Alistair D Simpson

(CLS 1949 – 58)

Alistair Simpson, who has died at the age of 82, has been a credit to both the School and his beloved family, and an inspiration to all those whose lives he touched.

A very modest person, he nonetheless enjoyed the honour of being Captain of the School for two consecutive years, and his involvement in school affairs reflected just some of his versatility. Alistair was Editor of the School Magazine, Secretary of the Modern Languages Society and a member of both the Household and Library Committees. He also achieved the distinction of reading to the Virgil Society.

In sport, Alistair excelled at Eton Fives and was Captain. He was also Captain of Cricket with a young Michael Brearley in his team and later he strengthened the Old Citizens for a number of years as a good wicketkeeper and batsman.

In his professional career, he declined an opportunity to teach Classics at Shrewsbury School and chose instead to join the Reed Paper Group. He subsequently accepted a post at Bowater, in due course becoming Production Director, Europe. He always regarded it a great privilege to have worked with so many greatly talented colleagues.

The son of ordained ministers, Alistair cherished a loving, Christian upbringing with his four sisters, and it was through the Church that he met his future wife, Joy. He often reflected upon his rich and fulfilling family life with his wonderful wife, children and grandchildren. Alistair was proud to have won a scholarship to attend CLS. He subsequently graduated from Oxford University, having spent four happy years at Merton College. He played most sports for his college and gained a half-blue for Eton Fives.

With the move to Scotland, the Presbytery of Falkirk was grateful for his voluntary services and he was a valued elder at Larbert Old Church, where he was Treasurer. His guidance, particularly on finance, was often sought and respected. He could deliver a message firmly but fairly and with a wry smile and infectious laughter! Regular contact with friends from both school and college meant a great deal to Alistair, and the depth and strength of these enduring friendships have often aroused envious comment from his friends of today.

Memories of Alistair reflect a person with great integrity, empathy and tact, gifted in diplomatic skills and with a deep concern for others. Despite a very distinguished career and his many achievements, Alistair remained, above all, a person of great humility.

To Joy and their sons, Andrew, Timothy and Philip, we send our sincere condolences.

Gordon Stringer (Class of 1957)

Photos:

Top: Alistair Simpson (left) with David Cooper (Class of 1959) at the OCEFC 125th Anniversary Dinner, Lord’s, 4 April, 2018.
Bottom: Front row – AH Pearmain, DM Cooper (Secretary), AD Simpson (Captain), GD Stringer, H Helfer.
Back row – TE Manning (M/C), RGW Stirling, GB Green, AS Corby, JM Brearley, WW Pantzer