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Alwyn Keith Alastair Boulby

23rd May 1944 - 13th May 2026

Alwyn was born on 23rd May 1944 and passed away just 10 days short of his 82nd birthday on 13th May 2026 aged 81.

 Alwyn had been treated at James Cook UH before becoming a patient in St Theresa’s Hospice in Darlington suffering from pancreatic cancer.
Alwyn expressed his wish to be cremated at Maple Park Crematorium near Thirsk because of its connections with the RAF. Unfortunately, at the time of booking there were no appointments available. However, Anne Boulby received a belated call from the Funeral Director to say that there was a cancellation … would Alwyn like the slot?
A very private cremation was then arranged.

A memorial service celebrating the Life of Alwyn was held at Stokesley Parish Church on Thursday 25th June followed by a Bun Fight in STH. Both were attended by over 100 people despite the great heat.
In attendance from Probus were Colin Hinton, Chris Lee, John Rhind, Bob Blakey,
Colin Howard with his beard and me.
Former Probus Members present were Alan Crosskill, David Chalk and
Michael Westgarth-Taylor.
The Service was led by two Vicars with another in the congregation, leading to a Chris Lee quip that Alwyn was trebling his chances of a move upstairs.
There was an excellent Reading by Colin Hinton from 1 Corinthians v1-13 with Love as the theme.

                                                 Some comments from the tributes:

Rev Paul Peverell:
Paul spoke about Alwyn and his love for the St Peter and St Paul Church and gave some anecdotes:

 Alwyn was instrumental in updating the church heating system which works extremely well in the winter months.

 Paul was surprised that Alwyn had a posh accent as he had never encountered a cultured Geordie!

 Alwyn cared passionately about issues and was sometimes very quick to speak out, which created problems. However, his heart was in the right place and things always turned out well.

 Alwyn’s primary concern was always his love and care for Anne.

 Alwyn was very appreciative of the help he received from the Hospice.

 Paul visited Alwyn in the Hospice to give Communion and company.

Paul also stole one story from another speaker about the Hospice.

Alwyn, when asked what he would like for dinner, replied steak. Three pieces of steak were served but Alwyn said he couldn’t eat them. Why not came the reply?

It wouldn’t be right to eat steak without red wine! The chef then went away, and returned with a choice of three miniature wine bottles for Alwyn to choose one!

Anthony Barrable: Early Days

Anthony spoke about his childhood, growing up with Alwyn in Tynemouth.
Alwyn was a happy, jokey boy known as Jolly Olly.
They had similar interests and  shared their Dinky toy collections including a sought-after Centurion Tank and Car Transporter which were difficult to obtain in post war years.
They joined the Cubs together with great enjoyment but failed to enjoy their time in the Scouts. They then joined Christ Church and enjoyed the clubs but not the choir, where they were relegated to the back row!
In their mid-teens they moved to different schools but remained in touch.
Alwyn developed an interest in all things mechanical and the Air Training Club.
He built a bogey cart and they enjoyed great but dangerous fun.
He then obtained a motor bike and gave demonstrations to friends. Unfortunately, one day the bike wouldn’t start correctly. It flew off with Alwyn lying spreadeagled across the top.
The bike crashed through some garage doors and was written off.
Fortunately, Alwyn was not hurt.
A friend worked in a scrap yard and received a Rolls Royce to scrap. He did a temporary repair which allowed Alwyn and friends to travel around North Shields, giving passers-by “royal waves”. Unfortunately, the repairs soon failed and the car was scrapped.
When Alwyn left school, he joined Northern Gas where he gained a great knowledge of gas issues.
Anthony and Alwyn enjoyed a long friendship.

Derek McDonough: RAF Memories:
Alwyn was an Aircraft Engineer from 1964 to 1970
In 1972 he joined the branch promoting the RAF
Derek and Alwyn met in 1978.
Alwyn was in the Air Training Corp and helped Derek to decide on a career in the RAF.
Alwyn was a Member of the RAF London Club enjoying visits to the Running Horse Tavern and a worldwide network of friends.
He was a member of the Friends of Leeming Aviation Group (known as FLAG) which had 89 members.
Alwyn enjoyed many social events in his clubs often with Anne.
They attended the Festival of Remembrance at Albert Hall.
He received a Cert. of Appreciation and Commemorative Badges for his support for the Royal British Legion. He was a Member for 15 yrs & Poppy Organiser for 13 yrs to 2016.
Alwyn managed the promotion and sales of the enamelled lapel pins celebrating the period 1914 to 2014 as Collectors Items.   

