In the long line of great Old Xavierians’ Colin Garvey was up there with the best of them. Arriving at Clapham College in 1954 as an eleven-year-old he forged lasting and loyal friendships with his contemporaries until his untimely death on 5th March 2025. He loved his time at Clapham both as a student and teacher.

On the departure of the Brothers in 1970, Cecil Pocock, the newly installed head teacher, lost no time in appointing Colin as the new head of history, a role he held for more than a decade until he moved to Sacred Heart Camberwell initially as deputy head and then as head teacher until his retirement in 2005.

At Clapham, he held in high regard all the Xaverian Brothers especially Brother Peter who led the school. A wise and quick-witted leader who never spared the cane. He developed a long friendship with Cecil Pocock whose ‘sergeant major’ style of leadership was in stark contrast to the Brothers. John Gibb, a legendary English teacher also moulded Colin. Other staff Colin spoke about with varying degrees of fondness: Brian Atkinson, Tom Marshall, Bill Blight, Tom Gilmore, Bill Kidd and Bob Cummings.

Colin was a brilliant teacher. He always delivered interesting lessons engaging with the boys with consummate ease and good humour. His public exam results for his pupils were outstanding. No surprise that his classes for sixth form boys were always the largest.

For over thirty years Colin entertained us at our annual lunches especially when he spoke when introducing the guests. Always topical, amusing and poking fun, delivered with great humour. What a gift he had!

As a footballer he was a skilled defender. He could kick a ball with both feet and for years made the position of left full back his own in the 1st XI. As a schoolboy Colin was selected to represent London Grammar Schools.

With the College school leavers, he targeted many individuals to join the old boy’s association. In the years he was a master at the College it was no accident that the playing strength of the football section improved dramatically to reach the pinnacle of the Old Boys’ League and Amateur Football Alliance. Colin made it easy to join the old boys and difficult to leave.

Colin was a devout catholic. He was a true witness to his faith and firmly believed in the power of prayer. He became a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory for conspicuous lay service within the Archdiocese of Southwark.

Finally, Colin’s contribution to the Association was invaluable. He performed many roles, participated in most activities and always offered sound advice. His counsel will be sorely missed. He was loved by all.

Rest in peace and rise in glory.

Eddie O’Brien