Re: Peter Fergusan Wilcock

A few may remember my good friend Peter Wilcock who attended KBGS for three years 1945-48 before leaving with his family for a life in Canada where he followed a career in medicine. He died at an early age but not before making his mark in the profession he chose to follow. This notice was published in 1976.

'Peter F Wilcock
1935 to 1976

Peter F Wilcock, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, died on 27 October after an illness. Besides being with the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Wilcock was on the active staff of the Charles Camsell Hospital and was the Pediatrician to the Hobbema and Duffield Indian Reserves.
Born in England, Dr. Wilcock received his High School education in Sherbrooke, Quebec. After matriculation, he won the Sir Edward Beatty Scolarship to Bishops University; at that university, he took honors courses in biology and chemistry, graduating in 1955 with a BSc degree. He then entered McGill University in Montreal to study medicine. He graduated in 1959. In 1964 and 1965, Dr Wilcock received his Certificate in Pediatrics from Royal College and Fellowship in Royal College of Physicians of Canada respectively.
Dr Wilcock interned during 1959-60 at Hamilton General Hospital and he became an Assistant Resident at Montreal General Hospital in 1960. Coming to the University of Alberta Hospital in 1961, he served as an Associate and a Senior Resident until 1963. During 1963-64 he was with the SHO Professional Unit [R>S> Illingworth] at Sheffield Children's Hospital: during 1964 -65 he worked in Pathology at the Toronto Sich Children's Hospital. In 1965, Dr Wilcock took up practice in General Pediatrics here in Edmonton and was at the same time a Clinical Instructor in the University's Department of Pediatrics.'

After Peter died, a library at the Charles Camsell Hospital in Edmonton was named after him. At the ceremony which marked the naming of the Library, the following [edited] tribute was made, by E.E. McCoy MD

'Dr Peter Wilcock Associated Professor of Pediatrics died on October 27 1976. Dr Wilcock was born in Sutton-in-Craven, Yorks, England in 1935.... [then follows a resume of his career] Peter became noted as an outstanding teacher and clinician at the Charles Camsell Hospital.

Not long after joing the staff he was found to have chronic renal disease which after a short time forced him to undergo haemo-dialysis. Despite this, he maintained his teaching commitments even though at times he had o drag himself around.
Peter underwnt a successful renal transplant and was able to resume a full teaching and clinical load. The students commented on his excellent training sessions at the C> C Hospital. In 1975 peter suffered the first of a series of coronary occlusions. He recovered and was back teaching when he had a second occlusion. This dampened his plans to take a sabbatical year where he planned to study coomunity pediatrics at the University of Rochester. He died following another coronory occlusion.
In addition to his outstanding teaching ability, Peter was an inspiration to us of a man who was determined to continue the struggle whatever the odds. He was a man of courage whom we deeply miss. He is survived by his wife Perlea and three daughters, Linda, Andrea and Cynthia.'

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re Tony Peart
I remeber Tony well because he used to make great use of 'my' metalwork room. If he ever had cause to keep a pupil in for bad behaviour he used to bring them to the metalwork room, give them a steam whistle from some locomotive and some emery cloth and get them to clean them up. He had boys queuing to be kept in!
At Kirkcudbright he used to disappear every morning and return in time for the evening meal laden with pickings from closed railway stations. I remember sheaves of documents and at least one station clock.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 43-48

Current location (optional) Keighley.

It is with great regret that we record the passing of Derek Mosey, at Morecambe, on Monday 24 November, 2008. He was the brother of Stuart and the late Don Mosey.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Obit for Derek Moseyhere.

I am sorry to tell you all that Jim Hall has passed away at the far too young age of 62...

See this thread.

A former Cowling man, Ken Brown, has died at the age of 64...

I am sorry to have to report that my brother , Peter Nichols,has died in Mexico after a brief illness.We were last together at the reunion in September last year. He loved his time at the school and was a proud Old Keighlian.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 43-46

Current location (optional) Tasmania

Mike, sorry to hear this, my condolences.

Was he based in Mexico? I was wondering why we had hits from Mexico, and was about to write a post to ask.

Chris

Mike, I was so sorry to learn of your brother Peter's recent death in Mexico. I had only met him on two occasions, the 2007 and 2009 Reunions at Utley, and always found him 'good to talk to'. A gentle man and a 'gentleman'! David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Mike, I've just finally caught up with the various threads after getting back from Australia. Gill and I are truly sorry to learn that the shocking news you received the day we came to see you in Sassafras had this awful outcome.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

See this entry.

Mike - I was very sad to read of Peter's death.It was very sudden as alas it often is. I only just saw this since I don't seem to visit this site very often these days

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1940-48

Current location (optional) Epsom

I copy an e-mail I received yesterday from J J Waddington- Feather:
I have some rather sad news to tell you. My brother George died very suddenly with a brain haemorrhage yesterday morning. I'd been speaking to him only two days before and he seemed all right apart from the usual aches and pains. Apparently he started with a headache on Sunday morning which grew worse, until his wife, Meriel, called an ambulance. He lost consciousness shortly afterwards and never recovered and a scan showed widespread bleeding in his brain. He'd have been 75 on Friday.
George led a very full and useful life. Over the years, he and his wife fostered over 200 neglected or abused children and he took an active part in college life when he lectured at Bicton Farm Institute. He also completed an extensive local history of the Bicton family and their estate on which the Institute
stood, and which now resides in the local library archives.
Earlier in life, he'd been a first class rugby player, playing for the army and, like myself, winning a county cap for Sussex in the army when we were both stationed in Sussex in the Intelligence Corps. Unlike myself, he was also a very practical man and built an extension to his first home. He also
became an expert in his field of breeding and rearing tortoises and show birds. Above all he was a very loving husband and father, and a lifelong
friend as a brother.

