Julian Kennedy-Cooke

Julian Kennedy-Cooke, (Mac’s, 1941-1946)

The following was provided by Julian’s son, Will Kennedy-Cooke.

Julian Kennedy-Cooke, aged 94, died peacefully at St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester on 4 August 2022.

Born in Northampton on 21 July 1928, he was educated at Maidwell Hall Preparatory School, Northampton and, like his father, St. Edward’s School Oxford. Thereafter, he attended Worcester College, Oxford from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages. 

Julian joined the teaching staff at Whitgift School, Croydon in 1953 where he remained until retiring in 1989.

In April 1955, he married Hilary Zoe Woodhouse who continues to live in West Wittering, to where they moved in 1993 following his retirement from teaching. 

During his teaching career, in addition to his day to day responsibilities, Julian arranged and led many overseas school tours to various parts of Europe, numerous times to France and including one to Russia . Among other contributions to school life, he played the trombone in school music events, organised sports fixtures, assisted with coaching, refereed rugby matches well into his 50s and actively contributed to Whitgift Alumni (especially in the archive office with Freddie Percy) for many years following his retirement.  During the course of his career, for a time he was second master for the junior school and a junior housemaster in Cedar House.

Julian never professed to be a talented participant in sport. However, he would always have a go, taking up golf in his 40s and skiing in his 50s.

During a highly active retirement, amongst other activities he enjoyed being a Friend of Chichester Festival Theatre, being an active member of the church community, in as a volunteer gardener, a server and in the choir.  He participated with the West Wittering Players both in set building, acting and front of house and NADFAS (The Arts Society) with whom Hilary and he did an amazing number of UK and overseas tours (many organised by him). His gardens both in Croydon and West Wittering were one of his main passions.

He is survived by his wife, Hilary, their daughter, Caroline, and two sons, James and William, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was also aware of the impending arrival of a further two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Annette Kennedy-Cooke, who has also lived for many years in West Wittering, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A funeral service took place at the Church of St Peter and St. Paul,  West Wittering on Monday 5 September 2022.

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