The School is sad to report the death of Ian Clark, former Deputy Headmaster of RGS. Ian joined the Classics Department in September 1967 and became Head of Middle School (Years 10/11) in 1973. This was a newly created position which was the start of a pastoral revolution in the school, and it was greatly due to the insight and hard work of Ian that this change was so successfully embedded. He became Deputy Headmaster in 1978, a post he held until his retirement in 2001. 

Unfailingly cheerful, always ready to listen and with the uncanny ability to show a keen interest in anything you cared to say, Ian never sat still and is fondly remembered by many OWs always running around the school, gown flowing behind him. Often before the start of or at the end of a long school day he was actively involved in local community service, which continued throughout his life and culminated in the award of the BEM in the New Year’s Honours 2024. 

Among the many ways in which he was involved in co-curricular school life, Ian ran chess at RGS throughout his career. This required many hours of time, considerable organisational skills and a lot of patience, all of which were freely given. He also participated fully in staff sport – football, cricket and golf. One of his greatest feats was surviving a torrid over from the RGS’s future England opening bowler, Phil Newport. 

As a colleague, Ian was always steadfast and loyal. His breadth of knowledge of the inner workings of the RGS was immense. Many a generation of students and members of staff owed much to the kindness and thoughtfulness of a man always prepared to give of his time and energy whenever, wherever. 

Ian had a long and happy retirement with his wife, Janet, visiting family, continuing his community service and following the ups and downs of Wycombe Wanderers, inter alia. We were delighted that he retained his connection with RGS through many years as Secretary to the Old Boys’ Association and he was always keen to hear what OWs had got up to since leaving school.