Holroyd, Roger

OT103 - West

Date of Death: 01/08/2024

Roger was a regular attender at the Surrey Lunch Group get-togethers until his health failed him. He passed away in hospital on 1st August. He was a pupil at Ottershaw from Sept 1949 until Sept1954. A member of West house, he took part in sports. He played tennis and became captain of a team playing against other schools. He represented the school in squash and was a member of the first fifteen rugby team. He was awarded his school colours for his sporting achievements, was made a house prefect and in his last year was a school prefect.

He had been married to Pat and they had a son and two daughters. Sadly, Pat died in 2000. Later, Roger was married to Joan, a nurse and latterly University lecturer and remained living in the house in Elstead that he had lived in for many years. He established several businesses in Elstead and for many years was a parish councillor. He was known by many as 'Mr Elstead'.

Roger's funeral was held at St James' Church, Elstead on 2nd September. The church was packed with mourners. At the request of the family, Tony Forward spoke of Roger's time at Ottershaw and subsequent OSOBS activity. The bell was tolled 88 times (Roger's age) by Johnr Young. Other Old Boys in attendance were fellow lunch group members, Angus Palmer, David (Bert) Hibbert and Michael Morley. A family tribute was delivered by Roger's daughter, Claire, from which we learnt what a kind and generous man Roger had been, particularly during his business life in Elstead. He was buried next to Pat.


He will be missed from OSOBS and particularly from our lunch table.