EASTWOOD, MICHAEL
EASTWOOD Michael John (Slim) On May 10, peacefully at home, aged 71 years. Beloved husband of Shirley, much loved father of Karen, Nigel, Nathan and Tracy, a loving father in law, grandad and brother of Nickolas. The funeral service will be held on Friday May 21 at 1.30pm at The Knowle followed by interment at Tarn Moor Memorial Woodland, Gargrave Road, Skipton. Donations to the British Heart Foundation.

Extract from Keighley News

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1950/1955

Current location (optional) KEIGHLEY

Pennington, David Rigg. May 22nd 2010 at Spring Mount Reside ntial Home, Heaton, Bradford. Aged 72 years.....
Extract from "The Keighley News"

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 55-60

Current location (optional) Harrogate

A former Cowling man, Ken Brown, has died at the age of 64...link

Tony (T.C.L.) Bell died on 31st July 2010.
Tony was my cousin, and a couple of years older than me. He left KBGS in 1964 and trained as a teacher. He taught in Middle Schools before becoming an Advisory Teacher for Secondary Mathematics, spending most of his working life in Leeds. On his retirement he and his wife moved to Ireland, where she was born, and he continued his interest in fishing and playing the guitar.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

Shaun , I am sorry to hear that. Though he was in upper sixth when I was in lower, we has some maths lessons together and I sat by him A fairly large fellow I think. Didnt know he was your cousin

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

I'm afraid there are two more KBGS lads who've gone to that great sport arena in the sky.
Dave Walsh, age 65. Good Morton Cricketer.
Arthur Durham, age 67 International Cyclist.

Dave Walsh, a close mate while at KBGS - a sad farewell Dave.

pick

Current location (optional) Oz

I am saddened to give news of the sudden death of my cousin, Bill Harley, (KBGS 1954-61)at home in Filey. He leaves a widow, Rita.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1952-60

Current location (optional) Lincoln

Re Peter Narey. I note with sadness, the passing of Peter Narey on 17th February in Stratford( Keighley News 24th Feb) I remember Peter as an active cricketer with Ingrow St Johns C.C.in the mid 50's, and at KBGS. He was a batsman who bowled a bit, and a bowler who batted a bit. Keen in the field and always talking. A good man to have in your side. Peter as a young player, can be seen on the 1945 Cricket photograph of Holy Trinity, posted by Mike Nichols, who stands extreme right, with Peter seated, second in from right.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Reported in the Keighley News on the 27th January was the passing of Clive Hewitt. His entry in the KN 'Obits' was pointed out to me by a couple of members of the Keighley Retired Mens' Forum who were classmates of Clive, whose picture appears on the 1948, Form 4x photograph where he stands, on the back row, last but one on the right hand side. A regular KBGS Website contributor, Denis Pickles, appears(unmissable)on the front row, seated.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

I have been informed by Mike Sharpe that Eddie Bracewell (whom I didn't know personally) passed away on 20 April 2011.
His funeral will take place on 4 May at All Saints Church, Corston, Bath, to be followed by cremation at Haycombe, Bath.
Anyone requiring further details, please contact Mr. David Jenkins on 01633 413942.

One of the less pleasant aspects of sending out invitations to the KBGS biennial reunions is learning that particular old boys have died since the last reunion. In this case, I am told by Mrs Cicely Batley that her husband, John Geoffrey Batley, of Ilkley, died on 6th March 2010, and by Mrs Helen Humphreys that her father, Mr BW Anderton (of Earby, Lancashire), passed away just before last Christmas. I have contact details for both these ladies should anyone wish to be in touch with them.

a.d.thompson@hull.ac.uk

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Cottingham, East Yorkshire

Brian , thanks for that info. Eddie Bracewell was the elder brother (by about 3-4 years) of John, whom you will doubtless remember, and they were cousins of Robert and William Bracewell. They lived near the Oakworth Rd end of Kensington St, their father had a blacksmith forge at the Goulbourne St end, he made lots of wrought iron work, including repairing Cliffe Castle Gate. All the Bracewells were members (as was I)of Knowle Park Cricket Club.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Eddie was a fine cricketer. Could have sworn he was six years older than John. Young William could tell us.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

John Waddington Feather has written to me of the death of his life-long friend, Howard Binns (KBGS 1942-49).

Howard left KBGS to read Medicine at Leeds University, later to go to Radcliffe Hospital , Oxford, on a scholarship where he finished his medical studies. Doing his National Service in the RAF, he was stationed at RAF Abingdon as a medical officer where one Waddington Feather turned in for treatment for a knee injured in a parachute jump. Their friendship , started at KBGS, was rekindled .

They had had a joyful youth, sharing fun at KBGS Camp, Kirkcudbright. Howard and his elder brother ,Philip, were keen cricketers and played frequently for Keighley CC. Howard later married his KGGS sweetheart and went on to set up his medical practice, commuting between Harley Street and Chicago where he had a high reputation in plastic surgery. His brother Philip, who also lived in the USA, predeceased him.

On his retirement, he took up residence at Princes Risborough, where he was visited by John and his wife. He had been active mowing his lawn the day before he died in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

Proud of his roots, he frequently chatted with John on the phone about the start they had in life in Keighley.

