John Kisby

 

Denley, Bryan V (1947 entry): d June 2009 aged 72: via Brian Knott and Beth Lane

Diver, Joe (1922 entry), about 2002: via his brother Alan

Dodson, Gren J (1950 entry), March 2003: via his widow Eve

Drake, Mr Ken D, Art & Pottery 1948-54: via Russell Drake
Ken Douglas Drake known in the family as 'Dilly'. He died on 24th May 2002, leaving a wife Meg and two children Janna and Gillian. He was Russell Drake's uncle and taught him for the first two years he was at Soham. Ken was at the school for 6 years as Art & Pottery Master and must have left in August 1954, being replaced by Peter Askem. He had been a pupil at the school before the war and had painted many murals on the walls around the entrance hall, main staircase and landing, many of which were still clearly visible, although faded, when Russell was at Soham.

Durrant, Bob M (1956 entry): d 26 July 2009 aged 63: Bob was 63 (he would have been 64 in August). He left SGS in 1963, got a degree from Southampton University and spent much time in electrical engineering. He ran a care home for a while and returned to electronics more recently. He was living near Bury St. Edmunds: via Richard Dean

 

Everitt, Fitch Donald - from the Summer 1960 SG
Died in Leeds, keen sportsman, played for and was President of Leeds Zingari CC. Former President of Leeds Fruit Merchants Association.

 

Fletcher, Roderick W (1947 entry): died 1991: via Malcolm Fletcher & Brian Knott

Ford, Mr CJ Charlie/Chas Chemistry, 1926-64

Fordham, Alan (1952 entry): died 2003: via son Alastair Fordham: Alan Fordham 52, shown in your 1952 school photo [and 1956] was my father. He tragically died in a car accident on the night of 14th February 2003 near Upware (two villages away from Soham). He is buried in the graveyard opposite the place he grew up - the Crown pub in Fordham. He was the father of four, myself being the only male to carry on the name. Our family grew up in Wicken and he later lived in Chatteris. His grandfather, Harry Fordham, is named on Soham war memorial from the Great War.

Freeman, Harold (1943 entry): d 28 Aug 2008, suddenly, his funeral was on 9 Sep 2008: via his sister Lorna Delanoy: much missed by his great friend Lloyd Heffer

Freestone, Vernon Joseph (early 1930s): Born 13 Apr 1916, he lived in Ely, date of entry to SGS not known. Travelled to school by train. He worked for the Atomic Energy Authority at Harwell for most of his working life. He died peacefully at home in Wantage, Berkshire (now Oxfordshire) 30 Nov 1998 at the age of 82: via his son Graham Freestone

Fuller, John C (1947 entry): via Brian Knott: Christine Fuller (née Bell, ex EHS) adds: "John was at SGS from 1947 to 1952 and then spent his career working in the land drainage and electricity supply industries based at Cambridge, Peterborough and Ely; latterly he was Deputy Superintendent of the Denver Sluice Complex and commissioned the new sluice at Upware in December 1990. We met whilst both working in the drawing office at Eastern Electricity and we had two children. John developed thyroid cancer in 1989 and died in March 1991 just four weeks after becoming a grandfather."

Fuller Dr Keith (1940 entry) died on 18th January 2012 at the Sobell House Hospice in Oxford, aged 82. A regular attender of our reunions, he like the late David Kerridge in his year went on to gain a PhD in Biochemistry at Cambridge. He taught in the University at Oxford. Our condolences have been sent to his widow Sue and children David, Clare and Lyn. Philip Bobby 44 attended on behalf of the Grammarians: via Wilkes Walton/Roy Palmer and Helen Smith.