Alan Crosskill sent me emails in 2014 outlining Alwyn’s work.
- Alwyn was an active member of a club for aviation activities including flight simulations.
  It was Computer Games for Grown Ups.
- Alwyn was a Friend and a Gentleman.
- He was always well-dressed in bright colours. He once met Camilla who commented on his
   jacket which she said would have looked good on her husband.
- Alwyn was known and respected for his loyalty and support for all his RAF activities
  and supporting the RAF, motto "Per ardua ad astra" meaning Through adversity (struggle)
  to the Stars.  

James Barry: Life in Stokesley
In the 16th Century there were several spelling variations of Boulby, and at this time the Bowlby families were attached to Rievaulx Abbey. In 1538, following the dissolution of monasteries by Henry VIII, they were forced to leave. The Bowlby families therefore moved to Whitby and the surrounding areas to run sheep farms. Some families also emigrated creating a worldwide History Group covering Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
In the 1800s some families moved North to Tynemouth, Alwyn’s heritage.
A big reunion was held in 2002.  

In the 1980s Alwyn moved from Tynemouth to Stokesley and Anne came from Knutsford.
They were married in the Parish Church in 1989
Alwyn and Anne loved holidays.
They visited South Africa exploring the country on three occasions.
They enjoyed Hong Kong, North Wales and Cheshire.
They loved the USA visiting New York, Washington and the East Coast giving Alwyn the chance to attend many Air Shows.
Alwyn and Anne enjoyed a wide range of friendships and life in Stokesley and the area.
This included Saturdays in Betty’s at Northallerton, the Moors, Whitby and Scarborough.
They would meet up with friends from Tynemouth then take a train visit to Whitby.
Alwyn was a Member of Rotary and President in 1996.
He was a member of The Other Club of Stokesley (TOCOS) serving as Treasurer and ‘dinner monitor’.
He was a Parish Councillor from 1987 to 1990.
He played a key role in the Jubilee Bridge project in 2013.
On retirement he wanted to return to Northumberland, but Anne wanted to return to Cheshire.
So, in the end, they agreed to stay in Stokesley where they have lived for the past 45 years.
Alwyn was a collar and tie English gentleman.

Chatting after the Service, two stories emerged from David Chalk about Alwyn’s name.

1. How should you pronounce Alwyn? Ol-wyn, Al-wyn, or All-wyn?
    Ol-wyn (or All-wyn) were commonly used and accepted.
    Alwyn himself said it was pronounced Al-wyn but he was nice enough never to contradict
    anyone.
2. Not many people knew that Alwyn’s birth Certificate showed his name spelt as Alwin.
    Apparently, Alwyn always preferred his name to be spelt with a “y” which he used
    throughout his life. To avoid any problems, it was necessary for Anne to ensure his Death
    Certificate showed both spellings!

Alwyn joined Probus at the AGM in 2013 proposed by Terry Ratcliffe and seconded by me.
He listed his successful career as Technical Sales Agent.
He listed his hobbies as Aviation with a passionate interest in the RAF.
He loved to deliver quips and one-liners.
He referred to his dentist as the ‘fang farrier’ and me as “Mr President”.

Member comments on KW email of his passing:
John Edwards: Shocking news, saddening. A lovely fellow, eccentric with a great sense of humour, a rare one-off. Hugely missed.

D&S Times: Death Notice and Photo via Derek Whiting

KW 21.7.26

David Henry Storry

12th May 1933 - 27th September 2025

David was born on the 12th May 1933 in Stockton. He always regretted this because even if he had been a good enough cricketer he still couldn’t have played for Yorkshire.
David died peacefully at home in Kirkby on Sat 27th September aged 92
Family members were by his side: his wife Liz, daughter Joanne, son Richard, 4 grandchildren and a great grandson.