He leaves a widow, Ruth, a son and two daughters, and grandchildren, two of whom are studying medicine.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1952-60

Current location (optional) Lincoln

I wonder if you could point out Howard on the 46 Photo of the school . It may jog my memory . His name is familiar to me .

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 43-46

Current location (optional) Tasmania

Mike
As you have had no reply I have searched the 1946 panorama. I identified Philip Binns, Howard's elder brother on page 1 - seated eighth from the left. Then I looked for a slightly younger version and I think I may have located Howard on page 6 - back row eighth from right. I would be interested to have confirmation from someone who was in the same year at school.
My wife (Valerie Taylor) was friendly with both Howard and Ruth and we visited them once at their place near Princes Risborough many years ago. When Valerie died in 2007 I tried to get in contact but failed. However two years ago, with the help of their local parish clerk, I discovered that they still lived at the same place so I was able to have a chat with him on the phone.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1937-1944

Current location (optional) Huntingdon

Thanks for that David, I do remember them both .Good to hear from a pre war entrant . Not many add comments now .Mike

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 43-46

Current location (optional) Tasmania

It is with very great sadness that I have learned that Tony Simpson, of Cleckheaton (formerly Queensbury), died this morning. He suffered a massive stroke last weekend and never recovered consciousness. He and I were in the same form throughout our time at KBGS and, after a gap of more than forty years got back in touch again several years ago. He was at the last three KBGS Reunions and had intended being with us on 2nd September. He leaves a wife, Doreen, and two daughters.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Cottingham, East Yorkshire

I have just heard that Bryan Waterhouse passed away on Saturday morning after a sharp deterioration in his health.
He was the Chief Metallurgist when I went to work as a trainee metallurgist at Anderton Springs in Bingley in 1963. He was the best boss I ever had and set the benchmark for those that followed - none came close!

There is a half-page obituary to AJ Simpson in The Yorkshire Post (9.7.11).
Anthony appears in the cricket photos " Cricket 2nd XI - 1958" - back left.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1952-60

Current location (optional) Lincoln

I have received an email today (Tuesday July 26th) from 1950's Grammar School colleague Barrie C Smith (ex Queensbury). A sad note that his brother, David H Smith, passed away yesterday Monday 25th.
David was living in Sutton.
I'll post further details on receipt from Barrie

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1950-1955

Current location (optional) KEIGHLEY

Notice to friends, relatives and ex KBGS colleagues
David's funeral is on Friday August 5th at 11.30.
It will be held at Nab Wood Crematorium.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1950-1955

Current location (optional) KEIGHLEY

SMITH David Henry July 26, suddenly, at Leeds General Infirmary, David, aged 75 years. Husband of Cynthia, loving father to Alison and Robert, devoted grandpa to Georgia and Milly, much loved by the family and those who were close to him. Funeral service and cremation to be held at Nab Wood Crematorium, Shipley, on Friday, August 5, at 11.30a.m. Family flowers only, however, donations in memory of David would be appreciated to the Neo Natal Unit, at Leeds General Infirmary, a plate will be provided at the chapel for this purpose.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1950-1955

Current location (optional) KEIGHLEY

See this thread

Sadly, I have to announce also the death of Mr W Nicholson, which occurred on 3 November 2010. Some of you may well have known about this already, having seen it in the local press. I found out about it in response to an invitation to the forthcoming Reunion.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Cottingham, East Yorkshire

It is with very great sadness that I have just learned of the death, this morning, Sunday 20 November, of my old school contemporary, Norman Weatherhead, at his home in the west Midlands. A great cricketer, a talented rugby player and goal-kicker, and a larger-than-life personality. He had been suffering from a heart condition for several years. He would have been at the last KBGS Reunion, had not a misunderstanding led to his non-attendance. I'm afraid I have no further details, as yet.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Padiham, Lancashire

Sorry to hear that sad news. He used to live just three doors down from us in Third Avenue.

How old was Norman?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959 - 66

Current location (optional) Embsay

Dave, I think Norm would be 71. It was Anne Carlisle who told me... you very likely knew her as well.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Padiham, Lancashire

Would that have been Anne Marron who used to live next door to Norman in Third Avenue Doug?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959 - 66

Current location (optional) Embsay

No, she was Carlisle (now Sunderland). She and Norman were in the same Infants and Junior class at (I think) Ingrow School. She went to KGGS at the same time Norm went to our place. She lived, I'm almost certain, in Broomfield Road - so that might have been some distance from where you and NW lived.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Betwixt and between

Lovely to read your kind words. Dad was with me and mum when he died. He talked of his days at KBGS. He is so very missed by us all. A super dad, grandpa and friend to so many. A man I am so proud to call my dad. Thanks.

Current location (optional) Solihull

Harry Frederick Feather (1923-2011)

Herry passed away peacefully last week in Colchester Hospital His funeral is on the 4th January.

