Clive was born on 7 March, 1944 in Walton-on-Thames but grew up in Battersea attending Highfield Junior school in Wandsworth before joining Emanuel in 1955. He was placed in Clyde house and developed a passion for all things sporting, taking part in rugby and rowing. He was apparently a tall number 8 in his early years at school but stopped growing by the time he got to play for the 1st XV and so switched to flanker. He was also a Sergeant in the CCF although trying to command some of his contemporaries – the likes of Messrs Alan Butler and John Evans must have proven something of a challenge.
Clive did well academically, particularly in the sciences and went on to study chemistry at university. In 1970 he became an associate at the Royal Institute of Chemistry and started a career as a chemical consultant. This role took him all round the world working on research projects and producing significant publications in his field.
He continued playing rugby for the Old Emanuel team and, whilst it would be fair to say he was not renowned for his handling skills, he was a strong and destructive back row player. He was also a keen golfer and was Secretary of the OE Golf Society for 25 years, only giving it up when his health began to decline. Tennis and skiing were also passions and he became very involved at Sutton Tennis Club both playing tennis and arranging ski trips.
His love of food was legendary as indeed was his love of good beer and wine. He undertook the Harry Ramsden Fish and Chip Challenge in Yorkshire and inevitably passed with flying colours, gaining the certificate as proof. On more than one occasion, I picked him up to go to rugby – not from his home but from a local hostelry where he was enjoying a full pub lunch and a beer as his pre-match warm up.
Sadly, Clive’s last few years were blighted by a rare and very unpleasant neurological condition which impacted mental and physical functions. He was, however, very well cared for by his daughter, Laura and by the staff in the nursing home where he passed away peacefully on 26 August.
Peter Lippiatt (OE1964-71)