 

Gamble, Frank (1963 entry) d 15 Jan 2005: via Ed Reed

Gandy, Ken (entry about 1935) d Oct 2004: shot down and evaded capture in WW2, founder member of the Ely Wildfowlers' Association

Garwood, Keith (1945 entry?) d 8 Jan 2005: son of the late Harriet and John Garwood, also educated at Stamford Technical School: draughtsman with Mirlees Blackstone and Fiat Allis: via John Wilson

Gillett, Colin (1946 entry): via Brian Knott

Gilbert, Robert WF (1937 entry): He died in August 1994 leaving his wife Doris and 7 children. He joined the Royal Navy in 1943 and served until 1947. He started and ran a family business in London until 1978. He then worked for Newham Council until retirement. He lived in Clacton on Sea and where he died at the age of 69: via Yvonne Gilbert, daughter.

Goad, John (1963 entry): via FriendsReunited 17 July 2003
John died in July 2003. He leaves Alison his wife and two sons, Chris and James and stepdaughter Caroline. He worked for agricultural engineers in Ely and lived at his late parents' farm in Stretham.

Grooms, Vernon (1942 entry): from the Newmarket Journal, 15 April 2010. Bill, as he was known, died at Addenbookes' on March 10 2010, aged 78. His funeral took place at St Peter's Church, Fordham, on March 19th. Born in Wicken, he was educated at SGS and served 18 years with the Royal Air Force. He had worked as a lorry driver for many years until retirement, with AA Griggs, CI Caravans and Turners (Soham). His wife Barbara died in 2001. He leaves a daughter and three sons.

Grover, John C (192? entry): It is with deep regret that we record the death of John C Grover recently, of peritonitis. He will be remembered by many for his spectacular long jumping and swerving run down the touch-line as wing three-quarter. The funeral took place at Fordham Cemetery, where the School was represented by Sargent and Gardiner, both of Fordham.: Soham Grammarian Summer 1949. JC Grover served in the RAF in WWII and is listed as a Sgt Parachute Instructor in the Army. He is in the 1929 school photo.

Gray, Tom (1960 entry): Tom was a retired police officer: d 13 Jan 2009: via David Camps

Greensmith, Brian (1967 entry) via Mike Gardner

Griggs, RF (1930s) d 2003: via his son Geoff Griggs

 

Halls LRAM, Brian (1955 entry): died 4th January 1998 aged 54: widely respected teacher of the trumpet, band leader: local press.
From the Cambridgeshire Times, July 29th 1961 report on the 1961 SGS Speech Day:
"In speaking of the out-of-school activities, Mr Armitage had spoken of Brian Hall's success following his admission to the National Youth Orchestra by gaining a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music [Campbell-Clarke Wind Scholarship].
It was not the school custom to have musical items in the Speech day programme, but an opportunity was being given for the assembly to hear Halls, and Mr Armitage hoped that his success would spur other boys who had musical talent to work as hard and enthusiastically as he had.
At this stage Halls came forward with his now familiar trumpet to play the first movement of Orlando Gibbons' Trumpet Suite."

Hancock, Graham R (1954 entry): died 23rd November 2006 in London; he had been working in Warsaw as a freelance teacher of English: via Wieslawa Barnas

Harmer, Terry (1944 entry): via Peter Hunt

Hart, Mr Lionel (French 1959-72) d 22 Sep 2007: Scouting and Chess: via Geoff Griggs

Hawes, Bill Hartley (1939 entry) d 16 Dec 2009: Albert William, known as Bill, died peacefully at home in Fordham aged 81 and was buried in the village parish churchyard on December 31 2009. Born in Wicken, he lived locally all his life and after SGS continued educating himself. He was a particularly staunch supporter of junior rugby at Ely Rugby Club which he co-founded some 60 years ago. "Known as the General in later years (as he tended to lead from the back) he still managed to score a try in his swansong game when he was in his 50s."
He was also one of the longest serving members of St Audrey's Lodge, Ely, having completed 50 years service back in 2005: via Keith Fuller.