A Committal Service was held at Middlesbrough Crematorium on Friday 24th October for family members. This was followed by a Thanksgiving Service for David held at
St Augustine’s Church in Kirkby. Donations in lieu of flowers were requested in aid of the Church. I made a small donation on behalf of Probus.
I attended with Colin Hinton, John and Jean Richardson, Malcolm and June D’Arcy, Maria Humphrey and Gordon Hetherington.

The Service followed a nautical theme with stories about David’s interests in sailing and rowing. We had the ‘perils on the sea’ hymn and Rod Stewart with ‘Sailing’.
We had a poem on ‘Waves’ and another on all the ‘moments’ when David would be missed. Richard Storry related several stories.

David loved Fast Cars. Not Ferraris, just fast saloon cars.
He loved to occupy the outside lane and go for it.
He was once in an outside lane but spotted a police car in his mirror. So, he cut across the motorway and exited into an estate. He passed a house with the garage door open, pulled in and stayed for 20 minutes escaping capture.
But, he was caught speeding numerous times and achieved 9 penalty points.
He did help the Police on occasion. For example, following a robbery the Police did a Blue light visit to his home, took him to Northallerton and asked him to value the recovered goods. Then Blue lighted him home. ‘The goods were worthless’ he said.
David loved Fast boats. In the 1950s when he was training to be a Chartered Surveyor, he joined a Rowing Club in Co. Durham. In 1958 he won a rowing competition and held several titles into the 60s. When he retired from competition he continued support for the Club by funding activities. In 2009 the Club asked him if he could help with a promising female rower. He did and she went on to win an Olympic Gold medal – Cath Copeland.

He bought a 29’ sailing yacht; the Gypsy King and enjoyed sailing around France.
He spent 10 years with new boats, including speed boats.
David loved Fine Wine. He developed his interest through the 70s and 80s. He had a cellar built into his Seamer home and every subsequent property he owned. He travelled to France and befriended a Winery buying 600 bottles at a time. He came to a deal with Barker and Stonehouse for transport home. At one VAT visit, the Inspector could hardly believe the cellar was personal consumption and not a Business.   

I chatted with a friend from my NYCC and R&C volunteer days. He lives in Kirkby and said that David loved racing around on his tractor crossing fields and through the village.
Chatting with another lady going back to the Car Park: she told me that she was a former employee of David’s. “He was a lovely man, funny and friendly. He organised a Christmas Lunch every year for all staff. He paid for all the meals, drinks and transport.”

David joined Probus at the AGM on 16th April 2013 proposed by John Richardson
(couldn’t read the Seconder).

David was a Member of many Clubs including The Round Table from 1960 to 1973, Rotary from 1972 to 1987 and the 41 Club. He listed his hobbies as Wine, Croquet, Golf, Sailing and Rowing (Remember he sponsored the Jasmine Harrison talk ‘Rowing the Atlantic’ on 21st May 2024 with a £100 donation)

Richard Storry finished with the line “A life well-lived” indeed.

