Rhubarb 2017

ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

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the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, becoming the official contractor for the Farnborough Airshow, making programmes and supplying equipment to international clients. He was responsible for some outstanding film coverage of the Red Arrows display team on their tour of Australia. Tony’s love of sports, and in particular rowing, gave him a life-long love of the River Thames, and he was the proud owner of a Broom 1070 vessel, on which he and his wife Sue spent many happy hours. In the last two years of his life, he very much enjoyed being an assistant lock keeper at Penton Hook. On his diagnosis of terminal kidney cancer, he chose to live his life to the full, with his wife, two sons, Simon and Andrew and his four grandchildren, desiring quality, over quantity. He died peacefully in his own home in Surbiton, nursed by Sue and the local palliative care team. His Memorial Service at Surbiton Hill Methodist Church was attended by in excess of three hundred people, many of whom testified to a wonderfully kind, honest man, whose life reflected his Christian values. Tony often spoke warmly of his time at St Edward’s, and of the excellent grounding it gave him for later life. He encouraged many others, by giving numerous people a chance; indeed this was one of the hallmarks of his life. He handled his final days with love and grace, which was a huge inspiration to us all, not least to his family, of whom he was inordinately proud. WHITTINGTON – On 12th January 2017, Theodore Thomas Woodman Whittington (G, 1937-1941), aged 93. Tom, or Dick, as he was frequently known, attended

Tom married Nancy in 1950 and was successively a farm manager to Sir Harold Graham (OSE), Viscount Hereford (with responsibilities in breeding the famous Hereford cattle) and then the Beecham Group, with farms in Surrey. He then moved to Abingdon, taking a career change by joining the firm of Franklin and Jones, land agents of Oxford. The two partners Graham and Brian Jones were also OSE. He subsequently qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. Among his many clients were landowners affected by the proposed new M40 motorway. Tom had three children and was a devoted father and grandfather. He also looked after Nancy as her health declined, and with her entered Sunrise care home, Sonning, in 2009, where he continued to look after her. She predeceased him, and he remained at the home until his death in 2017, aged 93.

Subsequently Vibert managed a cleaning company in Peterborough, before setting up his own company, Spruce Clean, in Leicester in 1972 and finally retiring in 1990. Vibert enjoyed philately and exchanged stamps with his father wherever they were in the world. In retirement he gave talks to raise money for the reconstruction of a Swordfish in the Fly Navy Heritage Trust collection. In 1951 Vibert married Anne Robinson. After she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2006 he cared for her for three years, before she had to go in to a home, where he visited almost every day. She died in 2014 and he is survived by their two sons and a daughter. WALL – On 31st August 2014, Anthony Denham Wall (E, 1954- 1957). The following obituary has kindly been provided by Anthony’s wife Sue: Anthony was the son of Denham Dick Wall and Jane Wall, MBE. Upon leaving School, Anthony attended drama school for three years. He then honed his skill as an actor by appearing in several repertory theatres. He appeared in the West End productions of Lionel Bart’s Fings ain’t what they used to be and Arsenic & Old Lace with Richard Briars and Dame Sybil Thorndyke. Tony took various parts in many films and television series over the years, including Z- cars , and he became well known to Dr Who fans by playing Napoleon in The Reign of Terror series. On retiring from his stage and screen parts he started up his own production company, and helped to build one of the first news gathering outside broadcasting units. He moved into the Aviation business, travelling extensively and working for some of

St Edward’s School (Segar’s House) from 1937 to 1941. He was the son of Theodore Whittington (E, 1899-1904) and elder brother of Harry (G, 1938-1943), and Richard (G, 1943-1947). He rowed in the 1st VIII in 1940 and 1941. He fortunately survived the war, unlike five of his fellow 1941 crew members, who tragically all lost their lives. Upon leaving school he joined the army (Signals). He landed in France on D-Day, with responsibilities for liaising with the RAF. Tom, now promoted to Captain, subsequently served in Egypt. After the war, he went to Selwyn College, Cambridge, to study agriculture, and was also his college’s Captain of Boats. When at Cambridge he acquired his strong Christian belief, which was such an important influence in his life, and always gave much of his time and energy in actively supporting the work of his local parish.

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