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John Lawrence - 1 September 1928 - 15 December 2006
John Adrian Tremayne Rodd, Lord Rennell 28 June 1935 - 9 December 2006
F.J. ( Freddy) Leishman ? - 27 September 2006
Dougie Crawford 23 Dec 1940 - 12 June 2006
Steve McMillan 1964-2006
Bob Godfrey 1949 - 2004
Edward ("Ward") Shirra Gibb-Vernon 1940 - 8 December 2004
Alan Dunlop 29 Oct 1932 - 31 July 2004
Doug Keller 1922 - 27 March 2004
ACW (Cam) Boyle 11 Nov 1937 - 19 Mar 2004
Cameron Johnston 18 Dec 1964 - 13 Mar 2004

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John Lawrence

1 September 1928 - 15 December 2006

John Lawrence was a great servant to the club, a player and then committee member for many decades who continued until late in life as the first-choice whenever a haggis needed to be addressed. A passionate sportsman he represented School and later the RAF at rugby, cricket and hockey, and even relatively late in life he would enjoy batting on the Nursery Ground at Lords, playing for the secretariat against the ground staff.

Christopher Lawrence writes ...

Dad was born in Sandwich, Kent on September 1st, 1928. His Dad was Scots, serving in the Royal Air Force at the time. His mother was from London.

I am not sure exactly when he joined the club, but if I had to guess it was in about 1950. He was in and out of the 1XV, but service postings inevitably intervened. He was Club Secretary for a long time, through the 80s/90s, and he was also Secretary of the Four Home Unions Tours Committee, the body that organized the Lions tours before the professional era.

He was involved with LSFC throughout his adult life, and was an Honorary Vice President.

He served in the RAF for 28 years retiring in 1975 to join the MCC as Assistant Secretary (Finance). He retired from the MCC in 1988. By the way I and my brothers, Nick and Robert played at the club, so it is in the family!

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The memorial service was held at St. Mary's Church, Barnes, on February 16th, 2007. The Reverend Ross Collins took the service and it was well attended by many of his old friends from LSFC, the Caledonian Club, the MCC, the RAF and even a couple of old mates from his old school, Taunton. Christopher Lawrence spoke of his father thus:

"We all remember him as a vibrant, good humored and energetic person, almost always with a smile on his face and a spring in his step You only had to see him teaching a class of Scottish Country Dancing, or supporting his beloved Scotland at Murrayfield, or performing in the Barnes pantomime, to know what I mean.

"People often say about folk that they gave one hundred and ten percent. In my Dad’s case, I am proud to say that was always his way. He was the life and soul of every party, a great raconteur, a musician, a singer, a comedian, an after dinner speaker, and in truth no one ever addressed the haggis with more passion and feeling. He was one of those rare people, who always mad those around him feel better for his presence."

John Lawrence will also be remembered fondly and with gratitude for his work with the Bishop’s House on the Island of Iona, his helping to organize the South African Barbarians Rugby tour, the first ever multi racial touring side to visit Britain from South Africa, his membership of and contribution to the Caledonian Club, and his work at Southwark Cathedral and in this church and community of Barnes.

John Adrian Tremayne Rodd, 3rd Baron Rennell

28 June 1935 - 9 December 2006

John Adrian Tremayne Rodd, rugby player: born 28 June 1935; capped 14 times for Scotland 1958-65; succeeded 1978 as third Baron Rennell; married 1977 Phyllis Neill (one son, three daughters); died London 9 December 2006.

The strong competitive streak that ran through Tremayne Rodd was not confined to the rugby field, on which he won 14 caps for Scotland and played for the Barbarians. The future Lord Rennell was equally combative around the backgammon table and on the golf course.

First capped for Scotland in the 11-9 win over France at Murrayfield in 1958, he had an international career that stretched over seven years as he kept battling his way back into the side. An ever-present in the five Tests played in 1958 - he was on the winning side against Australia and in the team that drew with England in the Calcutta Cup match in Edinburgh - he missed the 1959 campaign and played in the opening two defeats in the 1960 championship.

He was missing for the 1960/61 season and played in the opening game of the 1962 championship against France. Stan Coughtrie overtook him again in 1963 before he returned triumphantly the next season. After playing in the opening success over the French at Murrayfield he helped Scotland draw 0-0 with the touring All Blacks. He then lost his place again, this time to Alex Hastie, after a narrow defeat in Cardiff to Wales. There were three more appearances in 1965, all of which were on losing sides, before his Test career came to an end. By then he was 30, but a long way off from hanging up his boots.

