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CHARLIE O’ROURKE (OWA 1975-80) RIP
It is with great sadness that we have to report the recent death of Charlie O’Rourke.
Following a very short illness Charlie passed away on Thursday 8th October aged 58.
Charlie was experiencing a variety of symptoms for a short time and once investigated it was discovered that he had widespread pancreatic cancer that led to a series of strokes. He was hospitalised for only two weeks before a blood clot travelled to his lung and he passed away peacefully.
His wife Belinda, children Sadie, Louis and Josh and many friends will mourn him every day.
“He leaves a very big hole in our lives. We know that he will be missed by many."
An online memorial page (https://charlesorourke.muchloved.com/) has been opened where people can add memories and pictures of Charlie which Belinda and the family would love people from the old boys to do so.
Donald Nuttman RIP
Clive Nuttman contacted us with the sad news of the passing of his father Donald, an 'old' Old Wimbledonian and has kindly sent the following (as well as a couple of photos of the College 1st XV from 1942-1944 which can be seen in our Archive):
Donald was at the school from 1937-44 and became an accountant in his working life.
From the late 40s to the early 60s he played rugby and (occasional) cricket (2nd XI) for the OWs, captaining the 1st XV sometime in the late 50s/early 60s, retiring from playing when the family moved in 1964 to Hythe, Kent where he refereed for a few years.
Among memories from his playing days, he was in the same team as the McPartlin brothers; I believe Joe went on to play for Scotland and he renewed contact with John who lived nearby in Kent, as well as Mike Davies.
As captain, he plucked a very young Peter Ostling from the 3rd XV to play first team rugby, the beginning of a journey as an excellent hooker that led to Blackheath, the Barbarians and the national squad (although I believe he did not actually get capped?).
If anyone knows Clive or his father and wants to get in touch then please email membership@oldwimbledonians.com so we can pass on your details.
Paul Donovan RIP
We received the sad news that Paul Donovan passed away on Tuesday 29th September 2020. He was 88 and died peacefully at home, with his wife and daughter present.
Paul was at the College from 1942 to 1948. He was in the 9th Wimbledon Scouts and played rugby in the First XV, including one visit to Dublin to play Belvedere College. He was also an accomplished sprinter.
After following an Arts and Classics choice, he left in the 6th form and joined Shell, for whom he worked until his retirement.
He then opened a successful art gallery in Cranbrook, Kent.
May he rest in peace.
Kevin Murphy-O'Connor
Kevin, seen here on the far right, with his three brothers, Brendan, Declan and Finbar.
We received the following sad news from Finbar Murphy-O'Connor who was a teacher at Wimbledon College from 1971 - 1977.
My brother Kevin died suddenly on Saturday 11 July 2020, aged 88, after an aorta aneurysm in Hove, Brighton.
Many Old Wimbledonians will remember Kevin as a keen follower of Wimbledon College and the Old Boys being a stalwart of the Old Dowegian, particularly in their sporting ties.
There will be a Requiem Mass in Hove on Monday 27 July 2020 at 11:30 am.
It will take place at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Brighton:
The Church of the Sacred Heart
39 Norton Road
Hove
BN3 3BF
The mass will be live streamed at http://www.sacredhearthove.org.uk/videos.html
There is limited capacity, so please inform his brother Finbar by phone on 01273 706484 or email fmurphyoc@gmail.com if you are planning to attend.
Paul Layet RIP
It is with sadness that we have received the news that Paul Layet passed away on the 20th May aged 72.
Paul went to the College from St. Cecilias primary school and was at the College from 1960 - 1966. He attended the class of 66 reunion lunch last July.
At the College he was an excellent all-round sports man and he captained the Rugby Seconds and the Cricket Firsts. He was a very pleasant and likeable boy at the College and in life. He captained the Old Boys rugby team but suffered an injury that kept him from playing for most of the season.
He had been battling prostate cancer in recent years. His funeral is in June and his wife, Elizabeth plans to hold a memorial service at a later date if possible.
The Times published his obituary on 27 May.
The funeral page can be found here should anyone wish to make a charitable donation in memory of Paul or add a message to the Book of Remembrance.
Times Obituary for Paul Layet
RIP Justin Daurat
We are very saddened and shocked to hear about the passing of Old Boy Justin Daurat, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in April.
Justin attended Wimbledon College between 1991 and 1993 and played over 100 games for the Old Wimbledonians Football Club between 1995 and 2010, also managing the 3rd team for a period.
‘Jae’ was a very popular member of the club whose passion for music was as big as his Love of football. Many locals may recognise him from his regular stints as karaoke compare or talented singer at the Raynes Park Tavern.
Unfortunately we have very few other details. Please however keep those he has left behind in your prayers.
Damian Woodward
Chairman Old Wimbledonians FC
Bryan Snalune
The OWA are sad to announce the passing of Bryan Snalune a few days ago. No further details are known.
Bryan taught at the College for many years ending up as Deputy Headmaster. He became an integral part of the OWCC for much of that time. He was a very canny quickish off-spin bowler who used his height to get loads of bounce. He was a Captain’s dream in tight situations because he was difficult to score off and could keep an end quiet for many overs. He was no mug with the bat either.
Above all he was a delight to have in the team with a wry sense of humour and laughter was never far away wherever he was.
In his career after leaving the College he became Headmaster at Bishop Thomas Grant in Streatham Hill and subsequently went on to higher realms in the educational establishment.
May he rest in peace.
Thanks to all of you for your messages of condolence, these have been passed on to his wife. There will be a private cremation soon and a Memorial Service in due course.
anzuk Teaching Assistant opportunities
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