David McMahon (1947) David was born in Oxford on 12 May 1931 and died peacefully in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, on 11 January 2022. During his schooldays in Abingdon he met his future wife Jean Morris. They married in 1958 and raised two sons and one daughter. David was a chartered surveyor starting in Oxford before moving to Aylesbury in the early 1960s as a partner in the local firm of Vernon & Sons. After his retirement, he was active in his local U3A group giving several talks. David and Jean enjoyed several cruises and other holidays including frequent trips to a holiday chalet on the Suffolk coast. They were in good health and form for their diamond wedding anniversary in August 2018 which was celebrated with their children, grandchildren and other relatives. Jean survived David by only seven months. Roger McMahon Michael Aplin (1948) Michael died on 28 September 2022 five weeks short of his 92nd birthday. Michael loved his time at Abingdon which fostered his love of sport, in particular cricket. He went on to play this both in the UK and overseas to a high standard achieving a rare record of taking ten wickets for one run. He lived and worked overseas for many years before returning to England in the early 70s. His experience overseas and his passion for history, particularly military history, gave him an extensive understanding of the world which underpinned many interesting conversations and debates over the years. He also enjoyed poetry which he regularly quoted, even being able to recite poems he learnt at school! Michael was a kind and compassionate family man who will be much missed. He leaves behind his wife Veronica, daughters Elizabeth and Patricia and grandchildren Patrick, Alexandra and Oliver. Patricia Milligan John Evans (1948) John passed away in April 2022, aged 89. He remembered his many years as a boarder at Abingdon School with great fondness and pride. School was where he developed a love of music and rugby, maintaining these deep passions throughout his life. On leaving school, John joined the NZ Shipping Line as an officer cadet, then married an Australian and emigrated to Australia where he continued to work in shipping. In retirement John and his wife Bunty became vignerons in the Clare Valley, South Australia. John returned to the UK on several occasions; during one trip he sang with massed Welsh choirs at the Royal Albert Hall. John felt privileged to have been educated at Abingdon School, often speaking proudly about the School and his experiences there. John will be greatly missed by his family. Robyn Evans Peter Verrall (1939) Peter was a boarder in The Lodge and then Waste Court. He enjoyed taking part in school plays and was nicknamed ‘mouse’ which led to him being recruited as a rowing cox. During holidays he visited his parents in Egypt. Peter later emigrated to Australia and was a father, grandfather and great grandfather. Rodney Deval (1945) Rodney died on 6 March 2022 aged 94. He joined the School in 1940 when, due to the war, his father’s job was relocated to Milton Hill. He thoroughly enjoyed his time at Abingdon, taking part in sports and CCF. He recently conveyed to pupils what the School was like during wartime, eg, chickens on the grass courts and part of one field dug up to grow potatoes. On leaving School, he joined the Royal Signals for National Service. He found that having been a member of the CCF came in useful during the initial army training. Following service in the Canal Zone he went to London University to study Chemistry and then joined the oil industry. He came back to the Abingdon area to work for Esso at Milton Hill. Throughout his life photography had been his main hobby. In 1967 he was a founding member of Wantage Camera Club. He gained his Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society in 1989 and was an active member until recently his eyesight prevented him participating as much. He was proud to be an Old Abingdonian and attended events and reunions whenever possible. Glenys Deval Obituaries G R I F F E N 2 0 2 3 | 4 0 If you wish to report a death or write a tribute to a fellow OA for the next issue of the Griffen, please contact the OA Club.
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