In fact, his last-known appearance on a rugby field was in 1993, at the ripe old age of 58, when he appeared for a House of Lords and Commonwealth Officers XV against a South African President's XV in Cape Town.

"Tremayne was fiercely competitive and always liked to keep himself in shape. He was a very good scrum half when I played with him for London Scottish and Scotland who had a quick pass and a lightning break," recalled Iain Laughland, the former Scottish Rugby Union President:

He was a great character to have in your side and always raised a smile. I remember going to see him play for a House of Lords team against a Scottish Bankers XV on the morning of an international in Edinburgh. He was well into his fifties at the time and came over to me just before kick-off and asked me to look after his false teeth. I eventually put them in a plastic bag and left them at the corner flag.

Rodd learned his rugby at Downside and Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, before following his father, Commander Gustaf Rodd, into the Navy. He played for the Navy and United Services while serving and was in the Combined Services XV that met the Wallabies in 1957 and the Springboks in 1961. In 1958 he was home fleet boxing champion.

"When he left the Navy he went into investment banking at Morgan Grenfell, but simply hated it. His uncle was the chairman and I told him to stick with it, but he quit after nine months," Laughland said. "In the end he became the director of a sports trophies company in King's Cross."

A strong golfer who used to play against Sam Torrance at Sunningdale, Rodd was an expert backgammon player who competed at the world championships. One Christmas, before he succeeded his uncle as third Baron Rennell in 1978, he set up a table in a window at Selfridges in London where he challenged all-comers to play him.

He met his wife, Phyllis Neill, in a queue at an airport as he was returning from Italy after his father's funeral. He allegedly asked her to hold a bag for him while he went to the lavatory. The bag contained the urn in which his late father's ashes had been placed

Rob Cole - The Independent (c)

F.J. ( Freddy) Leishman

It is with great regret we have to announce the passing of F.J. ( Freddy) Leishman. CVO, MBE, FRSA. on 27^th September 2006.

Freddy was captain of rugby at Oundle, a Cambridge Blue in 1938 and captained London Scottish in 1947/48.During his career, Freddy was a soldier, diplomat, merchant banker and inveterate traveller and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. To his wife and family we send our deepest sympathy.

William Douglas "Dougie" Crawford

London Scottish 1966- 1968

Malcolm Cook writes:

Older members will be saddened by the passing of Dougie Crawford, who played with the 2s and the 3s in the mid sixties, prior to emigrating to Canada, where he continued his rugby with Toronto Scottish and with whom he also represented Ontario.

Dougie played with his former pupils club, Hillhead High School F.P. 1st XV, prior to moving South and served LSFC. in many playing positions, but principally second row and prop. Former players Fulton Paterson, Barney Bonella, Bill Hunter and others of that vintage will remember Dougie's wholehearted approach to his Saturday sport with the club, both on and off the field and, like many similar enthusiasts, he thought nothing of  leaving home to represent the club on a Saturday morning knowing that post match ?duties? may delay his return until sometime Sunday morning !

Dougie had a deep passion for all things Scottish and Rugby, missing few tours and similarly few Rugby World Cups.

He died peacefully in his sleep, as we would all wish, when the time comes and he will be sorely missed by all those who knew him or were even only briefly in his company, such was the personality of this memorable Exiled Scot
 

Steve McMillan

Doug Cowie writes:

Steve passed away on Saturday 25th March, aged 42. Steve had been battling with a long illness which started with an auto-immune disease about two years ago. Steve was a regular follower of the 1st XV at both home and away matches.

Despite his long illness, Steve remained positive and cheerful and always looked forward to the next game at the Athletic Ground even when he was wheelchair-bound. Steve is survived by his son, Alfie, who played in the Youth sides for a number of years.

Bob Godfrey

David Lamb spotted the report in the Surrey Comet that Bob has died, and writes:

"I remember him as 'Bob', although the paper refers to him as 'Bobby'. He was the fitness coach,
and a specialist weights trainer, for the club in our semi-pro/professional era. The newspaper obituary refers to him as a rugby coach, "And probably his most successful spell was with London Scottish, who he took from First Division into the Premiership".

"He came from Harlequins, and moved on to Saracens with coach Alan Zondagh, when we went bust. I don't think he was ever really a London Scottish club man, having played for Battersea Ironsides and the Fire Brigade.

"From memory I recall that his family came from Stranraer, although he was very much a Londoner. His son Duncan, who coached the youth age-group I ran for a while, was part of the club's successful Development side that won the national championship, coached by Brett Cookson."

