Page 63 - The Old Ratcliffian 2015 Magazine

OBITUARIES 63

JOHN DUNN to work in a bank, where he fell in love with a lady of Chinese
background. He returned to England and was married to her in
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1940 - 1946 Nottingham.

John Dunn was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, in 1930. He was the John worked in the Accounts Department of a stationery firm
cousin of brothers Martin (49) and David Middlebrook (52). They until his retirement. He lived, for the most part of his life, in West
were all at Ratcliffe at the same time, and in the same form as Ian Bridgford, Nottingham; this was very convenient for him, as he
Bannen (46). had a keen interest in cricket, with his home being a stone’s
throw from Trent Bridge.
John was a quiet individual with a dry sense of humour. He came
from a banking family. After leaving school, John went to India John had no family and is survived by his widow, Celine.

Martin Middlebrook (49)

DR PETER MICHAEL SULLIVAN

OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1941 - 1948
JUNE 23RD 1930 - MAY 31ST 2013

Peter Sullivan was born in Bilston in 1930 to Gladys and Dan
Sullivan. He went to St Mary’s Primary School in Wednesbury with
his older brother, Pat, and his sister, Maureen.

He went to Grace Dieu and Ratcliffe College, then on to
Birmingham University to study Medicine. After university, he
was called up for National Service, joining the King’s African
Rifles in Kenya and becoming a captain.

In 1960, Peter returned to Bilston to join his father in general
practice. He worked as a doctor there for thirty-five years until
his retirement. Dan and Peter worked together for several years
and, until his retirement at 65, Peter was known as ‘young Dr
Sullivan’ by many of his patients.

He maintained connections to Ireland and, on one of his many
visits, in 1962, he met Carmel O’Connell. They were married
in 1969 and went on to have four children. The family lived in
Wolverhampton, visiting Ireland every summer to spend time
with both families.

As a young man, Peter was an active member of the Peter enjoyed the arrival of his four grandchildren, Erin, Noah,
Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, and, later, of the Katy and Ellen, who brought a lot of laughter and colour to his
Wolverhampton French Circle and the Guild of Catholic Doctors. life.
He enjoyed travel and was able to speak enough French, German,
Italian, Spanish, Polish and Swahili to get by. He and Carmel often He will be missed by his family and friends, and remembered for
welcomed overseas visitors into their home, showing them Irish his integrity, his interest in people, and his ideas.
hospitality. In 1989, he taught himself Russian before he and
Carmel visited three of these friends in post-perestroika Russia.

Peter stayed busy in retirement. He took up golf, Spanish
evening classes, and was often out and about with his faithful
dog, Stan. He sidestepped the digital age - programming the
video remained a mysterious activity best left to others.

In 2008, Peter suffered a stroke. He made a good recovery, Eulogy
and although his power of speech was affected, he and Carmel
both appreciated the fellowship and support offered by the
Wolverhampton Stroke Club.

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