My brother Harry and my sister Irene were born at the beginning of the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s. It affected every family and became so acute in ours that Harry had to leave the sixth-form of Keighley Boys’ Grammar School at the age of sixteen to begin work in a garage. Our father, Ira Feather, was a well-known Keighley auctioneer, and married my mother, Belle, a Silsden lady, but she, too, had to return to work as weaver in the mill across the road from our house, the Lawkholme Weaving Company, where she continued weaving till she was sixty to send her four children, to university and college. She herself had left school at twelve to work in a mill.
Because Harry had done well in the sciences in his School Certificate, when war broke out he was drafted into the laboratories at the munitions research establishment at Steeton in a reserved occupation. But when he was eighteen in 1941, he petitioned the Keighley M.P., Ivor Thomas, to enlist in the forces. Thomas told him he was the only person who’d petitioned him to get into the armed forces. Others in his constituency had petitioned him trying to get out!
Harry went first into the army in the Royal Signals and trained as a wireless operator and telegraphist. Then when the Royal Navy suffered severe losses he was transferred into the Navy as a crew member of H.M.S “Lamont”, which was on escort duty with the Atlantic merchant navy convoys bringing vital supplies from America and Canada to Britain and being attacked all the way by Nazi submarines.
It was on escort duty that his ship had an experience later recorded in the film, “The Cruel Sea”. In mid-Atlantic the engines failed on the ‘Lamont’ which drifted helplessly alone for three days while the rest of the convoy sailed on. All around were U-boats waiting to strike, and Harry never knew why they didn’t sink his ship. He guessed it was because they were saving their torpedoes for merchant vessels laden with supplies.
Eventually, the ship’s engineers got an engine working and they limped into New York harbour. And it was from here we received jolly post-cards from Harry depicting the Stage-Door Canteen which hosted servicemen on leave. Throughout the war we also received letters with bits cut out by the censor.
Later, his ship was attached to the American Far Eastern Fleet and the ‘Lamont’ had to take on board a full complement of landing-craft ready for the Far Eastern landings against the Japanese, who had occupied many islands. As the ‘Lamont’ was sailing down the east coast of America, a tornado suddenly blew up and the ship had to race for the Mississippi estuary for shelter else it would have capsized so laden was it. Harry, as signalman, was the first to see the tornado approaching from the crow’s nest at the top of the mainmast.
Harry’s ship sailed to Sydney in Australia, where with the rest of his crew he was hosted by generous Australians as he went ashore. To his utter surprise, he discovered he was hosted by a long-lost cousin of his father, whose family had emigrated from Keighley to Sydney in the late nineteenth century.
When the ‘Lamont’ had completed its tour of duty with the American fleet it returned to Britain, where Harry left it to join a Motor Torpedo Boat which was to take part as escort in the invasion of France on D-Day. Several of the MTBs in his flotilla were sunk when they hit a minefield. The war ended in 1945 and he was drafted to Sierra Leone for some months helping to dismantle a large wartime radio station in Freemantle.
Harry was demobbed in 1946 and applied successfully for an ex-serviceman’s grant to study for an agricultural degree at Leeds University – a hard slog considering he’d left school at sixteen with only his School Certificate. He then spent a year on farm in East Yorkshire then began his degree course travelling in daily to the university, spending the weekend at home socialising in Keighley, where he played rugby for the Keighlians 1st XV, till he graduated in 1950, the year he married Christine Horsfall from Silsden. He became also one of the first three brothers to graduate at Leeds University.
He spent the first years of his farming career managing farms until he was appointed lecturer at Walford Farm Institute in Shropshire. He left there to become head of the agricultural department at Colchester Technical College in 1956, where he spent the rest of his career. In Essex he became well known in rural life as Master of the Garrison Beagles at Colchester and president of the East Anglian Pigeon Racing Federation. He also very successfully bred show canaries right up to the time of his death.
Harry was very much a family man and had two sons, David and Michael, and a daughter, Judith, and several grandchildren. He was very happily married to Christine for sixty one years.

John Waddington-Feather.

Current location (optional) Singapore

Sadly I have to revisit this thread to post another notice.
Allan Jones has just informed me of the death yesterday of Brian Exley in Portchester near Portsmouth. His funeral is to be held on 12th March at 10.30 a.m. at Portchester Crematorium, I understand. He had been suffering from prostate cancer for a number of years.
Brian was one of the KBGS entrants in the "bulge" year of 1958.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

Sorry to hear that, I was in the same from as him for a couple of years. Tallish lad who played rugby in the second row.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Brian and I got in touch with each other again, via David Haig, about four years ago and we saw each other both here in Edinburgh and at his home in Portsmouth on a number of occasions. Despite having suffered from prostate cancer for many years, he remained relatively well until about a year ago. According to his wife, Helen, he suffered a brain haemorrhage at New Year and never fully recovered. He was well cared for in hospice for the last two weeks of his life. I have many fond memories of
Brian at school and later at Sheffield University. He played number 8 for the school first XV in 1964/65. His career was in teaching, and he spend many years abroad teaching English, before returning to the UK and settling first in Bournemouth, then in Portsmouth.

I have many happy memories of time spent with Brian. Boozy nights in the Bradford Arms now demolished, hitch-hiking to The Lakes and once camping in the snow in February in Langdale. The summer after we left school David Pamment, David Wright, Brian and me sailed round the canals of the Midlands and the following summer Brian and me hitch-hiked around Europe going from Sweden to Austria and all places between the two. We regularly corresponded through the years Brian worked in Libya and later in Saudi and through the 15 years he suffered progressively more serious effects of prostate cancer. Brian suffered a great deal over the years but showed great determination to make the best of things and not give in. Who will control Monty, Brian's mega-size Airedale terrier, now?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1961-1965

Current location (optional) Church Stretton

Sad news about Brian.Last time I saw him was at Sheffield Uni.We said hello on the corridor leading from the library to the arts tower, if I remember right, and never saw him again.The different paths we all take.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58=66

My earliest recollection of Brian relates to my mother washing his rugby jersey after each weekly "games" session.
Back in the late 50s - before the advent of those "reversible" green/white tops - some of us were required, regularly, to swop with members of the other form involved. (Presumably, Gilbert's attempt to balance team strengths).
Brian and I, being of similar stature at that time, were one such pair. I remember my Mum commenting (with a degree of acerbity!) on how enthusiastically Brian must have participated, for my green top to acquire so much mud every week.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958 - 65

Current location (optional) Dudley, West Midlands

Sadly I have to report the death, on 7 June, of my old friend Bill Ash (1951-56), after a short illness. Originally from Long Lee he spent his working life in the electriciy-generating industry, and retired eventually to Melksham in Wiltshire. He leaves a wife, Beryl, and four sons (and several grandchildren) by his first marriage to Pauline Rothwell (also Long Lee).