Bob was 55 and had a heart attack while running in Richmond Park
 

Ward Vernon

George Hinton writes:

Ward Vernon passed away yesterday, 8th December, after having suffered a massive brain aneurism.

Ward was born in Calcutta in 1940, where his father was an engineer. He later returned to Crieff, Scotland, and attended Morrisons Academy and Edinburgh University. Like many of his age Ward had to complete National Service and reached the dizzy heights of 2nd Lieutenant with the 2nd Battalion Black Watch, a connection that he was inordinately proud of.

Like many Scots he made his way south to work in London and joined London Scottish. His career was in the property field, before making his mark during the coal strike.

A great jazz fan, piano and banjo, he played with a jazz band for many years that was sponsored by NCP, and played many venues around the country.

A resident of St Margarets for many years, were he was Known as a bon viveur, raconteur and good egg he will be missed by his many friends.

Ward is survived by his partner of many years Linda. His first wife and son pre-deceased him.

Alan Dunlop

Like many Anglo-Scots, Alan’s heritage was typical coming from a Scottish military family. His father, Lieutenant Colonel John Dunlop, DSO, formerly of the Scots Greys, had served in WWI. Although born in England, Alan lived with family in Glasgow at the onset of WWII. He subsequently followed his parents to India, where he spent his early schooling at the Lawrence Memorial School, a military academy in the Nilgiri Hills. Upon his return to the UK in 1947 he continued his education on board HMS Conway, a naval training ship moored in the Menai Straits. Amongst his tours during his subsequent 8 years in the Royal Navy, he served on HMS Belfast during the Korean War. During his time in the RN Alan had been an irregular visitor at Scottish’s home games when on leave. Back in civilian life, he started his lifelong career in the travel industry spanning a variety of companies. Over the next 35 years he worked for BOAC, Hoverspeed, British Rail and Eurotunnel, where his fondness of France lead to him to buy a home in 1989. 

After his early career at BOAC, his love of travel and exploration lead him and Ruth to yet again leave the UK and move to West Africa in 1960. Both his sons John and David were born in Nigeria. His return to London in 1969, brought about by the Biafra War, lead him to renew his connection with London Scottish and from there on he became a long standing supporter. Whilst no rugby player himself, his son John has had an enduring rugby career giving Alan no other option than to follow London Scottish for the last 23 seasons. The opportunity to analyse the game in the clubhouse afterwards rarely passed him by. His long-term relationship with the club has been cemented with numerous friendships, many social events and many rugby tours. He was well known to many supporters and players alike. 

Prior to retiring, he was the commercial manager of Eurotunnel, seeing the tunnel from conception through to eventual operation. One of his more famous London Scottish escapades involved him smuggling an entire Picts touring party onto the train to Paris for an international.

In a bright and varied life, Alan travelled the world extensively, worked and lived on three different continents and was a committed member of several societies and charities. He was the President of both the London Rotary Club and the SKÅL Club. A member of the MCC for 34 years he continued his friendship with many a London Scottish member at Lords. Until recently he was a trustee of the Conway Charitable trust. He continued his relationship with many of his early influences, including returning to India with the Old Lawrencians on several occasions and being an active member of the Belfast Association.

The motto of the Lawrence School is “Never give in”. Alan didn’t – he was diagnosed with cancer in spring 1999 and fought it bravely for over five years. His health had deteriorated in recent months but not enough to stop him from attending the test match against New Zealand at Lords in the summer.

Alan’s funeral at the Royal Garrison Church, Aldershot, in August was attended by over 200 people spanning his entire life. John and Lysa are grateful for the support and kind words from many at the club. You have all given Alan great pleasure in his lifelong voyage to the try-line.

Steve "Boots" Graham adds: Alan was a great guy and known to a wide circle at Scottish, playing and non-playing alike. Alan had been a member at Scottish for over 30 years and was a regular visitor on match days often seen yelling encouragement to his son, John "JD" Dunlop. He was often pitchside at Picts matches and, it has to be said, often moving quicker than most of those on the pitch.

The Dunlops had the foresight to establish a "base camp" at the most appropriate of addresses, No1 Rugby Road Twickenham, where he kept a well stocked beer fridge for tired and emotional Scotland supporters. Although more recently located in Farnham, Alan still kept very close contact and was present most weekends during the season. He also enjoyed his cricket and as a member of the MCC was at Lords just a few weeks ago."
 

Doug Keller

Former Scotland Captain dies

Former Scotland rugby captain Doug Keller has died at the age of 81. He will be buried in Sydney on Thursday after losing his battle with a long-standing illness at the weekend. 