Hawkins, John D (1951 entry) d June 2002, aged 61, the day after his 40th wedding anniversary. He was ill for many years and spent the last 5 months of his life in the hospice in Cambridge. Charlie Phelps was his best man when he married Pepi in Cambridge. He had three sons: via Charlie Phelps

Hepher, Cyril Frank (1925-6 entry): b September 1914, d 2006: via his daughter, Ann Munn

Hemmings, Mr Gordon (English 1958-66) d 6 Jul 2011: a fine teacher remembered especially for many productions and the school magazine: via his daughters Elizabeth and Rosemary

Hopkin, Keith JF (1945 entry): Retired area manager Mr Keith James Flanders Hopkin (75), of Ravenshead, was cremated at Mansfield after a service at the crematorium chapel. A local resident for 35 years, Mr Hopkin was born at Barton Mills in Suffolk, and educated at Soham Grammar School, Cambridgeshire, before furthering his education at a London polytechnic. Until retiring in 1986 he was area manager for British Road Services haulage company. His interests included socialising with his friends, stocks and shares, nature, sport, holidays at his Spanish villa and at Southwold in Suffolk, and all aspects of family life: via Google

Howard, Ken (1942 entry): John Dimmock and Cyril Eden write: Kenneth (Ken) Howard of Chettisham near Ely sadly passed away on 14th December 2002 at the age of 71. The funeral service took place on 20th December at Chettisham Parish Church, where he had been Church Warden for fifty years. He was a member of the Friends of the Princess of Wales Hospital for many years and Chairman for the last thirteen. He apparently farmed with his father at Chettisham and Ely. A larger than life character, who will be greatly missed by the people of Ely. A memorial concert featuring the Thurnscoe Male Voice Choir took place on 15th March 2003.

Howlett, Ivan (1937 entry): died 1995: via Stephen Martin

 

Jarrett, Mrs Jill, (later Mrs Jill Petrulewicz), Housekeeper 1960-72: d May 2011: via Phil Lane

Jennings, Peter R (1949 entry): came from Burwell: via Clive Bray

Johnson, Mr LG Jugger or Bish English, 1922-53

 

Kerridge, David (1940 entry): d Aug 2008: via Keith Fuller who writes: David was one of the group who re-established the Old Soham Grammarians after the war. He played a part for many years on its committees and regularly attended dinners until prevented by Parkinson's disease.

Knights, Don (1939 entry): d 7 August 2008.  Alan Barber 59 writes (May 2009) that according to Don's son Richard, Don passed the 11 plus two years early and was therefore always two years ahead of his class. Don, who was born on 2 March 1929,was originally from Sutton but had lived in Harrow, Middlesex since 1960. He worked as an accountant.
"Don, Richard and myself have or had a mutual interest in bellringing.  Don rang in the special peal rung by Soham Grammarians to mark the closure of the school as such in July 1972.  The other participants in that peal besides Don and myself were Barry Bass (Ely), Roger Palmer (Fordham), John Couperthwaite (formerly Burwell) and Dick Housden who was both a former pupil and teacher at the school who was from Burwell.  Incidentally I regularly see Dick's son Jeremy who is also a bellringer and presently lives in Cumbria."

 

Lancaster MBE AE, RAuxAF(Retd), Sqn Ldr Ivan (1937 entry): d April 2005: via Chris Bent. Deborah Evans, his daughter, writes: My father remained very much an 'RAF Man' after his wartime service, serving initially with the RAFVR, the RAFVR(T) and then the RAuxAF until his retirement in 1987. He was also an active Glider Pilot until the late 1970s. Indeed it was his love for the Service that prompted my gaining a Commission and going for Aircrew. He never lost his love for 'The Fens' and, after his retirement, moved with my late Mother to a village near Wisbech. I moved to the area in 2005 after my Father's death, to become my Mother's Carer (sadly she died in late 2008) and I never left.