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) East Yorkshire

I was saddened to read of Billy Ash's recent death. Although he was of a different school generation (Billy would have been leaving KBGS at about the time I was starting at Long Lee Primary) I remember how pleased we were as ten or eleven year old local lads whenever Billy turned up to help his father run the Methodist Youth Club. With us, Billy was friendly, amusing, tolerant - great fun and a nice guy.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1962-69

Current location (optional) Nottingham

Yes, Dave, that was Billy all right. I didn't see him for 44 years but an old mutual friend put us back in touch again. I managed to see him just once, in 2007, and just for an hour or so, but he hadn't changed, neither in character nor in looks. We corresponded a lot over the next few years but then, out of the blue he told me he had about a year to live, very matter-of-factly. It turned out to be half that time, as it happened.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) East Yorkshire

I noted in The Keighley News (Aug 9th-P20) an article reporting the recent death of Bernard Johnson in California. The article commented on his attendance at KBGS and his engineering apprenticeship at Prince,Smiths; followed by his marriage and his emigration to Canada. Following his divorce and re-marriage he moved to California. Sadly, he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008 and died recently at the age of 71. I was not at School the same time as Bernard but I remembered his name from this Forum's well-used thread "Yorkshire Words and Sayings" which he originally posted.

FEARNSIDE Ian On September 23 2012 peacefully at home, Ian aged 80 years

More here

Sad to report that Geoffrey Rundle passed away on Sunday, 14th October, peacefully, at home.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Suddenley at his Wibsey home on Friday 9th November 2012

Michael Heaton
(KBGS 1950 - 1955)

R.I.P.

I believe another of our year John Haygarth also passed away some time ago.MIght be somewhere on this site

"Yes, John Haygarth died two or three years back. Didn't know about John Bailey though. Is that info on here somewhere?" Allan Jones

Yes I am sorry to hear about John. He and I went off to Nottingham Uni 1965-68, though we were in different 'Halls' and courses so we lost contact after a year or so.

I exchanged a few emails with John Haygarth some years ago, and had learned of his death from this site. Didn't know about "Baz" Bailey though. John Clapham is another from our year whose death was reported a while back.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958 - 65

Current location (optional) Dudley, West Midlands

So sorry to hear of John Bailey, we went through primary school together, along with John Clapham.

Since I brought the news to the forum that John Bailey has died I’ve been asked to post the news on Family Notices.
I knew John mainly through my association with Cowling and then KBGS. He was the son of the village butcher, George. We both used to play for the Cowling football team on Saturday afternoons and then spend Saturday evenings at The Imperial ballroom Nelson. His Mum used to provide a warm bed and a full English breakfast the following morning.
John was an excellent linguist, mastering Latin, French and German. After gaining his degree at Nottingham University he went in to teaching languages. He told me he used to use Jim Hall’s as his main text book.
The last school he taught at was Walton High, Nelson (The old Nelson Grammar) whose headmaster was Mr. Williams- the ex KBGS English teacher (who died in 2010/11?).
After a short illness John died of bowel cancer in March 2008. He left a widow Carole and three grown children, Mathew, Mark and Stephanie. As a keen field sportsman he requested his ashes spread over The Forest of Bowland.
Perhaps others can add to this tribute to a very generous friend.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-1965

Current location (optional) Brighouse West Yorkshire

Aged about 14, a group of us from the Highfield area of Keighley would often walk over to Cowling Pinnacle (am I remembering the name right)? On one such excursion on a sunny day in the summer holidays we encountered John plus air rifle, practising his shooting skills. He let me have a shot and I pointed the gun at a starling that had settled on a rock. It was first time lucky for me and unlucky for the poor bird. I decided that the starling was going home to feed his/her kids and I felt terrible! So, whilst I've never held a gun of any type since, I know that for John, shooting became a lifelong passion, and he was well placed in his Pennine location to pursue field sports expertly. It was he who once suggested going grouse beating in August. A quid a day -riches beyond anyone's dreams: a whole half LP. So off we went, and whilst he strode out over the moors, expertly beating his flag, yours truly attempted every short cut in the book to make the activity expend least physical exercise. So, whilst he would carefully skirt any moorland obstacle (like a bog), Jonah would favour trying the shortcut and jumping across it. But, then, Jonah being of the heavy variety, didn't quite make it, and landed up to his armpits in bog. I seem to remember John didn't manage to keep a straight face. I too had visits to the flat above the butcher's shop in Cowling. John had an older brother, I seem to remember. Anyway, in the sixth form he and I along, along with Jim Hall and others, opted for the Latin/French/German curriculum. So we were a close knit group and it's so sad for me to think that both Jim and John are no longer with us. I was, through this site, able to have a brief email exchange with John. On reflection, it must have been around the time he became ill. We arranged to meet up at Colne Blues Festival that year, but unfortunately the meeting never happened. I'd really looked forward to catching up with him properly. Anyway - good memories and many more that I will reflect on tonight. Bill, thanks for letting us know.

