Page 68 - Eclipse - Autumn 2021

IN MEMORIAM

He was a prodigious athlete and
sportsman, regularly taking part in
triathlons, marathons and an Ironman
challenge, including running the Virgin DAVID KATY SYKES
London Marathon for the RVC’s Animal HARDYMAN-RICE It is with a very heavy heart that we note
Care Trust in 2010. In his retirement, the passing of Katy Sykes in September
Graham put his athleticism to very good It is with great sadness that we say 2021, following an unexpected and short
effect in raising more money for charity. goodbye to David Hardyman-Rice, who
passed away in June this year. period of illness. Despite her devastating
He appeared live on the BBC’s ‘The One diagnosis, Katy continued to stay strong
Show’ cycling to raise money for the Although David did have underlying throughout her illness, allowing her to
Rickshaw Challenge, he plunged out of health conditions that had worsened over create some lasting and happy memories
an aeroplane, organised and led a coast- the last year, his death was sudden and for her young sons, Daniel and Ethan,
to-coast walk joined by many colleagues unexpected. He leaves behind his wife, and her partner, Rich.
and friends, and took part in long- Liz and his two daughters. Katy worked in the Exams Office for over
distance runs. These raised valuable David was a man of many talents and two years and quickly became an integral
funds for charities such as Maggie’s, was a talented musician, a magician part of the team. Anyone who came into
Our Special Friends, Children in Need and member of the Magic Circle, and a contact with, or worked alongside, Katy
and the St Clare Hospice. magistrate. He had a long and unusually always found her to be cheerful, warm
dangerous career in risk and insurance and welcoming – nothing was ever too
Graham received a terminal cancer based in Moscow, Kazakhstan, much trouble. Her attention to detail and
diagnosis in 2018. At this point he Azerbaijan and Georgia in the 80s excellent organisation skills made her a
decided to retire. Always positive and and 90s before moving into more local great asset to the RVC, as well as the
appearing to be in robust health to governance roles when he and Liz staff and students that she supported.
anyone who met him during this time, he decided to adopt their children.
really was a true example of how to deal Katy was also a popular member of our
with such a terrible prognosis with great He came to the RVC in 2012, initially in local Potters Bar community. Her passing
fortitude and dignity. He was always an academic governance role but quickly is greatly mourned by all who knew her,
cheerful, positive and able to discuss his shifted into a role supporting the corporate and it is a fitting legacy that over £22,000
medical interventions clearly. governance of the RVC, working for Elaine has been raised in Katy’s name for Isabel
Acaster and then Ian Darker in their roles Hospice, Welwyn Garden City, where Katy
He is a shining example of a true colleague as Secretary to Council. was so well cared for in her final days.
and friend who never stopped applying
himself to whatever the matter in hand. He was a charming, witty, wise, erudite, Katy will be sorely missed, both as a
hard-working and helpful colleague, wonderful friend and brilliant colleague.
Graham died at home just before his whose positive impact on colleagues far
60th birthday. He will never be forgotten exceeded the parameters of his role. He
by those of us who had the pleasure, will be sorely missed.
joy and distinction of knowing him. He
leaves his much-loved family – his wife,
Julia, and sons, Matthew and Mark

We also proudly remember . . .

Miss Jennifer Anne Bunting 1952 Mr John Anthony Dyson 1962
Mr Nicholas Blampied 1950 Mr Godfrey Torr 1967
Mr Colin Richard Quinton Barton 1954 Mr Andrew Rivers 1990
Mr Peter Anthony Flint 1961 Mr Hugh Reed 1967
Mr Roy George Gough 1962 Mr Richard Samuel 1953
...and our other RVC alumni and friends who are
sadly no longer with us.

OBITUARIES
We are keen to pay tribute to RVC alumni who have sadly died. If you
would like to share your stories and memories of a relative, friend or
colleague, please email us at alumni@rvc.ac.uk

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