Obituaries & Tributes

Richard Evans 1943-2022

It is with regret we report the death of Old Bordenian Richard Evans in April 2022. Richard attended the School from 1954-62 and had been living in Epsom until his death. 

Peter Highton

It is with sadness we report the death of Peter Highton who attended the School from 1939 to 1947.  The Highton family was linked to the School for three generations from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Peter's son David informed us of his passing and provided these words.

Reg Robson

Reg Robson, a Borden pupil from 1945 to 1952 followed by a significant career in the Royal Air Force, has died in a Hampshire care home approaching his 87th birthday. Old Bordenian and friend Dennis Fowle (1945-51) has sent in this obituary.

Ruth Bellord

It is with sadness we learn of the death of Ruth Bellord, School Secretary from 1975-2000.  Many Old Bordenians who remember Bryan Short will also remember “Mrs Bellord” from when they had to go to the secretary’s office. 

Barrie Mann

We have been informed that Barrie Mann, pupil from 1947-1954 passed away in March 2020. 

Neville Amos (1947-54 as well) has sent us some recollections about Barrie's time at the School and beyond:

Alan Forster

We have been informed of the death of  Alan Forster, on 4th April 2021 by his son. Alan attended the School 1945 -1951. 

Bryan Short - recollections

We have received many tributes for, and recollections of, Bryan Short from Old Bordenians and ex-staff. We are pleased to be able to share these below and will also publish any further material we receive.

David Cross

We have been informed of the death of David Cross who was a pupil at the School from 1940-1946.  His daughter has been in contact to tell us he died in February aged 91. She says he often spoke about the School and was 'very proud' of being an Old Bordenian. 

Peter Bedelle

It is with great sadness we report the death of Peter Bedelle, who died on the 27th April 2021. His son Paul (himself an OB) informs us that Peter died just short of his 90th birthday.

Bryan Short: An Obituary

As previously reported, Bryan Short Headmaster of Borden Grammar School from 1968 to 1998 died on 19th May, aged 87. We have compiled an Obituary which is featured below. We also invited Old Bordenians to provide their own reminisces and some of these are woven into this obituary. All submissions from Old Bordenians will be published in a separate article as well.