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Charles Richard TAYLOR

1972-2005

Bob Williams writes:

Invariably known as Chas to many of his contemporaries, he had considerable talents on the games field. My recollections of Charles and Chris Woodruff as the ‘Coe & Ovett’ of the running track, from a remarkably tender age at Brandeston, still loom large in the memory. Many a titanic battle they had. Charles would probably consider his performance, over 1,500m at the National Prep Schools Championships of 1986, the best of his career, missing the school record by the narrowest of margins; a time that still leaves him second on the all-time list. Also no mean performer with a ball of any shape or size, Charles, in his final year at Brandeston was Head of Constable House (Blue) and was a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Oguntayo Cup as the Outstanding Senior Sportsman of 1985-6. Sport remained the driving force for Charles during his College years, ultimately playing for the 2nd Hockey XI, together with a keen interest in the Debating Society and Drama. He featured in a number of school productions, including ‘Measure for Measure’.

Following a private cremation, a Service of Thanksgiving for Charles’ life was held at St. Peter’s, Forncett St Peter. The eulogy was delivered, to a packed church, by Old Culfordian Nick Robertson who reflected upon Charles’ great affection for the continent of Africa where he had spent the greater part of the last thirteen years of his life. This took him from Lagos, in Nigeria, where he worked in the British High Commission, to The Gambia, Eritrea and, finally, Kenya. The Eritrean Ambassador was amongst those attending the Memorial Service. It is transparently clear that, throughout his all too short life, Charles remained a young man of unfailing charm who was ‘good with people’ from all walks of life.

O.F’s at the Service included Ken Mayhew (R 29-34), Lt. Col Mike Hodges (G 53-61), Stephen Howse (M 85-91), Justin Noton (R 86-91), James Menzies (Z 82-91), Ben Emerson (K 84-90), James Brocks (K 81-91), Edward Nesling (Z 81-89), Andrew Morgan (G 86-91), Gaku Yokoyama (G 87-91), Rupert Findlay (K 87-90), Sarah Findlay - nee Buck (V 87-92), with Bob Williams (Hon.) and Revd Michael Vipond (Hon.) representing the College.

We extend our sincere condolences to Charles’ wife Lynn, his parents Tony (S 57-62) and Jan and sister Louise.

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