Lane, Rex (1943 entry): d 23 Apr 2007: via Brian Lane

Lane, Roger (1949 entry): d 29 May 2009 aged 70: a tireless worker for both the life of the town of Soham and of the SGS OBs: via Geoff Griggs

Lavender, John (Jack) (probably 1931 entry): d Jan 28 2011 aged 90: of St Mary's Street, Ely. Born in Ely in 1920, a pupil at Soham Grammar School until 1936, where he played rugby, leaving at the age of 16 when he joined Jeffersons as a monotype keyboard operator and proof reader. Joined the Territorial Army before war was declared, called up into the Cambridgshire Regiment, serving in Egypt, Italy and Malta. Loving husband of Edna and brother to Myrtle. Funeral on Feb 11 2011 at Cambridge City Crematorium: source Ely Standard on 10 March 2011, via Stan Harley.

Lawrance, Mr Albert E Punch Mathematics, 1952-64: d 1989

Lister, John Hamlin (1936 entry): d 27 July 2011 after a long illness, aged 87, Burwell born, he had lived in Cheveley and was educated at Soham Grammar School. He was in the Royal Engineers 1942-47. He supported the Ghurka Welfare Trust, was a member of the Newmarket Homing Society for 40 years, and had played football for teams in Burwell, Exning and Fordham. His funeral was at Risby on August 8 2011: source Newmarket Journal, 8 Sep 2011

Leonard, Edward (1884 entry): The death of Mr Edward Leonard occurred last December [1953] at his home, The Hall, Soham. He was born in Soham in 1873 and won a scholarship to the Grammar School. He was not only a fine business man, but also an active participant in Soham's local government. He was best known to us in his position of Chairman of the School Governors. Mr Leonard made his last speech to the School on Speech Day 1952, and retired from his post on the Governing Board last year. Soham Grammarian Summer 1954.

Lockwood, Jack (Minor Scholarship 1925 or 26) d 18 Feb 2009 aged 94: via Chris Bent

Lowe, Miss AE Housekeeper 1946-1958

Lowe, Bryan (1960 entry) died 17 March 2011 aged 61 years: born in 1949, Bryan was at SGS 1960-68: Loving father of Gregory, Edward and Duncan, dear brother of Beryl and cherished son of the late Vera Langley and Reg Lowe. Funeral Service on April 8th at 12.15pm at St Nicholas Church, Harpenden. Published in the Ely Standard on 31st March 2011: via Bill Peters
Michael Yeomans 60 adds: Bryan was one of my best friends from SGS, and junior and primary schools in Ely. That is really too young. He was a gifted linguist and mathematician, and we kept in touch for a while after university, but then I lost touch with him.

Lythell, Peter John (1943 entry): d 17 Dec 2009, aged 77: via John Kisby

 

MacKenzie, Bill (1969 entry)
Bill's widow Liz writes: After Bill left Soham Grammar he went to CCAT (Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology) to take his A levels. That was where we met in 1976, we got married in 1979 and we have two daughters. Bill worked in production management. He enjoyed travelling and arranged really brilliant holidays for us. He was a very kind and thoughtful person who would always take the time to help anyone. He died suddenly in late 2002.

Makin, RJH, Science 1961-72: John Makin died aged 62 on 9th February 1986: via his son Andrew.

Mann, Tony (1942 entry): It was with great regret that we learned of the death of TWE Mann, who was drowned while on holiday at Yarmouth on July 12th [1950]. Tony was well-known for his keenness for long distance running. Both members of the School and the Old Boys' Club express their deepest sympathy for Tony's parents. (Soham Grammarian, Summer 1950)

Martin, Brian L (1949 entry)
Catherine Jay writes: My father, an Ely boy, was an only child. He joined Lloyds Bank after leaving SGS and retired in 1992 having reached the position of senior bank manager. He was married to Patricia and had three daughters. His hobbies included listening to classical music and model railways. He died on 15th July 2007, aged 69.

Martin, Joshua (believed 1921-25): d 9 Jan 11, aged 101, via his grandaughter Kate Bavester.

