Deaths / Obituaries

We have with great sorrow to announce the death of Geoff Lees, who died on Friday 17th August after a prolonged illness stoically borne.

"On behalf of the wider O’Connell family, especially Shirley and Doreen I would like to wish you all a very warm welcome and thank you for attending today, to celebrate the life of Sergeant Major Chris O’Connell BEM. This large gathering clearly reflects the love and status with which Chris was undoubtedly held.

Michael Ernest Woodsmith, May 19, 1941-November 20, 2011, beloved husband of Audrey Woodsmith, died of pulmonary fibrosis.

We are very sad to report the death of John Brian Eborn (S. 1945-50) on 9th October 2011 at the Princess Alice Hospice in Esher aged 78 years old.

Tony Eeles (L. 1934-39) enjoyed a reputation amongst those who served with him in battle as a brave and selfless leader. He was an enormously talented forward observation officer who used his skills to great effect in both the Second World War and the Korean War. Recommended for the MC on three occasions, he was an irrepressible young officer with a thirst for combat and a remarkably considerate manner towards his subordinates.

Although not a member of the Common Room as such, Chris O’Connell became in his thirty year career at the College a truly legendary figure and, as one previous Headmaster has said, ‘simply the best Housemaster that convention prevented me from appointing’.

The Old Brightonians are sad to report that Peter Gareth Mayle (Ha. 1952-56) - author of many bestsellers including "A Year in Provence" and "Wicked Willie", has died after a brief illness in a hospital near his home in the south of France.