KW 18.11.25

Richard Rose

31st October 1938 - 11th December 2025

Richard was born in Middlesbrough on the 31st October 1938 and passed away in James Cook Hospital on 11th December 2025, aged 87.
A Service for Richard was held in St Bede’s Chapel at Middlesbrough Crematorium on Monday 12th January  2026 followed by a wake at Middlesbrough Golf Club in Brass Castle Lane.
The Service was well-attended with family and friends, including some from The Gentlemen’s Marbles Club in Nunthorpe. Maj probably calls this his Bowling Club.
Derek Whiting and I also attended. Derek actually stayed on because the very next Service was for his brother Alan. Sorry for your loss Derek.
Richard’s family moved home several times to Haverton Hill, Billingham and back to Middlesbrough.
Richard was a bright pupil but for family reasons was not able to attend Grammar School. He left school becoming a Fireman on the Railways but left this job to join the RAF. He was stationed at RAF Halton in Aylesbury.
After leaving military service Richard spent most of his career, 33 years, working for the Post Office. He started by driving a van to cover deliveries to farms and rural locations.
He retired as the Manager of the Stockton Office.
Whilst in the RAF he met up with his future wife Irene on a train.
He visited at her home in North Ormesby but always had to leave before the 10:00 pm home curfew!! He would then walk back home to Billingham – true love.
Irene went into Nursing and they split up each becoming engaged to someone else.
But, Irene’s Aunt maintained contact between the two.
She thought Richard was a Gentleman and kind.
They got back together and were married at St. Alphonsus Church in 1966.
They lived in N.O. but were moved to Netherfields following some house clearances.
Richard and Irene finally settled at Beeches Rise in Marton.
They enjoyed a 59-year marriage.
They had two children; Michael and Katie who described her dad as being great, very patient and a reliable taxi service. He had a love for family, camping in Devon and visiting Air Shows. Richard and Michael were Boro Season ticket holders.
He read the Daily Mail so no-one was allowed to talk about politics.
He loved walking on the Moors and climbed the Three Peaks.
He enjoyed nature and gardening programmes on TV and had a dog called Spike.
He enjoyed reading especially local history and wartime stories.
He enjoyed Quizzes at his Social Clubs.
He played outdoor Bowls at Nunthorpe in the summer and Indoors at Eston and Grangetown in the winter.

In his later years he suffered from Kidney and Liver failure and osteoporosis.
He was on dialysis. He remained independent and resisted help as much as possible.  
He had a fall fracturing a bone and was admitted to James Cook Hospital.

He was comforted by Katie and Irene with words of faith and some terrible jokes.
Richard was not devoutly religious but he fully supported Irene who was totally committed to her Catholic Faith.
Father Dominque Minskip led the Service and summed Richard up as a man who loved his family, was kind and is safe in eternal life.

Richard joined Probus on the 15th January 2019. He was proposed by ‘squiggly line’ and Maj Chuhan. He stepped down from membership on 20th June 2023 due to ill health.

I made a small donation for Probus in lieu of flowers to the Kidney Research UK and
Royal Osteoporosis Society charities.

KW 20.1.26

John Peter Cocker

8th October 1934 - 30th December 2025

John lived in Low Easby, then moved to Great Ayton. He was an Industrial Chemist at ICI, Some Members may remember him.
John was born on the 8th October 1934 and passed away in James Cook Hospital on 30th December 2025, aged 91.
He attended Probus as my Guest in July, August. & September 2012.
He joined in October 2012.
His attendance was varied with some holidays and illness mixed in.
Clubs, in the end, were not for him and he stepped down from membership in June 2014

A Service is arranged for John at St Bede’s Chapel on Monday 26th January 2026
followed by refreshments at St Cuthbert’s Church in Marton.

KW 20.1.26

Dr. David Drysdale Bryson

19th March 1928 - 14th February 2026

David was born on 19th March 1928 in Glasgow and passed away peacefully at home on St Valentine’s Day, Saturday 14th February 2026 aged 97

A Service for David was held in St Bede’s Chapel at Middlesbrough Crematorium on Monday 2nd March. I attended with my wife and Jim and Margaret Gannon.
Robin Cook, a former Probus Speaker, also attended.
The Service was led by Jane Alexander, a Scottish Celebrant.
Tributes to David were delivered by his son-in-law Martin Orlandi and his grandchildren Luisa and David.
Refreshments were offered at the Crathorne Arms.
Donations were requested on behalf of Marie Curie. I donated £20 on behalf of SPC

David was born into a shipyard family which lived through poverty with immense family love. David’s upbringing was difficult with the added problems of war years and the depression. One story of David as a 10-year-old was that he was instructed to go for the Doctor as his mother was in labour. David got waylaid playing in the snow and enjoying a snowball fight. So, the Doctor arrived late. His sister was born.
The family loved the West Kilbride coast where they managed to enjoy a few holidays.
Sadly, David’s Mother died aged just 35.
The 1930s were years of unemployment but gave David his determination to succeed.
He won Awards in the Scouts.
He won a St John’s Award thanks to a great teacher. This gave him the incentive to become a Doctor. He was the first in his family to attend University and focussed on obstetrics.

David met Isabelle at a dance. She was with someone else but he persevered attending more dances and eventually swooped on her. They married in 1955 enjoying 63 years of marriage before Isa died in 2016.