Yes as I said earlier John Bailey and I were just two who went to Nottm Uni in 1965. There as also a girl from KGGS, her name was Jean (possibly Greenhalgh). John was in Lenton Hall, right opposite mine, Lincoln Hall. But he was Arts, I was science, so we soon developed our own circles of friends in depts and Halls, so I saw him infrequently after the first couple of terms. Jim wrote several French text books under the name C. James Hall. They were still being used on the Wirral when we moved here in 1988, whether they still are I dont know. Must have been better than Milton and Fox (Clarendon French Course)

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

I thought the Clarendon French Course was very good for 1939-45.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1952-60

Current location (optional) Lincoln

So did Harry Blinks, with some pride 20 years later!
I recall him telling our class that any invitation by Oxford University Press to attach the name "Clarendon" carried enormous kudos. (Wasn't "Clarendon" the name of a particular type face they used, or something along those lines?)

I can't really pass judgement on the course myself, never having had anything with which to compare it. I remember the books well, though, and they seemed to do the job, at least in the more esoteric atmosphere of those days. KGS dumped them rather quickly and unceremoniously on Harry's retirement.

Apologies for continuing discussion of this in the wrong "thread"

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Dudley, West Midlands

Geoffrey Dewhirst
The following was published in the Keighley News on 13 December 2012
'DEWHIRST Geoffrey On Saturday December 8 2012, suddenly at Leeds General Infirmary, Geoffrey aged 86 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Dorothy and much loved father of Claire.'
The funeral service took place on Monday December 17 at Keighley Shared Church.
Geoffrey was at KBGS from around 1937 and I believe lived in Keighley throughout his life. I knew him at KBGS and later at Temple Street Methodist Church.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1937-1944

Current location (optional) Huntingdon

David W. Dewhirst

Published on 01/10/2012 by University of Cambridge, Institute of Astronomy

David W. Dewhirst (1926-2012) was an astronomer and librarian at the Cambridge Observatories and the Institute of Astronomy from 1950 to retirement in 1993. He was also a Gresham Professor of Astronomy and Chairman of the RAS Library for many years. He died on Sunday 23 September 2012. He remained interested in the IoA Library and the history of astronomy. He was also a benefactor to the Society of the History of Astronomy. He will be very much missed. There was a funeral service for him at Corpus Christi Chapel, Cambridge on Monday 8th October 2012.

David was at KBGS from 1936. He was a cousin of Geoffrey whose death I posted earlier. I believe he had been at Cambridge University since leaving school.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1937-1944

Current location (optional) Huntingdon

Yes I also knew Geoffrey. Partly through connections at Temple St Meths (though I was Lund Park, I had organ lessons at Temple St), but he also was in about 1963-5 the second team wicket keeper for Knowle Park Congs cricket team.
He had huge hands, second only to those of Walter Twigg.
Sorry to hear he has passed away.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Paul Greenwood, who taught music in 1958 passed away tonight 12/02/2013.
I do not know what years he was at KBGS, but I think he left in the summer of 1959.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-1964

Thread

I have to report of the death of Adrian Greenwood-ex K.B.G.S.- a great supporter of the Grammar School and a good friend to all who worked for him.

Thread here

I am sadly registering the passing of my brother Geoffrey Stuart.
He attended KBGS (1955-1960)
Geoffrey passed away in Airedale Hospital on Thursday February 28th

The funeral (Celebration of his Life) will take place at St Barnabas Church, Calton Road, Thwaites Brow on Thursday March 14th at 12.30pm. to be followed by cremation at Oakworth Crematorium

God Bless
RIP

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1950-1955

Current location (optional) KEIGHLEY

My father Mike Dean passed away suddenly on 16th December 2012 of a heart attack. His funeral was on 22nd December in Perth. He leaves a wife and three children Jonathon (39), Andrew (34) and Sarah (29) and a grandson Ollie (1).

We moved to Scotland in March 1990 due to dads work commitments and have lived in a village called Errol ever since. Dad fell in love with the house after seeing the garden and views of the river Tay from the living room window and decided to buy the house before seeing the rest of it! He purchased the house without my mum ever seeing it (luckily she loved the house too when she saw it the day we were moving in!).

Dad worked within the bus industry for 48 years, latterly with Citylink aiming to get to 50 years before eventually retiring.

Dad was happiest when pottering in the garden or winding myself and the dog up and he will be missed greatly.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58 - 64

Current location (optional) Perth Scotland

I note from the Keighley News that Don Newiss passed away on Monday after a long illness. He was 67. I knew him only slightly but I am sure there are others on here who knew him well

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Is this the Don who lived somewhere up near Exley Head, a very good self-taught pianist who appeared on the radio once. Dark-haired, self-effacing fellow. Open to correction but I think that was Don Newiss.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

Yes Shaun it is.
He played keyboards for many years with a band called The Black Sheep.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-1964

Current location (optional) Keighley

NEWISS Donald On January 12 2014 after a long illness, Donald aged 67 years. Dear father of Jake and Johnathan, loving grandad, loved brother of Graham and John. Funeral service and cremation will take place at Oakworth Crematorium on Monday January 20 at 10.45am. No flowers by request but donations would be appreciated to Manorlands. A box will be provided at the service for this purpose or may be sent to David Gallagher Funeral Directors, Airedale House, Skipton Road, Utley, Keighley, BD20 6DT.

