Rhubarb 2020

ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

STONE (NÉE COWELL), REBECCA (1988-2019) On 15th November 2019, Rebecca Stone (née Cowell) (D 2001-2006). The below tribute was provided by her great friend Libby Papakyriacou (née Northcote- Green) (K, 2001-2006). Rebecca died peacefully in her sleep after a long journey with cancer – tackled bravely and with characteristic gusto – as those who knew her can imagine. Becci leaves behind her devoted husband Chris, loving family and friends. At School, Becci was known for her ambition, loyal friendship, hard work and sense of fun. She threw herself into all areas of life with great success. She was a talented linguist, studying French and German before going to Cambridge to study Mandarin. She was a fierce competitor in the Debating Society, becoming President in Upper Sixth. A keen musician, Becci enjoyed performances with the Chapel and Chamber Choirs, and in school productions of Les Misérables and The Little Shop

do: living without regrets. And so, not that I’m some sort of deity or prophet, but for what it’s worth: Go for that swim. Say yes to one more drink. Apply for that job. Book that holiday. You won’t regret it. I love you all and wish so much I could be sticking around for longer.” WRIGHT, CHARLES (1995 -2020) On 7th April 2020, Charles Jonathan Peter Wright (G, 2009-2014). Aged 24, Charles died in his sleep at his family home in London in the early hours of the morning of April 7th 2020. The cause of his death has been confirmed as SADS (Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome). Charles was many things to many people. A beloved son and brother, the youngest of four siblings, he flooded our family with joy. At an early age it was evident that he would go on to become a devoted friend, powerful thinker and, in a way that we remain challenged by, unafraid to swim against the tide. 2003-2009 Dulwich Prep Schoo l : Charles’ teachers remarked on his promise and passion as a student. Be it music, languages, history, chess or sport, Charles applied himself with vigour. His prep school drum teacher, Mr Simmonds, perhaps best described his approach to learning: “He would march into the room, head straight for the drums and just go for it”, an attitude he carried forward in life. Charles returned to the Prep to teach during his Gap year. Drawn in by his magnetism, the children adored him. According to the teachers his contribution was ‘magnificent’. Young or old, Charles had time for everyone and without doubt, this investment in people enriched his own life as well as theirs.

Bibendum have noted her as a “rising star” in the industry and recently dedicated its prize at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) diploma to her, Becci married Chris at a beautiful ceremony in Somerset in July 2017, followed by a suitably raucous party. They had a wonderful honeymoon, travelling on the West Coast of America visiting Lake Tahoe and the vineyards in Sonoma. While, at this point, we had all hoped she had seen the end of the cancer, unfortunately it returned a final time in 2018. Becci quickly set to work making a treasure trove of memories for us all to remember her by – holidays abroad and in the UK, swimming in the sunshine on Hampstead Heath and gatherings at the pub and at home. As ever, she put friends and family first, wanting to continue to be the supportive and fun friend she always prided herself to be. She left us with a final note which has brought some comfort: “When I was growing up, Grandmama had two lovely Schnauzer dogs called Spike and Tike. They were complete opposites – Spike would forever be exploring and running around, while Tike was mellow and took his time about things. Spike sadly died far too early and when it happened I said to Grandmama; perhaps he always knew he would die young, and that’s why he packed so much in. Tike lived until a ripe old age and it was clear that he had clung on as long as he possibly could. In some ways, I suppose I’ve always been more of a Spike than a Tike. Of course, there is so much that is good and enviable about Tike being the loving companion my grandmother deserved for so long; I wish I could’ve been that for Chris. But in Spike I see something I’ve always sought to

of Horrors . Becci also played netball, going on tour to Barbados in the Fourth Form. When Becci became Head of School, she kept her trademark loyalty, never letting on who painted the cricket pavilion pink ahead of a match against Abingdon…and an open day. After Teddies, she went to Cambridge where she thrived at Trinity College studying Mandarin, including a year in Beijing. She went on to study Law, and in December 2010 she met her future husband Chris. Shortly after, however, in 2011 she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and so began her long treatment against an aggressive illness that came back again and again. As much as possible, she continued to live life how she wanted to – with loved ones her priority and a sense of ‘you only live once’. So, she decided to move from the law into the wine industry to follow her passion for fine wines and travel. At Bibendum she rose quickly through the ranks and became a respected, and decorated, member of the wine trade.

O B I T U A R I E S

Becci Stone (n é e Cowell)

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