The School is sad to report the death of Malcolm Cook (Mac/Cookie), former Geography teacher, who latterly added Mathematics to his extensive portfolio, which also included among many others hockey coach, chess and table tennis clubs, general knowledge quiz impresario and with his wife, Elaine, houseparents for two years in Amberway, the boarding house extension for Sixth Formers. Whatever he was involved in, he would always give generously of his time and in his 27 years at RGS, there was nothing Mac hadn’t assisted with, been involved in, or been Secretary or Treasurer of. Of particular note was his role as Secretary to the OW Club, a role in which he greatly enjoyed supporting club reunions, dinners and keeping Old Boys up to date with school news.

As a Sixth Form Tutor his natural and unfussy style belied a genuine and profound interest in the progress of his flock of senior boys. His incredible range of knowledge allowed him both to help in their academic and personal development and to share with them anecdotes and trivia in his inimitable manner.

The Lancastrian stoicism, supported by an innate sense of timing and infectious laugh, made Mac an entertaining teacher as well as the natural choice to be MC at the various staff parties, cabarets and reviews. He enjoyed many different staff sports until the joints complained, and it has to be said that on the cricket field he was never quite the same after charging down the wicket to opening (very quick) student bowler Phil Newport (future England cricketer) immediately before tea in the 1979 Staff v Boys cricket match.

Mac enjoyed a long and happy retirement with his wife Elaine, travelling abroad, often to France and Portugal, maintaining his interest in sport, bridge, cards and very knowledgeably, the horses!