Donald was my cousin and brother of Graham (KBGS) and John
GOD BLESS
RIP

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1950-1955

Current location (optional) KEIGHLEY

Died at home on 20th February 2014. From the Lund Park area, David had had a serious stroke 17 years ago which had left him seriously disabled and had badly affected his speech. Pam, his wife cared for him at home throughout those 17 years.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1954 - 1960

Current location (optional) Embsay, Skipton

Very sorry to hear that, I knew Keith well.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

David Pennington (b June 1946) has passed away aged 67. Didnt really know him but Im sure he went to KBGS. Announcement is in Keighley News this week.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Extracted from the Keighley News Feb 27th

RUDDOCK Charles Frederick David (Charlie)
Passed away on February 14, aged 75 years, with his family by his side at the Royal United Hospital, Bath.
A much loved husband of Anne, dear dad of Liz and Sue, special grandad to Jack, Alex, Ben and Harry.
The funeral took place on Monday, February 24, in Bath.



Known to his KBGS schoolboy cricketing team mates, as Charlie "Tonker" Ruddock

R I P

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1950-1955

Current location (optional) KEIGHLEY

Sad to report that Keith Whalley passed away on Thursday, 26th of June, in Airedale General Hospital. Keith regularly attended School reunions along with his wife, Edith and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His funeral will be held on Friday, the 4th of July, at All Saints Church, Highfield Lane , Keighley, at 12.45 pm

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley(still)

Sorry to hear that David. I didn't know Keith well but I did meet up with him on my last two visits home at the Retired Mens Forum. He was keen to hear about an old work mate of his who came down to NZ in the 60s and is married to my cousin.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1947-51

Current location (optional) Auckland, New Zealand

F K Whalley is one of the names I remember well from when I entered KBGS back in 1945. He would have been in the 6th Form then and maybe a Prefect - a high jump specialist. Sorry to hear that he's gone.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

We have received (via Chris, in Singapore) an inquiry from Dr Martin Edwards of Queens College, Oxford, about a former OB, John Moffatt, who died last December.

John left KBGS in 1940 to take up a scholarship at Magdalen College, Oxford, clearly did well academically, and returned to Oxford Queens in 1950, as a junior lecturer in Physics. He remained at the college all his professional life and was elected Provost in 1987, an office he held until his retirement in 1993. Dr Edwards, a self-confessed Lancastrian (from Wigan GS), describes Moffatt as "the most modest Yorkshireman [he] ever met". At School, JM was, apparently, a reasonably good medium-pace bowler, and he never lost his love of cricket.

Dr Edwards has soon to write an obituary for the Queens College Annual Review (having earlier this year 'had the privilege' of giving an address about his former moral tutor, at a major College event) and has asked if we could perhaps provide him with any ammunition about John's schooldays.

So, do any of our older members remember him, did anyone know him personally? Gareth - or maybe Mike Nichols - having recently been concerned with old numbers of 'The Keighlian', have you come across the name? I have to confess that I had never heard of him (though memory could be failing me here). But wasn't there a Moffatt's shop/business in town in my early days - or is that just fantasy on my part? Anyhow, I hope we can come up with something in memory of someone who might well be thought of as a distinguished OB in his field.

Thanks,

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

I always seem to 'post' in the wrong section when it comes to 'Obituaries'.

Sorry to hear that one of my mates from Holycroft Infants, Ingrow Primary and KBGS has died.

His death was published in this week's Keighley News (see 'General Forum)

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959 - 1966

Current location (optional) Shoreham-by-Sea

Brian Hargreaves was a contemporary of mine. We both spent our childhood in Sutton-in-Craven and we both passed the eleven plus and went to Keighley Boys Grammar School. Although I cannot recall seeing him after I left the Keighley area, we did exchange the odd letter and email. We had a common interest in art , for him a profession, for me a hobby! Not having heard anything for a few years I scoured the web and found that he had died in September 2011. Brian was a man with many achievements, a man highly regarded as a result of his work. Perhaps he should be added to the list of Famous Old Boys? News of his death was reported in the newspaper circulating in Rye, Sussex, where he lived.

Rye artist, Brian Hargreaves died aged 76 yrs following a heart attack on 30th September 2011. Brian was the foremost butterfly artist in the country illustrating Collins Guide to Butterflies of Great Britain and Europe published in nine languages. He was commission d by the Royal Entomological Society to paint butterflies in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and his work was presented to the Queen to mark her Siver and Golden Wedding Anniversaries. He has illustrated postage stamps from all over the world.
Brian's work gained him international recognition following radio and television broadcasts.
Born in Sutton-in-Craven in 1935, he attended Keighley Boys Grammar School and trained at Keighley School of Arts and Crafts. He completed his studies at Camberwell School of Art after which he worked on church restoration for a number of years. He worked on several well known churches and cathedrals and on St Paul's Cathedral where he gilded the Cross and Ball atop it's summit. It was whilst working on a display at the Natural History Museum that he received a request for sample illustrations for Collins book on the Butterflies of Britain an Europe which led to a commission to illustrate the entire book. This led to a period of intense focus on drawing and painting butterflies and moths including illustrating the book Butterflies on my Mind by Dulcie Gray, the actress. This publication won the Times Educational Supplement book Award.
Brian's work has been extensively exhibited.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 -1950

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Thank you, Denis. He does deserve being in the list of Famous Old Boys.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1937-1944

Current location (optional) Huntingdon

This message has been passed to me by a facebook friend, Christine Brunskill who apperas to have been Tony Edens niece

It is with sorrow that I have to announce the passing of....
Tony Eden
On the 4th March at Bournmouth Hospital 2015.
He was classics master at K.B.G.S. untill the early 50s. The family moved then to Evesham where they stayed untill retirement then moved to Ferndown in Dorset where their daughter Jennifer lives. They were good friends of my parents. Uncle Tony was 98 yrs old & he & Jean have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. R.I.P. xx

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

One thing about this website, it never ceases to surprise you! Your note, Brian, about Tony Eden - though he was always known at School as 'Joe' - certainly comes out of the blue. Hadn't thought of him in years, but remember him well as Wilbur Bloomfield's predecessor. He was a Kentish man who was fanatical about cricket, when Kent were regularly in the bottom two or three places of the old County Championship. A very pleasant, kindly man, as I remember him, so yes, RIP.