Martin, Dr Leslie A (1934 entry)
Died 31 Dec 2003: retired as a University Librarian at Edinburgh University: via his brother R Vincent Martin (1939)

McLaren, Robin Ivor (entry year late 1920s) of Sutton, formerly of the garage Haddenham, passed away peacefully at Hinchingbrooke Hospital on Monday 24th August 2009, aged 93. The service of thanksgiving was at St Andrew's Church, Sutton on 4th September: via Brian Knott

Miller, Eric G (b1925, mid 1930s entry) d2002: lived in Ely: via Donald Monk

Mitchell, William James (1936 entry?) from Summer 1964 SG
Formerly of Haddenham, he died at Ratcliffe Hospital Oxford in December 1963. He was employed at the Pressed Steel Works at Oxford.
Served with Suffolk Regiment in Burma; kept goal for Haddenham Rovers, played for Pressed Steel; SGS Cricket 1st XI (Cambridgeshire Times 3 Jan 64)

Morley, Stan (c1918) d1989: via his grandaughter Sarah

Moore, Gerry (1950 entry): via Charles Smith

Munns, Richard Billy (1954 entry) d2007: via Alan Barber

Murfet, Don (1944 entry) d2000: Alan Barber writes: Don or Dumps as he was affectionately known was born on Christmas Day 1933 and lived in Sutton (in the Isle) all his life. I knew him very well as we did a lot of bellringing together. See Alan's appreciation of Don.

Murfitt, John S (1946 entry) d2008 aged 72: his funeral was on 9th July 2008. John was a farmer, who took over from his father. He was at Cliff College, the Methodist Training College in Derbyshire, before returning to farm. He was a staunch Methodist and a Methodist Local preacher for many years: via Donald Monk.

 

Nash, Hubert (1948 entry): d 23 Aug 2010 aged 73. Brought up in Isleham, he made a career in the Civil Service, latterly living near Colchester. He was the brother in law of Donald Monk: via Donald Monk

Neathercoat, Ernest T (entry 1893): d1951: former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. He presided at the dedication of the School's WWI Memorial (Soham Grammarian, Summer 1951)

Norris, Richard (1963 entry), in a car accident ca 1972: via Dudley Walton

Norton, David (1942 entry) d 23 May 2010, aged 79, from Burwell: via John Kisby

Nunn, EBA - Brian (1951 entry) d 2006: via David Reader

Nunn, Desmond Harold (1944 entry)
It was with deep regret that the school learned of the death on 6th August 1951, after an operation earlier in the year, of Desmond Nunn who had been so lately one of us. For five years from 1944-49 we had known his happy smile, his gay manner, his cheerfulness under all circumstances and it is by these characteristics that we shall remember him. One of the original members of the Boarding House when it was formed in 1946, Desmond quickly made his personality felt and his contribution to the happy family spirit that was fostered there was a great one. No boy can have had more friends and no boy was his enemy. He died as he had lived - bravely, fearlessly, and without complaint - an example to us all.
(Soham Grammarian, Autumn 1951)

 

Page, Michael (1955 entry)
Died tragically at his home in Haddenham in December 1963. Michael (Aggie) was a student at Selwyn College Cambridge and was conducting an experiment at his home when he died of accidental cyanide poisoning.

Parrott, Mr George (Maths & Science 1957-63): d 25 Jan 1964

Pauly, Mlle Francoise (French Assistante 1970-72): d March 1974 in a plane crash: via Mrs Jill Petrulewicz (Jarrett)

Peacock, Dennis G (1944 entry) died on May 5th 2008 and was cremated on May 19th 2008: via Stan Harley from Pete Eland 44

Peel, Ken (1944 entry): via Brian Knott

Phillips, John (1961 entry) d2006: via Stephen Gilbert

Phythian, George Rural and General Science 1952-55: d 25 Dec 2008: via Len Norman

Piper, George R (1949 entry): via Brian Knott & Donald Monk

Pledger, John (1934 entry): died 31st January 2006 in Southampton, Hampshire: via Richard Pledger

Pledger, Peter (left in 1938): Died in Chichester on 26 April 2002 aged 82: via Richard Pledger

Pryke, Peter (1952 entry): died 5th August 2011. A Burwell boy living in Florida, in 2006 he provided us with a vivid memoire of his schooldays: via his family.

