Tributes and Memories

Michael Knuckey CO54

1936 – 2022

Christine Thompson

TS Teacher of Mathematics 1981-2006

We share sad news that Christine Thompson has sadly passed away. Christine taught Mathematics at Truro School from 1981-2006, and was married to the former Head of Chemistry, Mike Thompson (TS 1980-2006). An excerpt from Terraces (2006) when Christine retired from her Truro School role: extra half day’s holiday for the whole school!) and for a number of years, Mike and Christine were house-parents of Trennick, where they were well respected as well as being popular with their charges. These were happy times for them both and the magnificent views across the City from their living room will always remain a treasured memory.

Michael Knuckey was born in Redruth in 1936, and attended Truro School between 1944-1954 alongside his brother Peter Knuckey (TS 1942-1948 – currently living in Australia) before studying Mining Geology at the Royal School of Mines in London. He graduated and immigrated to Canada in 1957 where he worked in mining management and as a chief geologist in various roles and across numerous locations.

He was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame, which celebrates his leadership role in the discovery and development of at least 10 mineral deposits. Of these deposits, eight have become mines. Michael is also celebrated for championing the development of new exploration techniques that are now standard in the industry. The Canadian Mining Hall of Fame describes Michael as having been an inspiring mentor to many explorationists who are now making an impact on the industry. Held in high esteem by his colleagues, Michael is one of the premier explorationists and mine finders of our time, and had the ability to recognise potential in properties and people.

Michael leaves behind his wife, Chris, and children Susan, David, Ian and Tony.

Tribute from the Mining Hall of Fame and Legacy websites.

Even as a small child, Christine had felt drawn to teaching and after completing her Mathematics degree at UMIST gained a PGCE teaching qualification from Manchester University. Throughout her teaching career, it has always given her great satisfaction to know that she has played a small part in the future success of so many pupils. Despite the rigour of her teaching, Christine has always been a caring and generous mentor and friend; over the years countless pupils and more than a few of her colleagues have had reason to be grateful for her kindness at time of crisis. Her willingness to offer sympathy and understanding to anyone in trouble is legendary and it is hardly surprising that, in 1997, she was offered the post of Head of Year, a responsibility which she fulfilled with great conscientiousness.

Christine and Mike celebrated their marriage in the School Chapel in 1986 (the occasion being marked by an

Among her happiest memories at Truro School are her involvement in the Masters’ Plays and the Christmas Pantomimes, playing Euchre during the lunch break in the early years and the time spent with Jenny Leathes (TS Teacher of Art 1984-2002) learning ceramics alongside the students as part of a Wednesday Afternoon Activity. She has also been an invaluable member of the team running Junior school discos.

Christine has always had an impish sense of humour and a willingness to enter into a spirit of fun, which at times has surprised a few of the more staid of her pupils. Christine joined Mike in retirement in 2006.

If any members of our community would like to remember Christine Thompson in the next issue of the Truronian (2023-2024), please get in touch.

Frank Harold Anstis CO45

1925-2023

Frank, aged 97, died peacefully at Meadowbrook Nursing Home, Lostwithiel, following complications after a fall at his home in Truro. May he rest in peace.

Tribute by West Briton. We welcome tributes and memories from anyone who may have known Frank personally.

Lowenna Care CO99 1981 – 2022

Lowenna passed away on Friday 14 October at home in Truro, aged 41 years. A much-loved daughter who will be greatly missed by all family and friends.

1966-2022

1932-2023

Simon Glasson, a passionate and much-respected educator, passed away on 22 December 2022. He was born in Redruth and attended Truro School from 1973-1984. He loved his time at Truro and often cited it as the inspiration behind him becoming a teacher.

After leaving Truro School, he worked at schools in London and was twice employed by Sir William Atkinson, who attended Simon’s funeral (along with other teachers from Mr Glasson’s past). It is Sir William who recognised Simon’s talent and gave him his first job at Cranford Community School. He later re-employed him as Deputy Head of Phoenix Academy (Hammersmith Boys’ School).

More recently he was principal of The City School’s PAF Chapter and the Karachi Grammar School in Pakistan. The news of his passing has deeply saddened all his friends, students and old acquaintances. Calling it a huge loss to education, some also took to social media to pay tribute to him.

Everyone remembered him as a thorough gentleman and a staunch supporter of using education to bring about beneficial social change in society. He enjoyed his time in Pakistan.

TRIBUTE BY MRS MAYA GLASSON and excerpts from Dawn.com

Peter died peacefully at home on Sunday 29 January, aged 90 years, with his family by his side. Much loved husband of Annie, loving father of Anna, Paul (deceased), Marc, Claudia, Lucy and their partners. Grandfather of 7 and greatgrandfather of Finley and Bronson.

He attended Truro School in the late 1940s and, after completing his national service, he returned to Truro to work in the family menswear shop in the city centre. He was a fine rugby player, playing for Truro RFC for many years. He graduated to golf, which he also excelled at, and was a member at Truro Golf Club for almost the rest of his life. He continued to run the family business until retirement in 2009. The Boggia menswear shop existed for 100 years and served the County and beyond with distinction. He was married firstly to Christiane, with whom he had three children, Anna, Paul and Marc. He subsequently remarried to Annie with whom he shared over 40 years living at Perranwell, Restronguet and, finally, Killiow.

His sons Paul CO77 and Marc CO79 were also Truro School pupils. Very sadly, Paul pre-deceased him many years ago. Peter was a very generous, kind and loving gentleman who adored a party and, above all, a practical joke. His funeral was packed at Penmount where many a tale of fun and mischief was recounted.

TRIBUTE BY PHILIP RULE CO78 and excerpts taken from the West Briton.

Tribute by Dignity Funeral Directors.

We welcome tributes and memories from anyone who may have known Lowenna personally.

William Farleigh Rice

1931-2022

On Saturday 10 December 2022, Farleigh sadly passed away aged 90 years at Royal Cornwall Hospital. The funeral took place on Friday 6 January 2023 in Kernow Chapel at Penmount Crematorium.

Tribute by West Briton.

We welcome tributes and memories from anyone who may have known Farleigh personally.

Oliver Morley Powning

1933-2023

Oliver passed away on Friday 7 April at Eshcol House Nursing Home, Portscatho, aged 89 years. Much loved husband of Ann. Oliver’s brother, Arnold, also attended Truro School.

A service was held at Truro Methodist Church on Friday 5 May, conducted by Revd Mark DunnWilson, where the School song High on the Hill was sung during the proceedings.

Tribute by Cornwall Live. With thanks to Maurice Scantlebury (TS 1938-1944).