Doug Thompson

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Cottingham, East Yorkshire

I'm sad to report the passing of Derek Lee whose death is listed in this week's Keighley News(19/3/15). Derek attended several Reunions and was also a member of the Keighley Men's Forum where I first met up with him. He was both Secretary and later, Forum President. I remember taking a photograph of Derek seated with Bob Bracken, at the 2009 Reunion. He also asked me to place a couple of photos of him on our website, of the School Gymnastics Team of 1942(photo/browse 'Athletics'). Derek is 2nd left on front row of group photo. His funeral is on Friday,27th March, at Ilkley Rd Methodist Church, Riddlesden, at 1.30 pm

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

As invariably happens when I send out invitations to the September Reunions I hear of the passing of other of our old school-fellows. I recently learnt of the death, in May 2013, of Barry Craven, who was in the same form as me from year two onwards. Barry came from Sutton and was at KBGS from '51 to '59. After leaving School he went on to take a degree in Metallurgy at UMIST and then spent many years working in the steel industry - in Scunthorpe, Warrington and Shotton - before moving to Kent where, eventually, he set up his own company, BMC Services, auditing companies world-wide. His wife was the former Margaret Messenger, from Oakworth, and an OG of KGGS - some of you may have known her. Barry - if memory serves me correctly - appears at the LHS, back row, of the School 2nd XV photo, for 1958-59.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Cottingham, East Yorkshire

It is with great sadness that I record the passing of my brother Arthur, in a Philippino hospital earlier this year. His primary cause of death was given as C.A.P.(Community Acquired Pneumonia). His body has been cremated.
There are few further details at this stage but I will try and add more as and when available. David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Very sorry to hear the news of your brother's death . He was at school during my time there and so I was always keen to read his news on the site ,so beautifully written . R.I.P.Arthur .

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 43-46

Current location (optional) Tasmania

That is very sad news, David, for everyone who subscribes to this website. Most of us may not have known him personally, or at least not well, but his 'Postcards from the Philippines' were always a joy to read, whatever he was commenting on. A great loss for us all. RIP Arthur.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

I am so sorry to have only just seen this, and offer my sympathy to David, Sione, and other family members

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Like Brian, I too have only just read this news, it was always a good read from Arthur, beautifully written and always informative and entertaining!
My sincere sympathy to David, Sione & family.

Current location (optional) Torquay

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Pugh in February of this year. He was the same age as myself and went through Eastwood School and KBGS(B Forms)with me, playing in the same Rugby XVs, U14s and Colts, during the years 1945-50.
He initially missed out on National Service after failing his first medical but after gaining his degree at Manchester University, he re-applied and passed, joining the Army as Chaplain to the Forces and served from 1967 to 1988. His tour of duty took him to Northern Ireland and Germany. He retired with the rank of Brigadier.
During his earlier career in the Army, as a Captain, he reportedly shared digs with a certain Captain Mark Phillips!
I'm grateful to Peter Norton, his cousin, for details of his Army career. David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

I too was saddened to read that Bryan Pugh had died but the news probably gives an explanation to why I never received a reply to an e-mail which I sent to him last December. Like you David, I played rugby with Bryan when we were both members of the Keighlians. I pushed in the second row whilst he hooked!
I'd heard that Bryan had been honoured by being made a freeman of Windlesham after many years of service to the local community and I thought that congratulations were in order. We had a long telephone conversation but I never had a reply to the follow up e-mail. Perhaps he wasn't in the best of health. But I'm glad we spoke.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk.

I met Derek Lee in 1955 when I was in the fourth form and he was well left. I had joined a group of young instrumentalists who were trying to play together as a band. I was recruited in the yard at school by Howard Thompson. Most of them were either pupils or old boys: David Scott; Bill Emmott; Howard; (later replaced by Michael Nicholson); Trevor Hargreaves.

Pretentiously we called ourselves The Hillside Six - later The Hillsiders when we augmented to seven. We were practising with no great degree of discipline in the Ilkley Road Methodist Sunday School. One Saturday afternoon Derek dropped in as he was passing, sat and listened , added a few suggestions and left. He was to come back to subsequent practices which were held on Saturday afternoons with more suggestions and he took over the conduct of the practice by getting us all to play the same piece at the same time in the same tempo. This took some doing.

We made it big in time for a Sunday School concert in the Autumn and took an offer of an engagement (“gig” in modern parlance) for a 50/50 dance in a church hall in the New Year. We had a repertoire of about 10 numbers and 2 or 3 months to enlarge it for the dance. We all worked hard. Derek saw to that and we made it in time to provide a whole evening’s dancing. We were kept busy in the district for the next 5 dance seasons – due in no small part to Derek.
Derek was also a scout leader of the 3rd Riddlesden Troop and for several years a youth leader of the Ilkley Road YPF.

An active member of the church, Derek sang in the choir and put in all these activities with young people in addition to his full-time day job as teacher at St Anne’s School.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1952-1960

Current location (optional) Nirvana