Pullen, Dr Brian (1948 entry): died March 2007, via Beth Lane, Ian Hobbs and Brian's daughter Sue: Brian had pancreatic cancer for two and a half years.

Pusey, Andrew F, Music 1952-55: died Easter Monday 1987: via internet research

 

Quinn, Edmund (Ted), Physics 1950-56: died 10th September 2010: via his son Patrick

 

Read, Leslie (1925 entry?) - d 10 Nov 2001: via Chris Bent

Reed, Les C (1941 entry) d 11 Jan 2003: via Ed Reed

Ridgeon, GWD (1946 entry): It was with deep regret that the School learnt of the very sudden death of GWD Ridgeon, Form IIIB, at Doddington Hospital, on 2nd February, 1947, after a short illness. The funeral was held at Ely, on 6th February, the School being represented by Mr RA Taylor (Staff), RF Watts (Captain of School) and AWJ Reed (IIIB). Wreaths were sent from the School and from IIIB. Our sympathy goes out to his parents in their sad loss. (Soham Grammarian, Spring 1947)

Riley, Mr Thomas Luke Slug French, 1929-67

Ritson, Vaughan (1963 entry), ca 1993: via Dudley Walton

Rouse, Colin (1946), d 17 May 2006: via Mike Rouse

Royston, John FW (1947) - d 2 April 2004: via Chris Bent

Ruczaj, Martin (1959 entry) - d Dec 1990 - originally via his cousin JP Admaski: Martin's widow Sarah, ex-EHS, adds: Martin passed away in December 1990 just days before his 43rd birthday. A short life - but lived to the full! He was blessed with a cheerful personality and sharp business accumen which led to a successful career in the motor components trade. He started his own business in Cambridge in which he continued to be involved right up until his death. His zest for life, sense of fun and ability to ignore his terminal illness was inspiring and uplifting for those around him. He left a big space in the lives of those who will always love him. Martin's father escaped Poland after the German invasion - he literally swam for his life. At some point he joined the Polish division of the 8th Army - saw action in North Africa - then settled in England after the war. I don't know if he knew Mr Adamski before, but they became brothers in law when they married two sisters from Soham.

Rush, Colin J (1949 entry) - d April 1999 in Solihull: he was Senior Assistant Registrar at Hull University 1967-82. From 1984 until he retired in 1998 he was Regional Director (West Midlands) for the Royal Institute of British Architects: via Grahame Stevens and David Hobbs, who writes: Colin and I were in the same year at SGS. I was best man at his wedding. My wife and I keep in touch with his widow, June. Leon Kitchen wrote to her when Colin died and he sends a card to her each Christmas.

 

Salmon, Albert Thomas (about 1927 entry) d Jan 1965: Tom, of Haddenham, died aged 49 originally worked for Dent's in London. In the war years he worked in an aircraft factory. He then decided to make teaching his career and trained at Cheltenham. He taught for a year at the Hereward School, March, and then at Cromwell School Chatteris until his death. He specialised in preparing pupils for the Horticultural Preceptors examinations and appeared with some of his pupils in a programme on Anglia TV on this subject. He also taught mathematics to an adult evening class. He took a keen interest in sport and had played in goal for Haddenham Rovers. Every season he played for the local cricket team, holding several offices. He was on the SGS PTA and secretary of the Baptist Church Sunday School. (extracts from his obituary, Ely Standard, 21 Jan 1965).

Saunders, Mr SR Sid 1947-66 - published obituary or funeral details sought: it is believed that he died in 1992

Seal, Les (1932 entry?) d Nov 2009: Les made contact via his son Paul in 2005. Les worked on the Railway for most of his career and finally in the Magistrates Courts at Great Yarmouth. The Seals left Soham in 1954. His father-in-law, Harry Oliver, was the Soham station master at the time of the explosion and the Paul believes his mother is the last survivor of those who were directly involved.

