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54 OBITUARIES

From Ratcliffe, Gerard went own up when they were bemused by his ability to set up every
on to Birmingham University experiment without being told how to do so.
to read Chemistry and
graduated with a First Class With a little more time for himself, Gerard was able to engage in
Honours degree and then his passion for local history, and he became an active member
completed a PhD. In 1951, of St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological
Dr McSweeney started Society, organising lectures and taking up a position on the
work as a research chemist Society’s council. He immersed himself in researching the town’s
at the Malaysian Rubber history between 1650 and 1700 for a book that the group were
Producers’ Research writing. He subsequently stepped down from the council, but
Association (MRPRA) in continued to support their activities. Described as a ‘leading
Welwyn Garden City. light’ by his fellow members, his work provided a wealth of new
information about the town.
In 1952, he married Barbara
Lings, whom he had met Although initially hesitant, Gerard quickly discovered the power
whilst at university, where of the computer in his 70s, ‘as a useful tool to write articles’.
she was studying Latin and He went on to master it as a means of keeping in touch with his
Classics. They set up home widespread family and with world events.
in St Albans, where they went on to have five children between
1955 and 1966. Gerard was analytical and thorough, with strong opinions
that he never imposed on anyone, and he was a generous man
Gerard continued to work at MRPRA until his retirement at 65, who thought about everyone else before himself. He will be
as a senior scientist and one of their most respected chemists. remembered with fondness by everyone who knew him.
Not content with a quiet retirement, Mac (as he was known to
his colleagues) took a part-time job as a laboratory assistant May he rest in peace.
at St Albans College. He ‘forgot’ to tell them that he had been
a research chemist for over forty years, but eventually had to Gerard’s Family

BERNARD FRANKLIN SABELS

OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1977 - 1980
MAY 25TH 1964 - FEBRUARY 23RD 2016

Bernard Franklin Sabels, born on May 25th 1964 in New Jersey,
left us on February 23rd 2016. His funeral service was held at the
First Congregational Church of Reno on March 5th 2016.

Bernard joined Ratcliffe in the Third Form and stayed until
the end of the Fifth Form, having previously been at school
in Germany.

Bernard had lived in, and been part of, the Reno, Nevada (USA)
community for decades. He had the ability to make an immediate
impression in any social situation. He was very outgoing and
enjoyed life to the full. He managed both his and his family’s
properties in Reno for over two decades. He cultivated
friendships with many of his tenants in Reno, which was typical
of Bernard’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

As well as being rooted in Reno by family, property management
and socially, Bernard travelled extensively with both friends
and family throughout his life. He touched many lives wherever
he went, leaving a lasting impression.

May he rest in peace.
Simon Grant (82)

Register online at www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk