J SH 1966 - 1976
We have received sad news that Nick Cotton passed away on 31st May after a short illness, aged 63 years.
He continued to take a strong interest in the school throughout his life and in recent years had done much to connect OW contemporaries and set up an active Wycliffe College 1970s Facebook group.
Words in tribute to Nick have flooded in to the Wycliffe College 1970s Facebook group. With consent, we share two of those tributes below:
OW Tony Sheldon (P SH 1976)
I first met Nick at around the age of 5 in Borneo when our parents worked for Shell Oil. The Cottons were our neighbours and I’m sure I ended up at Wycliffe as Nick had already started there and my parents thought I would at least know one person. He was the person I have known longest on this planet….it seems very strange to think he is no longer around – if you believe in the afterlife I’m sure he has already started on his mission to get everyone to join the celestial version of FaceBook!!! Rest in peace my friend.
OW John Duncan (J H 1976):
Excused games because of his legs at the Junior school he had to walk around the running track while the rest of us played rugger and football. As a fellow “son of expats” (Borneo in his case) I would sometimes join these lonely walks to talk about our time overseas.
The senior school was undoubtedly the high point of his life – Head of House, Prefect, Rats founder and editor. His father was dead set on him attending Oxbridge leading to fierce rows with the teachers at PTA meetings that could be heard outside the Sibly Hall.
…..His work to bring us all together after so many years was quite extraordinary the result of many weeks research through issues of the old Wycliffe Star address book followed by online searches and emailing. He would be pleased by how many comments recognise his efforts.
A remarkable if sometimes difficult character; finally at peace.
OW Nigel Paxman (H 1976)
Very sad news indeed.
A few years ago I received a photograph from Nick of Sixth form v Masters December 1975 football match. He and I were the Fullbacks. His lack of speed did not diminish his enthusiasm, and the masters did not like being tackled by him!!
I was living in HK at the time I received the photo from Nick. I really appreciated him reconnecting me with school.
I have fond memories of Nick’s friendship and I wish we had met in later life.
Best Wishes to all of the Class of 1976. I have very happy memories of Wycliffe, and classmates and teachers.
The Wycliffian Society send our deepest sympathy to the family and those who knew him well.
Nick’s funeral is to be held on Thursday 24th June at Chichester Crematorium. Numbers are limited by government guidance. We know of several OWs who will be attending and The Wycliffian Society will be represented by John Hughes, President.
The family have let us know that if you would like to make a donation in memory of Nick it should be to St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester. Please follow this link: https://stwh.co.uk/donate/one-off-donation. Be sure to click on the box below the words ‘Tribute Gift’ to let the Hospice know in whose memory the donation has been made.
There is a video link to his funeral which will be available for a short period of time:
Go to:
https://www.obitus.com
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It’s not the best quality visually, but the sound is good.