David served in the war as a Navigator in a Bomber plane.
He sent Isa a letter every day.
After the war David became a GP in Glasgow.  But he wanted more.

He completed a Diploma in Social Care and working for the Commonwealth Office as a Medical Officer, he went to the West Indies. He worked on tropical diseases, especially leprosy, in Jamaica for seven years.
While there, he developed an interest in oil painting and became a very talented painter. David’s daughter Janet was born in 1962 after a flight to a hospital in a        4-seater plane.

David returned to Scotland in 1963 taking a GP job with ICI.
He took up golf with his brother Angus and played badly every Saturday.
He was more of a Social Member but always elegantly dressed in his ties.

David had learned how to fish from his father and enjoyed passing on the skills to Janet. They enjoyed many mackerel barbeques on holiday in a log cabin with brother Jack and his family in Argyllshire.

In 1976 he was promoted in ICI to Senior Medical Officer based at Wilton Castle.
David and Isa bought a home in Hutton Rudby and remained there.
They had brilliant neighbours especially Jim and Margaret Gannon who lived next door.
David loved classical music and holidays around the world.

He was a proud Dad when Janet married Michael in 1998. Both were GPs.
Michael described David as a great Father-in-Law and entertainer.
Even Michael’s parents loved David and his jokes.
David loved visiting local pubs. His general knowledge was phenomenal and he was a winner. His weak areas were football and soap questions but Michael managed those. He loved completing the Daily Telegraph crossword always in less than 30 minutes. He enjoyed red wine from all corners of the world.
David’s family legacy would be one of love, respect, anecdotes, humour and artwork.
Grandchildren Luisa and David completed the Tributes to Papa with memories of musical and gardening experiences.

In retirement David focussed on Family, Golf, Artwork, Probus and Humour.
In his declining years he was supported by Carers but was always a proud Scot.

He joined Probus on 20th October 2012 proposed by Bill Skinner and seconded by David Middleton; all passed away.
At 97, David was the Probus Elder Statesman

KW 17.3.26

John  Walter Rider
9th May 1938 – 17th February 2026

John was born on the 9th May 1938 and passed away peacefully at the Nunthorpe Hall Care Home on the 17th February 2026 aged 87.
John is missed by his wife Maureen, sister Liz, daughters Kate and Suzie, son Michael and 5 grandchildren.

A Service was held on Thursday 5th March in Christ Church, Gt. Ayton. Donations were requested for St Oswald’s Church at Newton-under-Roseberry and the RNLI

John was a retired Farmer having worked the Barnaby Grange Farm on the Ormesby to Guisborough road near the Kings Head pub for many years.
When John became seriously ill, he sold the farm to his daughter who owned the farm next door.
John and Maureen then downsized to a bungalow in Station Rd., Gt. Ayton.

He had lived in the area his whole life and was a Member of Guisborough Round Table and the Runswick Bay Sailing Club. He also enjoyed Shooting.

John applied for Probus membership on 22nd October 2010.
The date of starting is not recorded. He was Proposed by squiggly line and Seconded by Mike Humphrey.
Other signatories on the Application were the Chairman – squiggly line; the Secretary – squiggly line and the Treasurer – squiggly line.

Sadly, John resigned from Probus wef the Meeting on 19th October 2021

KW 17.3.26

JOHN LEAR RICHARDSON

22nd May 1929 - 23rd July 2026

Lear was John’s mother’s maiden name.
John was born on a farm in Thirtleby in the East Riding near Hull on 22nd May 1929 and passed away on 23rd July 2026 aged 97.
A private family cremation Service was held at Middlesbrough Crematorium on the morning of Tuesday 18th August; our Probus Meeting day.
This was followed in the afternoon by ‘A Thanksgiving Service in Remembrance’ of John at All Saints Church in Hutton Rudby.
Donations were welcome in memory of John for Cure Parkinsons and All Saints Church. Refreshments followed at John’s home at Belbrough Lane.
From Probus, the Service was attended by Colin Hinton and myself with apologies from John Rhind.

