Page 34 - The Old Ratcliffian 2010

The Old Ratcliffan 2010 | Obituaries grudges as he wasn’t capable of being cross for any period of time. He would drive many people to distraction as good advice, often well given, was put to one side as he did it his way. He was his own man and a man with real presence. My big loving brother Bernard is sadly missed by his own family in NZ, mentioned above, and in the UK, by his Dad Bill, Mum Margaret, his sisters Maria, Catherine, Odette and Julia. We had a beautiful memorial service for Bernard in Enniscrone, Eire during this summer, where we spent many a happy time in our youth. May he rest in peace. Donal Heffernan (75) Dr. Thomas John Stuart Merrington (‘Tom’) Black B.A., M.B., Ch.B., (T.C.D.) 1961, D.Obst R.C.O.G. Old Ratcliffian 1945-50 30th March 1932 - 19th December 2009 Dr. Thomas John Stuart Merrington (‘Tom’) Black, former General Practitioner and Hospital Practitioner (Geriatrics), Wokingham, was born on 30th March, 1932 and died on 19th December, 2009 after a long illness. Tom was born in Leeds, and came to Ratcliffe in 1945, having previously attended Grace Dieu. His education at Ratcliffe was funded by his uncles, Joe Black (1889) and Charlie Black (1890), who had been significant benefactors to the college, including providing financial support to the Rose Window in the Old Library. Joe and Charlie stipulated one condition in relation to Tom’s education and that was that the name Thomas be added as his first name. At Ratcliffe, Tom had many friends and remained closely in touch with several including Roger Carron (51), (Roger also died last year) and Dick Galliano (50) for the rest of his life. Tom was an able athlete (running a very competitive mile and part of a record- breaking relay team), a keen cricketer, hockey player, and an accomplished chorister, as well as being a regular in school productions. Tom was mobilised for two years’ National Service in 1952, during which time he was commissioned in the Royal Yorks and Lancs, Essex, and Royal Norfolk Regiments, and volunteered for service in the Far East. He was involved in Peace Keeping Operations in Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan. He went on to train as a doctor at Trinity College and the Meath Hospital Dublin in 1955 and graduated in 1961. After two years as a junior hospital doctor in Swindon, he became a GP in Wokingham at the Tudor House Surgery, and Wokingham Community Hospital, and retired from practice in 1994. Tom’s main professional interest was in Family Medicine. He was responsible for the foundation of the Wokingham Youth Counselling Service and the introduction of Marriage Guidance Counsellors to his Surgery. He represented General Practice on many local and national committees, and was also President of the Reading Pathological Society. He gave his time and support generously to his patients and colleagues and to the profession. Tom was a keen supporter of the Ecumenical Movement and the first President of the Wokingham Council of Churches. He encouraged close co-operation between local doctors and clergy. He was a Founder member and President of the Rotary Club of Easthampstead and for many years an active member of his club. Tom became a very keen golfer, and his other hobbies included painting, fine art, photography, music, travel, theatre, singing, playing the piano, gardening, and entertaining. He loved company, was a great story teller and had a wonderful sense of humour. Tom was a very much loved husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Joan, his sons John and Andrew and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Simon (80), also an Old Ratcliffian. Joan Black, John Black (79) and Andrew Black (84)