Donald Barrett (OW 1953)

MCS was informed by Graham Barrett (OW) that his brother Donald passed away on 14 May 2009, aged 72.

Brother Don thoroughly enjoyed his time at MCS, where he indulged his love of sport to the full, representing the school at cricket, rugby and athletics. He was a member of the 1953 first XV rugby team that won all their matches and also a member of the team in 1954 who only lost their last game. He won the Victor Ludorum Trophy twice and held the Cross Country Callendar Cup record time, only recently beaten.

He was enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry for his National Service and later commissioned into the Kings African Rifles. He was injured whilst in Africa during the conflict with the Mau Mau. However, his experiences in Africa had a lasting impression on him, and in later life worked for the Daphne Sheldrick Organisation, and even sponsored two elephants.

Don carried on his sport after leaving School and captained the Oxford Rugby Club during their most successful times. He played rugby for Oxfordshire from 1958 and was a member of the team that reached the county championship semi-final against Durham in 1965. Don continued his involvement with the Oxford Rugby Club as a Committee Member, President for six seasons and Chairman for two. I certainly enjoyed my time playing alongside him.

His best man Peter Sibley (OW), who moved to Bath on a teaching post and played for Bath Rugby Club, persuaded Don to be Bath’s first coach, which he was with great enthusiasm.

Don joined Wyeth Pharmaceuticals as a medical sales representative in 1959 and ended up a Board Director in charge of European and UK corporate affairs.

Don also worked for several charities including Diabetes UK and Baby Life Line. He suffered badly from Diabetes and other related illnesses in later life, but continued to carry out his charitable work until the end.

Don leaves a wife Joy, four children Jo, Nicky, Victoria and Christopher and eleven grandchildren.

Obituary written by Graham Barrett (OW 1952-59)