30 May 1934 – 24 August 2026

Gerard Eaton was born in Sao Paolo, Brazil in 1934 while his father was working abroad for Price Waterhouse. At Stonyhurst he excelled at sports more that academic studies and was nicknamed “Little Ernie” - his older bother Ernest being taller and broader and not to be messed with!

After brief periods in the army and studying for the priesthood he found his calling as a businessman. He ran a very successful car and motorcycle auction in the South of England for several years attracting international buyers.

When not working he was either on the golf course or a boat somewhere in the English Channel. He was also very involved in the Stonyhurst Lourdes pilgrimages. Always the one to make an impression he had us crying with laughter with his comedy news slots in the hotel during the entertainment evening. He published two books: “Can you tell me what time the miracles start?” and “Your way to heaven: St Gerard Majella”.

Gerard's funeral mass will be at the Sacred Heart Church, Norton Road, Hove on Thursday 24^th September at 12:00. There will be a livestream.

He is survived by a wife and five children.

As he liked to say: “Do your Best and Leave the Rest.  Angels can’t do better”.

Paul Warrilow Former Staff

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Paul Warrilow, who served the College with great dedication for nearly four decades, from 1983 until 2022, and will be remembered with much affection by generations of pupils, colleagues and members of the wider Stonyhurst community.

A Requiem Mass will be held at 11.00am on Wednesday 26 August 2026 at St Michael and St John’s RC Church, Lowergate, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 1BE, and all are welcome to join in prayer and remembrance. An online tribute page has also been created in Paul’s memory. We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family, friends and all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.

Robert was born in India on 26 July 1939. After attending Stonyhurst, he went on the graduate from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in Civil Engineering. During his career, he was instrumental in the creation of the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and the development of a number of other underground railways around the world.

Robert passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday 24 May 2026. A kind and loving man, he will be greatly missed by his wife, his three daughters, and his eight grandchildren.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Roger O’Shea OS 65, who died peacefully at the City Hospital, Nottingham, following a short illness on 19th March, aged 79.

Roger was the dearly loved husband of the late Nita, a devoted father to Ciara and Rory, a loving grandfather to Finlay and Aoife, and a much-loved brother to Conor. He will be greatly missed by his family and by all who knew him.

Roger’s funeral service will take place on Thursday 9th April at 11.30am at Corpus Christi Church, Clifton, Nottingham, followed by burial at Ruddington Cemetery.

Family flowers only.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of John Hanratty OS 1966, who passed away peacefully on Saturday 14th March 2026 at Royal Trinity Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

John was immensely proud of his connection to Stonyhurst, a pride shared across generations, with two of his three sons also attending the College,  Andrew (OS 2007) and Michael (OS 2009).

He remained closely connected to the Stonyhurst community throughout his life and was a regular reader of the Association newsletter. Among his fondest memories of his time at the College was the winter when the ponds froze over, allowing students to skate each day, a story he recalled with great affection.

John lived his life in the spirit of the Stonyhurst ideal of being a “man for others”, devoting himself selflessly to his family. He will be remembered with great love and gratitude by those who knew him.

A photograph of John sailing his beloved yacht More Majgik on the Helford River, Cornwall, in 2007 has been kindly shared by his family.

John’s funeral will be held on  Monday 13th April @ 2pm

Venue: Our Lady of Pity & St Simon Stock

Hazlewell Road, Putney, SW15 6LU

Following the service immediate family will travel to the Committal at Putney Vale Crematorium.

Remaining attendees are invited to make their way to the wake for refreshments – venue TBC. If you are able to indicate attendance this will help us with catering.

Donations please to Royal Trinity Hospice.

John was born 16/3/1935 and died 8/3/2026 aged 90.

John joined Hodder in 1946 and left Stonyhurst in 1952.

After which he joined the army then a few years later the ( East Africa) Kenya Police. In 1964 he emigrated to New Zealand with his wife Frances and joined the NZ police force.

He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

He was a devoted husband, and a wonderful father, with a deep Catholic faith and lifelong service to his wider community.

We are grateful to Shaun Barrett OS 1983 for notifying the Association office of the very sad death of his elder brother, Martin. Martin came to Stonyhurst from St John’s, Beaumont in September 1977, having won the C.P. Stevens Memorial Scholarship, and left suddenly during the first year of Higher Line (or Upper Syntax, as it was then known). After school, Martin worked in sales and operations for BST Aeronautical Co. Ltd, Aaxico Europe, Elkay Manufacturing and Boosey & Hawkes before joining the Hampshire Constabulary, first as a Response Team Constable and acting Sergeant and then as an Intelligence Officer. He moved to Perth, Western Australia in 2016. Tragically, he was the victim of what appears to have been a street robbery in the centre of Perth in November 2025. He struck his head against the pavement and suffered brain injuries from which he never recovered. His alleged assailant has been charged with murder.

News of his death triggered a number of happy memories of Martin at the College which have been shared in the playroom WhatsApp group and which are repeated below:

‘Very sad and too early. I remember him as the “manager” of our band :))’

‘My abiding memory of Martin was at mealtimes when everything on his plate was always put between two slices of bread … including boiled whole tomatoes. Hopefully the heavenly bakery is prepared for his arrival’.