The Service Tribute was led by the Parish Priest with numerous acknowledgements and anecdotes provided by John’s three daughters: Jane, Sally and Tina.
John was a true gentleman with an excellent memory and recall.
He recounted many tales of his mother, Brenda, and growing up around the family fire with singing, harvest time suppers and learning to dance on the tennis court using a wind-up gramophone.
But family life on the farm in the early days was tough with no running water or electricity.  
John noted his father, Richard, and incidents from the war; chasing escaped barrage balloons and hearing shrapnel falling on the farmhouse roof from 4 fifty pond bombs falling close by.
John returned to the Farm on a ‘remembrance trip’ and was welcomed by the current owner who was unaware of the hidden cellar shown to her by John.

John’s school days were difficult. He did not enjoy Drax Grammer school: poor food and poor teaching in the war years, but he did pass his School Certificate.
At 16 he decided that he did not wish to be a farmer so enrolled at the Hull School of Art taking a course in Architecture.
John loved his sport; playing rugby for Hull and the East Riding, representing Singapore, working as a Referee for Middlesbrough and serving on the Yorkshire Committee through to the game turning professional in 1995.

In 1949 John met Jean who was working as his dad’s Secretary in Thirtleby. Jean supported John through his exams producing a beautifully typed thesis. He travelled by train to the Royal Institute of British Architects building on Portland Place for his Viva.
En route he read a book by George Wornum who had designed the building and the man who was Chairing the Viva. John sailed through talking about H-shaped girders; knowledge gained over the previous hours!!
In 1952 John took his first job working in a Hull City Dept.

Later in 1952, John was ‘called up’ at Oswestry for his deferred National Service but sent to Aldershot. He volunteered to go to Singapore to complete Officer training. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery.
John spent a great deal of time writing to Jean who was living in Essex.
They were married in 1955 at Danbury Church and returned to Singapore on a three-week honeymoon on the SS Canton.
Singapore was idyllic and Jane was born but Home Rule was coming to Singapore so they returned to the UK after considering Canada.

John took a job as a Chartered Architect, with A. J. Elder in 1959 in Middlesbrough.
There was a post-war building boom allowing John opportunities to work on Billingham and Thornaby town centres, the Yorkshire Bank and contracts with ICI and Vintners.
He was Chairman of the Teesside Branch of RIBA 1972-73 and the Northern Region in 1975-76.  In this capacity he met Queen Elizabeth.
John moved to an Office in Yarm when they were briefly living in Nunthorpe.
Sally was born in 1959 and Tina in 1960.
In 1963 they purchased a plot in Hutton Rudby.
John and Jean designed the home with the family recalling many happy moments.
Enjoying 21st Parties, Christmas parties, Weddings and innumerable family games and activities. They loved all of their 62 years here.
A popular family holiday destination was New Zealand.
John retired in 1993.

He enjoyed his retirement with experiences including cookery, skiing, car rallies,
riding a motorbike and sailing.
John joined the Hutton Rudby Parish Council and became Chairman in 1999
John and Jean played a major role in the bridge widening and improvements to footpaths.

Friendships from Hull, Singapore, Australia, Ireland and the local area were made and retained throughout their lives.
In later years they were happy to be at home and enjoying car trips to local places but remaining active and alert.
The loss of Jean, aged 95, in February this year was very, very hard for John.
It ended a 71-year marriage.
In this period, he remained a respected gentleman with his carers, district nurses and hospital staff.
He was kind, funny, perceptive and never slow to tell another story.
He left the family short of nothing.

The six grandchildren, as they had done so emotionally and sensitively with their Grandma recalled their love and respect for Grandpa.
They talked of family holidays, learning in the workshop, guidance at difficult times,
love, humour, marriage, Yorkshire tours, slide shows, garden games, working hard and determination. All were grateful to him and greatly missed both Grandma and Grandpa.

John was a former Rotarian.
He joined Probus on 15th March 2011 proposed by John Rhind and was our Elder Statesman.
John and Tina organised our Club Trip to Ushaw College originally for 10th June 2020. This was cancelled due to Covid and rearranged for 9th June 2022.
An enjoyable and interesting visit.
John listed his hobbies as golf, gardening, photography and food.

An exceptional man.

KW 8.9.26