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Hugh Douglas John Rayment-Pickard (R71-80) writes : The Rev Dr Malcolm Johnson’s life was defined by courage, compassion, and a commitment to those on the margins of society. He was one of the most remarkable radical priests of his generation.  Born in 1936 in Great Yarmouth, Malcom attended Framlingham and then National Service and a BA at Durham. He trained for the church at Cuddesdon College and was ordained in 1962. As Rector of St Botolph’s Church Aldgate in the 70s & 80s, he transformed the crypt of a quiet City parish into a centre for the homeless – where I worked in 1984 and was hugely influenced by his vision of treating every person, regardless of background with absolute respect and compassion.  Malcolm was also pioneering in his advocacy for gay clergy within the Church, for which is remembered with immense respect.

Another tribute read “What a life. He was the greatest man I’ve ever known. I’m so blessed that he was such a huge part of my childhood & beyond. He shaped my life. He taught me the value of people, of inclusion & the absolute necessity of purpose. People need people; he showed us this from day dot. Just a thoroughly decent soul. My vicar. So loved. May he rest in eternal peace.”

James Ruddock-Broyd (G46-52) acted with Malcolm in MSND in the Castle in 1952 and writes : “When I was arranging a 40-year reunion of the cast Malcolm politely declined saying “I am not into those things these days.” This much amused Leslie Gillett who was English Master and joint producer of the play and we had much admired Malcolm’s acting of Titania at the time. I did not know of Malcolm’s full personal story and all the good works he carried out in the East End of London and beyond until the excellent obituary appeared in The Daily Telegraph on 3 April.  I was pleased to meet Malcolm by chance in 2015 at the re-opening of the Archives at St Martin-in-the-Fields and tried to interest him in the SOF but believes it was not successful.”

His wife Wendy has been in touch to say that Michael died at home on 14 December 2025.  She was thankful to be at his side and that his sense of humor never left him, even at the worst times.  Click here for tribute page.

Obituary available via link.

We have just been advised that Neil died on 8 February 2026 after a long illness with cancer.

He was a much loved great nephew of Gordon Flowerdew VC (1894-99) who did much to ensure his exploits were remembered by all for years to come.  He was created an Hon OF after coming on the Three Heroes Tour of northern France in 2014, when he led the day dedicated to Gordon Flowerdew being awarded his VC.  Click here to read James Ruddock-Broyd’s report of the full trip.

Neil’s funeral is on Friday 20th March at 1:15 pm at the Hastings Crematorium, The Ridge, Hastings TN34 2AE.

Link to tribute/donation page

The picture shows SOF President at the time, Richard Sayer (S56-61), presenting Neil with his Hon OF tie.

Death notified by Nancy Wyncoll on 6 February 2026. He died in 18 January 2020

Clive Beardall (K71-77) advised that he peacefully passed away on 29th December 2025, aged 92 years. He was the brother of Bruce (K39-44).

Funeral Service will take place on Friday 30th January 2026, at 11.00am at St. Michael’s Church, Woodham Walter.

We have been notified that Peter passed away suddenly on Sunday 4 January 2026 having suffered a cardiac arrest, he was only 63. He was a College Governor for many years and member of OFGS.  He was a long term supporter of Ipswich Football Club where he served as an official club ambassador as well as a trustee of the Ipswich Town Foundation.  He was also a former Deputy Lieutenant for Suffolk.  He is survived by wife Kate and sons Tom and James and two grandchildren.

His memorial service took place at St Mary’s church, Bury St Edmunds, at 3pm on Thursday 5 February 2026 and was attended by around 800 people.

See this article in EADT on 5 January 2026 – https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/25738932.tribute-paid-lifelong-ipswich-town-fan-peter/

His godson has advised us that he died peacefully on the 16th January 2025 at Addenbrookes Hospital aged 80. He was the much loved husband of Kathryn and brother to Mary. The funeral service was at Holy Trinity Church, Heydon, Cambridgeshire.