Page 18 - Old Ratcliffian 2020 Edition

COLLEGE NEWS MEMORIAL PARADE FOR MARK BALMBRA

William Phillips (94): “Terribly saddened to hear of Mark’s passing.
Old Ratcliffi ans, staff members, and students stood shoulder
A true gentleman who encouraged a desire to not only succeed,
to shoulder in solidarity to pay their respects to their friend and
but also to thrive in each and every task. An inspiration to so many,
colleague Mark Balmbra at the CCF Memorial Parade, which took
and an attainable role model who lived by what he taught: respect,
place on Tuesday 11th February 2020.
was an honour and a privilege to have been taught and guided
Mark passed away in hospital on Wednesday 5th February. He courage, discipline, loyalty, selfl ess commitment, and integrity. It
was a much-loved and respected member of the current Ratcliffe by such a man. His loss will be felt far and wide. Condolences and
College teaching staff, having joined in 1991. This news came as a deepest sympathy to the family and all at Ratcliffe.”
terrible shock to the whole College community.
Ben Surtees-Smith (97): “So, so sad! One of the best teachers
ever! Rest in peace, my friend. Thank you for all that you taught
The tributes, led by Mr Dziemianko and Fr Philip Sainter (69), me. Thoughts and prayers for all your family at this very sad time.”
reminded all those present just what a well-loved and respected
colleague Mark was. It was a fi tting tribute to a man who had spent
the past 28 years working at Ratcliffe. CCF Leader Mark Edwards Jonathan Chaloner (14): “I have so much respect for this great
said of the event afterwards: “The family were touched by how man. The things he taught me and my times spent in CCF are
much love the College had towards Mark, and they were amazed at fondly remembered. So sad to hear this. My thoughts go to
how many staff members and students, past and present, came to his family, friends, and all students who were taught by him.
pay their respects.” Rest in peace.”

When Mark passed away, the Ratcliffi an Association posted the Rob Phillips (97): “Sad news – a lovely man. Mark helped to guide
tragic news on their Facebook page, to update ORs who had me through to the military. I have incredibly fond memories of him
been taught by Mark and who remembered him. Comments as a teacher, rugby coach, and CCF instructor. My thoughts go out
came fl ooding in from past students and colleagues. A book of to his wife and daughters. RIP, Mr Balmbra.”
condolence was also placed in the Staff Room by Mr Dziemianko
and Mrs Grant, for all staff to leave their comments and thoughts Amy Lang (08): “He was an outstanding teacher. I remember CCF
about Mark, which was then sent to his family. The comments were so well, and he gave me so much confi dence, helping me to grow
also gathered from the Association’s Facebook page and added to as a person. Such sad news. Love and thoughts to all his family.”
the book, hoping to offer some comfort to the family that Mark left
behind. Below are some of those comments:
Harry Murphy (05): “Rest in peace, Sir – your work is done. You
inspired and transformed my life at an age when I needed it most.
Alex Brooks-Ball (02): “Such sad news. A true gent. I would never With all I can muster, thank you.”
have been the person I am today without the support that Mark
and the CCF gave me. I was honoured to be his Head Cadet in
2001-2002. Barney, you were a wonderful man, husband, father,
friend, and role model. My thoughts are with Jane and his girls, and
with all those who were lucky to have been taught by him. Rest in
peace, my friend.”

18 The Old Ratcliffi an 2020