Tony Snell
Former Staff
Tony Snell (SCR, 1965-2018)
Died 1st October 2022
Click here to read the article ‘Renaissance Man’, written about Tony Snell and published in Rhubarb magazine 2021.
Around 50 friends, former colleagues and pupils joined Tony’s nephew Hamdi and his family at the North Oxford Crematorium on Monday 24th October for a Humanist ceremony with Celebrant Pat Winslow. Tony’s life was recalled with words from Pat along with Hamdi’s memories of growing up with Uncle Tony from whom he learnt so much. John Wiggins (SCR, 1998-present) shared extracts from an article written for Rhubarb, published in the last year of Tony’s life, with memories from colleagues and pupils fortunate to have shared experiences with him. Music was from Paul Simon, Jack Johnson and Domenico Modugno singing ‘Volare’ and the service ended with Supertramp.
Most of the mourners travelled the short distance back to Teddies and the catering team provided welcome drinks and a buffet lunch in Willows. John Wiggins welcomed everyone and introduced each of the contributors. We heard from a number of Tony’s colleagues recounting tales of teaching and expeditions. Keith Jones (SCR, 1971-2003) had consulted with Arthur Murray (SCR, 1988-2004) and reminded us of Tony’s skills as an innovative teacher and head of department, introducing computing to the School. Richard Anderson (SCR, 1984-2006) recalled Tony’s mathematical prowess as well as his immersion in the Duke of Edinburgh program over many years, while Ann (Hodgson) Butler (SCR, 1995-2000), another mathematician, shared memories both of DofE and times on the river with Tony. Rowing Olympian, Tom Middleton, (Apsley, 1989-1994) spoke for a number of those who struggled initially to fit the mould as ‘A-boat rowers’ but who needed a more solitary path to achieve success and to whom Tony devoted inordinate time and resources.
After lunch, Simon Taylor (SCR, 1969-1985) told us about sharing a house in Oakthorpe Road with Tony for 10 years, how they were polar opposites in many ways but how he had found Tony the most wonderful and enlightening company. The emphasis then shifted to Tony’s love of music and folk tradition as we heard music and tales of tours by several incarnations of his folk band, Tremenysy (Cornish for travellers) as well as the later-formed, Teddies Morris Men. These included OSE, Nigel Grice (Apsley, 1972-1977), Peter Davies (Cowell’s, 1971-1976).
“Very sad to hear about Tony Snell. I have very fond memories – my first teaching job was at Teddies 1971-72.
As a Physicist, Tony was my HoD and was very supportive.
I also shared a house with him in Oakthorpe Road (No. 32, as I remember). That was a hoot –
Tony always had people around at all hours and was invariably planning a scheme or trip.
I didn’t really keep in touch ( I left to teach at Pangbourne) but keenly followed his news.
A great teacher and a real gentleman.” – Alan Vasa (SCR, 1971-1972)
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