Page 62 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2019

Throughout his life, John was an active visitor to sick and Arthur, he met his future wife, Margaret. They fell in love, and the
housebound Catenians. One story illustrates his commitment to rest is history! John was immensely proud of his family, and his
this practical aspect of his faith. He was visiting his father, who
daughters and grandchildren were a regular topic of conversation
OBITUARIES was being nursed in his last illness at the Alexian Brothers’ nursing with him. Margaret died in 2005, but she remained a constant
home in Manchester. On his way out of the building, John heard presence in his heart.
a voice calling, and he went to investigate. It was a gentleman
John had cancer for many years, and he was in hospital for the last
who was paralysed from the neck down, and the book that he was
reading had fallen out of the machine that turned the pages for
he said: “Don’t cry, girls. I have been working all my life for this – to
him. John replaced the book and then began to chat to this lonely months of his life. When he told his daughters that it was terminal,
go to heaven.” His funeral at St Mary’s in Eccles was a magnificent
man, who turned out to have been a senior scientist at the nuclear tribute to a great man. The church was packed, with 27 nieces
plant in Cumbria. In spite of his incredibly busy life, John made and nephews, along with many other relatives, parishioners and
time to visit this man each week for a chat. The impact this had Catenians attending. They were joined by past pupils of Ratcliffe
is illustrated by the fact that, when the man died, the company College, including Patrick Jolliffe (53), who drove up from London,
fulfilled his wishes and sent a car to take John up to Cumbria for and Fr David Myers (59), who preached.
the funeral.
Paul Baker & Fr David Myers (59)
It was when John was a young teacher that, thanks to his brother
Friends

PATRICK SIMMONDS

OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1949 - 1951

Patrick arrived at Ratcliffe in 1949, the year his elder brother, Leo (49), left. A gifted musician and linguist, Patrick emigrated to New
Zealand, marrying an Irish girl whose love for him led her to emigrate there. They had five children.

Patrick was a fluent Maori speaker and top-class centre three-quarter rugby player, having been a member of the Jarasaki team when it
won the Interprovincial Rugby Cup for the first time.
Patrick died at his home in New Zealand on 5th April 2019, aged 85. May he rest in peace.
Leo Simmonds (49)
Brother

BERNARD SHERRATT

OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1948 - 1952
TEACHER AT RATCLIFFE 1975 - 1992

Bernard (pictured, centre, with a striped tie) was a talented man,
an excellent, well-liked teacher, and an accomplished carpenter.
He built the bar in the Staffroom – it was a work of art! He also
had a mischievous, almost childlike, innocence, which I found very
endearing. He didn’t suffer fools gladly, however, and was a bit of
a rebel. What I can say, with conviction, is that he was totally loyal
to his religion, his family and his students. Rest in peace, Bernard.
Peter Banks
Colleague
I remember Bernard telling me that he had originally trained to
be a Biology teacher, though he never let Fr Lance Hurdidge (40)
know, as he much preferred teaching Maths! He was an extremely
good teacher who helped the weaker students. His carpentry skills
were manifested when he completely revamped the Sixth Form
Union; he made all of the furniture, including the benches and the
Tuck Shop and Bar.
Fr Philip Sainter (69)
Colleague
After studying at Ratcliffe, Bernard joined the Rosminian order,
and he was always very much part of the Rosminian family.
Sometime after his novitiate, he was appointed as a brother to
the community at Grace Dieu, where he was a popular teacher.
He was very proficient, particularly in carpentry. After he left the
Rosminians, he married and had three daughters. Eventually, he
62 The Old Ratcliffian 2019