Page 37 - The Old Ratcliffian 2010

The Old Ratcliffan 2010 | Obituaries Robert Peter Stokes (Robin) Old Ratcliffian 1947-1954 3rd January 1936 - 21st May 2010 Robin (Bob) was the second of eight children and grew up in a lively, loving home in Llandaff. He went to Grace Dieu aged eight and then on to Ratcliffe with his brothers, Tony (53) and Mike (55). At Ratcliffe he showed his talent for sport, especially athletics, rugby and boxing. He later represented the army in boxing in his National Service in Malta. His father bought his three eldest boys Highfields Service Station on the Llantrisant Road - a garage, filling station and car showroom which they all ran together. Even though he loved cars, he soon had other ideas for his career. He decided that he would like to work in television and so secured an apprenticeship as a sound recordist, eventually becoming a director of news and documentaries. He saw and filmed many things and was very proud to have been there at the beginning of television in Wales. He was lucky enough to have a job which he loved, taking him on fantastic adventures around the world and bringing him face to face with ‘the great and the good’, from the Hollywood royalty of Taylor and Burton to HRH the Prince of Wales. His experience was so varied: filming the first ascent of Everest without oxygen in 1978, hot air ballooning across the Sudan and being the fourth member of the crew on the Three Peaks Race yacht. He played rugby for Llandaff North for a number of years and hockey for Cardiff. He also played rugby and cricket for HTV. Some of his more famous recruits were Rachael Heyhoe-Flint and Lord John Oaksey, who became President of HTV Cricket. In retirement, Robin enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Even though he was separated from his wife, they remained close. When he was diagnosed with cancer she moved in with him to nurse him, which meant the world to both of them. He died at home and his final days were filled with love, laughter, good humour and dignity. He had a beer and he went to sleep. May he rest in peace. Jonathan Stokes (son) Tom McNally was made a Vice-President some years ago. Although blessed in many ways, Tom had his share of problems. Old Ratcliffian 1936-39 Most of his working life was spent in the family business, Mousells Removals, Storage and Shipping, which he took August 1922 - February 2009 over after his father died. Unfortunately, through no fault of Tom’s, the business was affected by a variety of factors Tom McNally died on 20th February 2009. His funeral and finally closed when Liverpool City Council placed a and Requiem Mass were held in the large church of St compulsory purchase order on its land. The struggle to keep Joseph, Birkenhead. the business going took its toll. Tom suffered two serious Tom was born in Wallasey in August 1922. He was educated breakdowns and when he finally had to admit defeat, he at St Alban’s Parish School before going on to Ratcliffe began drinking heavily. With tremendous support from his College. In his final year at Ratcliffe he kept a motorbike beloved Maura, he finally gave up alcohol about seventeen hidden in the grounds and spent many a happy hour riding years ago and thereby gave himself a new lease of life. round the lanes of Leicestershire. He threw himself into voluntary work, driving for RNIB, During the war he served in the army in North Africa Meals on Wheels and for the local Social Services. He also and Italy. worked in the local residential care home, only giving this up weeks before his death. Tom met his wife, Maura, soon after he was demobbed and they were married a couple of years later. In the years that Sadly his wife, Maura, died six years ago. Thereafter, Tom followed they were blessed with six children and, at the lived with his daughter Kate, Greg and the children. latest count, three grandchildren. Tom knew some sadness and adversity in his life, but he Tom had a wide range of interests, and at one time was faced his problems with cheerful courage and determination a member of sixteen clubs! Tom joined the Catenians in and came through them magnificently. 1961 and was a member of the Wallasey Circle for nearly May he rest in peace. fifty years. He played rugby for Wallasey Rugby Club and Register online www.ratcliffanassociation.co.uk