Searle, Michael Cynth (1959 entry) died after a long illness on 7 Dec 2007, funeral 20 Dec Cambridge Crematorium: in due course a memorial page will be provided: via Paul Dunham and Geoff Griggs and confirmed by Colin Searle 62.

Sharpe, Bob: via Brian Knott

Simpson, Richard (1966 entry). Richard lived on Anglesey with his wife, son and two daughters. He had been a reporter on a motorcycle magazine, on various newspapers and had run his own business as well as project managing large projects for blue chip companies. He died of a heart attack on October 10th 2008, aged 53: via his cousin Peter Hobbs

Slack, William Alfred - (1881 entry) from the Summer 1966 Soham Grammarian
Aged 92 years, of Soham, Mr Slack was one of the first pupils to attend Soham Grammar School.

Smith, Anthony CM (1957 entry) d 1963: from the Spring 1964 Soham Grammarian

Smith, Colin (1941 entry): d May 2007: he left in 1946 after School Certificate and had a career in banking starting with the TSB, moving to Lincolnshire. Latterly he lived in Spalding: via John Leaney

Smith, Richard J (1951 entry), d 15 Oct 2002: via his brother Charles Smith

Smith, Joe (started 1940): via Donald Monk

Sneesby, Norman (1936 entry), died whilst on a cruise 23 March 2007: via Wilkes Walton

Southgate, Chris (1955 entry) died at his home in Bury St Edmunds on April 13th 2009. At school Chris was a keen cross country runner and chess player. He became a partner in an accountancy practice, and enjoyed bowls (where he reached National finals), bird-watching, Scouting and angling. His life-long sense of fun will be missed, and this was reflected in the huge turnout at his funeral (people were standing outside): via Barry Lowe

Spinks, Alfred CBE FRS PhD (1932 entry) Director of Research and Development ICI "whose intellect bordered on the intimidating" d1982

Staines, Barry W (started 1951): d2003: via Neil Holmes & Chris Bent

Stanley, Edward A (1949 entry): d2011: via Brian Thorby

Stevens, Grahame (1949 entry): Grahame Stevens 49 died on 12th Feb 2010 in his 72nd year. He had worked for a steel company in Sheffield - Davy United, Hull City Council and then Leeds Permanent Building Society, which was taken over by the Halifax. Grahame leaves a widow, Jean and a son and daughter. They retired to Settle in Yorkshire: via Donald Monk.

Stimpson, Leslie R (1936 entry): d2003: via Chris Bent: Wilkes Walton adds - he is on the 1937 photo so he must have been in my entry year (36) though I can't place him: he is also in the Hereward House athletes photo.

Summerscales, Harry (1940): d 20 Jan 10, funeral 3 Feb, St Andrew's, Soham, 3.15pm: via Fred Eden & Reg Brown

Symmons, Jack (History 44-48) d2009; via Mrs Nancy Symmons

 

Tabraham MCollH, FRSA, Mr Edmund H Woodwork, Metalwork, Technical Drawing 1948-72: Deputy Head 1967: d2008, via his daughter Jenny

Tatham, Ian P Spud (1959 entry): died in May 2006 after a long illness. He had worked in the NHS: via his daughter Gemma

Taylor OBE Hon DEng FRAeS FRHistS AFIAA, Dr John WR (early 1930s) d 1999: via Mrs Doris Taylor

Taylor, Mr Ronald Arthur (RAT/Peter) History, Geography, Games: 1946, 1948-72: Head of Lower School 1967-72

Thomas, Mr RL Taffy Geography, 1928-61 - published obituary or funeral details sought

Touch DFC, Donald (late 1920s entry?): We very much regret to hear that Flight Lieutenant Donald Touch DFC was fatally injured in an air crash at Moorgreen on March 13th. He began flying as an amateur before the war and has had a very distinguished career in the RAF. (Soham Grammarian, Summer 1948) - see also post WWII

