John Barrie RIP

John was an old boy of, and the father of an old boy, who regularly supported association events including the Mass of Remembrance for past pupils, staff and governors of JFS.

He was a passionate cricketer and could often be seen walking through Purley, going to or returning from Lords, with his MCC tie on and many old boys will also know John from the Catenians where he was a very well known face both locally and regionally.

Please keep John in your prayers along with Una, his children Rosemary, Jackie, Patrick and Frances and grandchildren Nicola, Joshua, Bethan and Florence.

John’s name will be added to the book of remembrance which will be read out at the forthcoming mass, may he Rest in Peace.

Michael Edward Nugent, R.I.P.

We are sad to learn that, after a short illness, Michael passed away on 4th August peacefully at his home in New York that he shared with Maureen his wife of 58 years.

Michael was at the school from 1948/9 till 1955. He was successful at all the sports played at the school at that time but excelled at the Pole Vault. He .was Head Boy in his final year. From school, he went up to Jesus College Cambridge where he achieved his Athletics Blue. Among his other athletic achievements, he represented Great Britain in the International Student Games in Paris in 1957.

After graduating, he worked for Shell Mex and BP in London. In 1964, Michael was awarded a Ford Fellowship and a Fulbright Scholarship to study for a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1966.

Michael subsequently pursued a successful business career principally in the US. He was still working until shortly before his death.

Please remember Michael, Maureen and their family in your prayers.

John Albertini R.I.P.

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of John Albertini last week. Our deepest condolences are with John’s wife Peggy and his family. The thoughts and prayers from all members of the JFS Old Boys Association are with them, and we hope this will offer some comfort for them during this incredibly sad and difficult time. John’s legacy with the association is long and rich. He was always a gentleman and a good friend to many members of the Old Boys. Leaving the school in 1948 as a Form 6 School Prefect and receiving the “1st in Form Prize”, John joined the Old Boys and was one of the founders of rugby at the club playing in the inaugural JFS v OBA match in 1961. He was instrumental in the negotiations, purchase, and development of the sports ground in Warlingham and securing a rugby pitch on the ground with rugby posts donated by Fr. Fawssett. As a Solicitor and Senior Partner for Stuart Hunt in Croydon, John always volunteered his professional expertise, and throughout the years he was a rock steady source of legal and sound advice to the association and its members with conveyancing, wills, probates and business sales. Being a former Head Alter Boy [M.C.] at St Columba’s, Selsdon, he was always a welcoming and friendly face at the Remembrance Mass and Feast of John Fisher Mass at the school where he was accompanied by his wife Peggy, son and two daughters. John will be missed dearly. In the current climate, the funeral will most likely be a small family service. However, we will advise everyone of the arrangements if this changes.

Alan Cutbill, R.I.P.

It is with sadness that we have to inform you that Alan Cutbill died on 30th March after a short illness. He was Chairman of the Fisher fete committee and School governor in the 80’s. He leaves his wife Jenny and 3 Children Paul Richard (both John Fisher Old Boys) and Jane. Due to circumstances the Funeral service will be a small family affair.

Aldo Navato, R.I.P.

It was with great sadness that the association learnt of the passing of Aldo Navato last week. Aldo brother to Carlo have been members of the association for many years. Our deepest sympathies go out to Carlo and his family for their loss and hope that the knowledge that the thoughts of all of us at JFSOBA are with Carlo during this difficult time will be of some comfort. If you wish to attend, Aldo’s funeral has been arranged for 1:15pm on Wednesday 21st August at St. Colmans Catholic Church, Havant Road, Cosham.

Jack (John) Youll, R.I.P.

Sad news to hear that John Youll, former pupil of John Fisher School and Old Boy died peacefully on the 21st February following a long illness after his severe stroke last April. John was 80 years of age and was married for 53 years to Gill Youll with 5 children and 13 grandchildren much loved and will be greatly missed. John, affectionately also known as Jack, attended John Fisher School in 1949 to 1954 and following school played for John Fisher Old Boys Cricket and Football sides and also the golfing days and functions regularly to a year or so before his stroke. John was a Rotarian and Croydon Catenian for many years, a keen golfer and member of Purley Downs Golf Club and pillar of society. John was part of a great group of friends all connected to John Fisher school affectionately self named the “wrinkleys” headed up by Mike Farrin who enjoyed partying together over many years, you know who you are!! May he rest in peace