T Richard Alger

J SH 1953 - 1958

We have sadly been notified by Bob Alger (SH 1957 – 1962), cousin of Richard, that Richard died on Tuesday 15th September 2020, aged 78 years.

Bob let us know that “Richard left Wycliffe after the fifth form and started an apprenticeship with Frigidaire in London as the family business was in refrigeration. The apprenticeship was cut short when the family business was sold. Richard found his feet as a salesman with another refrigeration company, HRP,  and worked his way up to become Managing Director. He led a full and active life and was always very outgoing and positive. Married to Sue for I don’t know how many years, but a long time, they have 2 sons, one of whom is in the US.”

Whilst at Wycliffe Richard was a swimmer and gained his half colours for swimming in the Summer Term 1958.

When he retired in 1996 he maintained his position on the Council of British Refrigeration Association, was Chairman Environmental & Energy Committee of Air Conditioning and on the Refrigeration Industry Board advising government & DGs in Brussels.

He was a keen golfer and was a member of both Goodwood Golf Club and Wentworth Golf Club. He also enjoyed motor racing.

We send our deepest sympathy to the family.

Condolences from:

John Hughes (J H 1953 – 1961)

Malcolm Handley (P J SH 1951 – 1959)

Roger Mutton (SH 1955 – 1959)

Fred Ballard (P J SH 1950 – 1960) writes:

Richard & I were frequently in the same form and perhaps one of the most memorable minutia was the roll call at the start of lessons. ( probably long extinct)  it always went “ Alger, Ballard, Daniels, Fincher … …etc” Daniels being Phillip Daniels.

We both loved Swimming and Diving, at which he and I represented SH, in house competitions, and Wycliffe throughout our years in the Senior school, one of those most memorable fixtures was at Cheltenham College, where to our surprise all the younger boys swam in their birthday suits.

We made several trips in my rebuilt canoe, from the school via the Stroud Water Canal and across fields to the Frome, picking the SWC back up nearer to the Berkley Canal to the Boathouse at Saul Junction, and back again, much harder, half a day each way.  Great memories.  Thank you Richard.

Best wishes to your family.