Thulborn, Geoffrey (1961 entry), "in car accident 20th June 1976". His grave in Haddenham carries the inscription "he lived and laughed and found it good": via Dudley Walton

Titmarsh, Cyril Joe (1941 entry) Cyril died in December 2007. He served for many years in the Army: via his son Jeffrey

Tully, Brian (1952 entry): died 1997: via his son Martin

Tunnell, Nigel (1967 entry) died Dec 2 2010 after a long illness: Neil Munro writes "My dear friend Nigel leaves behind his wife Sarah and two daughters. Nigel and I were in the same class throughout Infant and Junior School. We arrived at Soham in September 1967 and although we were then split between A (me) and Alpha (Nigel) we remained great friends throughout our time at Grammar School, Sixth Form at Ely and throughout our adult life."

Tweed, Peter L (1950 entry): d 22 Mar 2010 in Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, after a series of strokes: via Charles Smith

 

Unwin, Douglas J (obituary from the Ely Standard on the Ely FC website) d1999: as Douglas John Onion 1924-25 entry

Unwin, HJ (Jack): entry year ?: died 2002: via his daughter Maureen

 

Vince, AJ "Bill" (1932 entry): via Brian Lane, died age 83 on 2 Jan 2004 in Ely

 

Waller, Rex Latin 1949-60: d 23 Nov 2008; via Richard Waller

Walker, Andrew (1961 entry): d October 2010: via his brother Richard

Washtell, Johnathan AF Ginger (1959 entry) - from the Summer 1968 Soham Grammarian
Found in the River Cam at Cambridge, August 22nd 1967

Watts, Geoffrey D (Biology 1955-61) d Feb 27 2005, via Peter Askem

Watts, Richard F (1939 entry) - a Secretary of the OBs, d 2 Sep 2002: via Wilkes Walton

Webb, FK AM Brit IRE Science & Maths 1948-56: via his son Peter: Ken Webb died in 1991 aged 77.

Webb, Norman (1940 entry) - d 2002: he was born in Stretham and attended SGS during the mid 40s. After leaving SGS he was conscripted into the Navy. On leaving that he joined the Civil Service in London, living at Dartford in Kent: via Richard Crofts.

Wells, George (1938 entry) - d July 2011 aged 82: an Isleham boy. An article in the Press Gazette (see link below) describes him "For generations of readers in Fenland, George Wells, who has died suddenly at his Wisbech home aged 82, was the face of Archant Norfolk’s Eastern Daily Press. When he retired after 28 years as district reporter in May 1991, Fenland District Council made a rare, if not unique award of an individual civic shield to an exemplary journalist of class and quality.": via Google and Ivan Whymer.
http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=47528&c=1

Wells, Gerald Arthur Tinker (1944 entry): died June 2004 aged 71, Soham: He was the father of Kevin and grandfather of Holly Wells: via David Reader

Willett, George (1957 entry): an All England shot-putter: died about 1985 of a massive heart attack: via Terry Day

Wright, Edward Gordon (?1936 entry) d 11 May 2008 aged 83: via his son David

Wright, Ralph (entry tba): killed in an aeroplane crash on Sunday February 5th 1939: prominent member of the OB Dramatic Society: Soham Grammarian Spring 1939

 

Yarrow, Tony (1947 entry): died 27 Dec 2003: via Chris Bent

Younge, Peter James (1954 entry): died peacefully at Addenbrooke's Hospital, following a long illness, on Saturday, February 12th, 2011, aged 67. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, he will be dearly missed by Marian, Sophie, Emily, John, Will, Damion, David and Sebastian. Funeral service at Cambridge City Crematorium, February 23rd, 2011: via Trevor Lee

The Editor would appreciate further contributions for this page on the following:
Mrs AL Smith
.. and any others - staff and boys - for which you have material.

page last updated 30 Jan 12