Anthony Gardner (1956) ] Anthony Gardner, who attended Abingdon from 1950-1957, died peacefully on 3 June 2023 in Chelsea. While at Abingdon, Anthony excelled in drama, performing the leading role in a memorable and well-received production of Hamlet, as well as Lady Macbeth, among other roles. Anthony thoroughly enjoyed his time at Abingdon, becoming a prefect and proudly representing the school in swimming, long jump and tennis tournaments. On leaving Abingdon, Anthony spent a year teaching Literature and Classics in Uxbridge, after which he attended RADA, going on to pursue a successful career as a professional actor in theatre, film and television. Anthony acted in Doctor Who, Z-Cars, Emergency Ward 10 and many other series. He performed in musicals, pantomimes and successful plays in the West End and directed plays at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Anthony acted alongside legendary actors such as: John Guielgud, Vanessa Redgrave, Sarah Miles, Penelope Keith and Ralph Richardson. His most notable performance came in the 1967 production of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ alongside Elizabeth Taylor. Alongside his acting career, Anthony established a successful antiques and jewellery business with his life partner of 50 years, Michael Becker. Anthony became a world-leading specialist in Art Nouveau jewellery. The store had regular and returning customers, including Princess Margaret and Barbara Streisand. Anthony’s jewellery and designs regularly graced the pages of international fashion magazines such as Vogue and on stage in the original production of the musical ‘Hair’. Anthony was a committed Christian, attending church at Gloucester Road, London, where he was Church Warden for many years, taking part in yearly pilgrimages to Walsingham. He will be sorely missed. Neil Constable Tom Kempinski (1956) Tom passed away in August 2023. From Abingdon, Thomas won a scholarship to read Modern Languages at Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge. Tom briefly joined The Cambridge Footlights and during this time, secured a place at RADA. From here, he went straight into a Joseph Losey film, The Damned (1961). Tom was best known for his 1980 stage hit Duet for One, which was later turned into a film. Tom married twice and is survived by second wife Sarah, three children and four grandchildren. Richard Bailey (1959) Richard was born in Abingdon on 22 November 1941, to Ron and Norah Bailey. He was brother to Diana and Geoffrey. Richard married Maureen and they had two children, Nick and Kate. At school, he was elected a house prefect and was a very keen member of the rowing club. He won the School Character Prize in 1959. After leaving Abingdon, he joined the OA Club as Secretary, before being elected President in 1981. Richard continued the family business of shoe retail on Bath Street, overseeing the major rebuilding project in 1960. After remarrying to Selina, he relocated to Wales, buying a small sheep farm. From here, he was able to pursue his love of shooting and had privileged fishing rights on the Wye. In Wigmore, Herefordshire, Richard was Church Warden for many years and with the help of a major lottery fund, introduced a renovation programme for St James’ Church. Richard enjoyed spending time with his beloved field cockers and springer spaniels, picking up for major shoots in the Welsh hills. His final move was to Ludlow, where health issues caught up with him, passing away peacefully on 9 March 2023. Richard’s celebration of life was held in the Wigmore Church on 1 April. Geoffrey John Bailey (1964) Rob Deffee (1955) After leaving Abingdon School, Rob joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office where he worked until retirement. He worked in embassies in many countries across the world, from Bulgaria, Cambodia, Zambia, Mexico and Malaysia. He was awarded an MBE in acknowledgment for his years of public service. It was while he was British Consul in Managua, Nicaragua, that he met and married Mireya in 1969. Even though Rob worked all around the world, his heart and home was always in the rural Kentish village of Staplehurst where he raised three children. Rob passed away on 25 April 2022 and is buried in the local parish church. David Taylor (1960) GRIFFEN 2024 | 33
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