‘He was a very interesting, intelligent and personable guy. He was the first person I met who read the world news section of the paper!’

‘Remember Martin as a good solid guy. Admittedly I only knew him in lower line. I think he was active on the OS board as 2 holes in a green tie’.

‘Bless Martin, we worked together on the unofficial magazine ‘Impediment’ in Syntax, some copies of which I found in my mother’s cellar just recently’.

‘Martin was a brilliant comic writer and a wonderful conversationalist. In my view a real shining star in the school and I’d often wondered what became of him. Never thought he’d be a policeman. But I bet he kept his colleagues amused. Love to his family if anyone finds them’.

‘I remember his dry cynical wit – he was very funny’.

‘I also remember him stealing the show in our unlikely cover of the Blackbird Song by the Wurzels at some sort of Grammar social’.

Charles OS 1971–76 was called to the Bar in 1983 and went on to enjoy an illustrious career, both defending and prosecuting. He embodied the finest traditions of the Bar and was widely regarded as an outstanding advocate and a truly exceptional human being.

His leadership, kindness and remarkable talent were evident to all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Charles was a founding member of Rose Court Chambers, and his commitment and contribution to its development were immense. His legacy there will not be forgotten.

He will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family at this difficult time.

Charles’ funeral will be held on 27th March at South London Crematorium at 4:30pm

Requiem Mass for Christopher Graffius

The family of Christopher Graffius warmly invites you to attend a Requiem Mass to pray for the repose of his soul.

The Requiem will take place at midday on Wednesday 18 March at:

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
1 Birch Court
Llay, Wrexham
Wales, LL12 0HS

The Mass will be followed by a reception (location to be confirmed).

RSVP
Kindly confirm your attendance with Elizabeth Cohen at:
elizabethmicohen@gmail.com 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all who have offered words of love and support during this time.

Flowers and Donations

As it is Lent, the family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Missio, a charity Christopher supported throughout his life:
https://missio.org.uk/donate/

There will also be a retiring collection in aid of Missio at the conclusion of the Requiem.

Travel Information

The nearest train stations are:

• Chester Station (approximately 20 minutes’ drive; direct services from London and taxi rank available)

• Wrexham General Station (approximately 15 minutes’ drive)

Parking

There is a small car park at St Francis of Assisi Church. An Aldi car park is also located nearby.

James Chanter, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the age of 39.

James was a devoted husband, a loving son and brother, and a valued friend. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and steady presence, and he will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed at www.svmnj.org/livestream-mass 

A memorial service in the UK will be held on:

Thursday 5 February 2026 at 11.00am
St Mary’s Church
5 Cross Lane
Newchurch-in-Pendle
Burnley BB12 9JR

Those attending are warmly invited to join the family afterwards at The Sparrowhawk,
152 Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, Burnley BB12 9QG.

Nicholas died on 18th October 2025

Fr Simon Bishop SJ OS 1985

28 March 1967 – 4 January 2026

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the death of Fr Simon Bishop SJ OS 85, who died on Sunday 4 January 2026, aged 58, in the 33rd year of his religious life.

Born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Simon spent early childhood years in Fiji before joining Stonyhurst in 1975. He was confirmed at St Peter’s, Stonyhurst, in 1979 and went on to read Theology at Cambridge. After qualifying as a social worker, he entered the Jesuits in 1993. His ministry included time at Wimbledon College, St Aloysius College (Glasgow), the Oxford University Chaplaincy, and the Jesuit Novitiate in Birmingham, where he served as Novice Master from 2017.

His illness began during his time in that role, but he continued to serve faithfully, remaining a much-loved presence in the Birmingham community until the end.

Many OS will remember seeing Fr Simon at their reunion last year , he was deeply touched to be there. He will be greatly missed.

Please pray for the repose of his soul, and for the consolation of his mother, Dawn, and all his family, friends, and fellow Jesuits.

May he rest in peace.

The date of Simon’s funeral is Tuesday 3^rd February. It will take place at 11am at St Mary’s Church, Vivian Rd, Harborne, B17 0DN.

Family members and members of the Jesuit community will be at St Mary’s from 10.15am to greet people as they arrive.

After the Mass there will be a reception in two places – in the parish hall next to the Church and at Manresa House (B17 0AN), 10 mins walk from the Church. Those who are intending to go to the burial are advised to attend the reception in the parish hall, as are those who might not have much time before returning home. If you do have time, and/or are not attending the burial, you might like to come over to see the renewed Manresa House, a great labour of love of Simon’s.

At 1.15pm the family, community and whoever wishes will depart for Oscott Cemetery (B23 5LF) for a 2pm burial.

Please be aware that parking near the Church is very, very limited, if not impossible! One local car park, ten minutes walk from the Church is Harborne, York Street car park | Birmingham City Council

We are very sorry that the funeral is not later in the morning, for those who are travelling from a distance. The time chosen allows for family and others to meet with you and ensures the burial can take place that day. The latest the cemetery will allow is a 2pm start.

If you are not able to be with us, the livestream link is St Marys Church Harborne – YouTube