Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
"O gentlemen, the time of life is short!
To spend that shortness basely were too long"
The quotation above, from Shakespeare's Henry IV, was written on the back wall of the original English Form of John Lyon School and reminds us to live our lives well.
Many people wish to remember loved ones through gifts to the School that will benefit pupils now and in the future.
This page is where past and future meet: dedicated to remembering Lyonians who lived their lives to the full, through gifts for future generations.
Jerry Geelan (OL 1966-1973) is fondly remembered by many OLs and inspired the "Jerry Geelan Bursary Fund". Many OLs have donated to the fund, in Jerry's memory, to assist a local child to attend John Lyon School.
Margaret Palmer worked at John Lyon School from 1973 to 1984. She loved the School and stayed close to it and the OLA in her retirement through her son, Keith Palmer, who made a very generous donation to the OL bursary fund in her memory.
This tree was planted in memory of Duncan Whichelo, who very sadly died during his time at School. He was described as "one of those young men the world can scarcely spare, hard working, full of energy, abounding in good humour and a joy to his friends". His parents also kindly donated a prize in his memory, the Duncan Whichelo History Prize.
The Red House Memorial Garden contains several trees planted in memory of Lyonians: Michael Burrell (OL 1949-1956), Lyndon Budd (former teacher), Adrian Gaynor-Smith (OL 1950-1957), and Duncan Whicelo (see separate entry). The garden also contains the War Memorial to all OLs who died in the First and Second World Wars.
Two recent enquiries from OLs coincidentally led us to some wonderful photographs and a stirring speech by Lord Alexander at his inspection of the CCF… More...
In memory of Old Lyonians and friends of the School who have died: More...
John Mather, OL 1954-1962 and Head Boy in 1962, sadly passed away on 6th December 2020. More...
Andrew Panter came to John Lyon in 1958 from Scotch College in Adelaide, joining the 1955 - 1962 cohort. His close friend, Stephen Brown remembers hi… More...
As well as the online Act of Remembrance (link to video in main article), OLs laid a wreath at the War Memorial in the Red House Garden. More...
Brian Hore became a consultant psychiatrist and world expert on alcoholism, despite some unpromising early medical experiences at John Lyon. More...
We will remember them - Many Old Lyonians fought and died in the World Wars of last century. On 11th November, the School joined with OLs to remember … More...
Three celebrations of the Founder, very much missing our Old Lyonians, but nevertheless commemorating the great man were held at St Mary's. Hear the … More...
A tree has been planted in the Red House garden in memory of Margaret Palmer's close connection to the School. Keith Palmer arranged a plaque recognis… More...
Geoffrey Lancashire (OL 1935-1940) sadly passed away last month. Having lost many classmates during WW2, Remembrance at John Lyon was particularly im… More...