Dr Keller, who was born in Australia and played six Tests for the Wallabies before moving to London, qualified for Scotland through his grandmother. Having started his career as a prop, he won seven Scotland caps in 1949 and 1950 as a blindside flanker and also played for London Scottish. 

Scottish Rugby Union president Bert Duffy said: "Doug Keller made a magnificent contribution to our great game and I know his loss will be felt in both the Scottish and Australian rugby communities. On behalf of Scottish Rugby, I extend our sincere condolences to his family." 

Dr Keller had a reputation as a tough, uncompromising player and made his international debut for the Wallabies in 1947.  

After the 1947-48 tour to Europe when he played in tests against England and France, he moved to London to continue his studies as a specialist urologist, a field in which he was later to become a world authority. Dr Keller joined London Scottish and was called up for Scotland's Five Nations match against France in 1949. He captained the Scots to an 8-0 win in Paris and led the side for the remainder of the 1949 Five Nations campaign, at the end of which Scotland finished fourth on points difference with two wins and two defeats. 

Keller was replaced as captain the following season by back-row colleague Doug Elliot but played the first three matches of the 1950 championship. His last international appearance came in the 21-0 defeat by Ireland at Lansdowne Road. Scotland went on to finish second, again with two wins and two defeats. Dr Keller's c

Dr Keller passed away at Mona Vale Hospital on Sydney's northern beaches on Saturday. 

(from BBC World)

(If anyone can shed more light on Doug Keller's career at the club please email webmaster@londonscottish.com)

ACW (Cam) Boyle 11 Nov 1937 - 19 Mar 2004

It is with great sadness we have to announce the passing of a former President of London Scottish.

From an early age Cam always entered into everything he did with an enthusiasm and a sense of being, a team man to the core contributing to the full in a wide range of activities selflessly and without seeking the limelight.   
 
Educated at Kelvinside Acadamy and then Merchiston Castle School where he achieved the highest honours becoming Head Boy, Captain of Rugby and playing in the school first eleven at cricket.   After leaving school he was commissioned into the Cameron Highlanders, serving at home at the Inverness 
Barracks and thereafter saw service abroad with the battalion in Aden.   
 
After completing his National Service he passed into Cambridge University, Pembroke College where he took a 2/1 in Modern History.   At Cambridge he played for the University 1st XV and became a member of the Hawkes Club.  

On coming down from University his business career took him to the City of London where he became a stockbroker with the Canadian Company Wood Gundy.   Thereafter he joined Wood Mackenzie who posted him to the United States to open an office in New York where he worked for three years finally 
returning to London.
 
During this period he continued to be active on the rugby front joining London Scottish from Cambridge and was a regular member of the 1st XV.   He was capped for Scotland in 1963.   He was also a key player in the famous London Scottish Seven winning a number of medals not least Middlesex and Melrose.  He was also part of the Cambridge University Seven who triumphed at Melrose.
 
After his playing career he continued to serve rugby being appointed to the Committee of the Scottish Rugby Union from 1979 - 1985.   One of his principal contributions being the inauguration of the Scottish Exiles District which provided a natural vehicle for Scottish qualified players based in England progressing to the full Scotland Team.    On his return from the United States he continued to service London Scottish RFC taking on the Presidency from 1990 - 1997.
 
"Cam" also served as a Governor of Merchiston Castle School and did a term as President of the Merchistonian Club.   He was a long serving committee member of his beloved Caledonian Club of which he was a member for 36 years.
 
To his everlasting credit he never sought personal recognition, but only the opportunity to contribute his wide range of skills to whatever "team" he became a part - always supported to the hilt by his wife Rowan and daughter Helen.
 
To his long list of friends in many countries he will be remembered with deep affection and sorely missed - "thanks Cam".

Iain Laughland

Cameron Johnston (18 Dec 1964 - 13 Mar 2004)

Cameron Johnston, who played for more than a dozen years at London Scottish and who was playing his last game for the club before flying off to a new life in Australia next month, collapsed on the pitch on 13th March and died of a suspected heart attack.  

London Scots turned up en masse on a blustery day to bid farewell to the the man described by team-mate Hugh Wood as "God's new best mate".

The small chapel at Mortlake simply failed to cope with the estimated 350-400 mourners, and there were more outside, straining to hear, than in. After a secular service, tributes were paid by family members including his wife Merry, father Alastair and brother Drew plus a work colleague and three team-mates: Iain Young, Stuart Hall and Wood.  It is with Wood's family that Merry and Megan will stay when they head for Sydney as planned next month. Others present included members of the Drifters team from the match Cammie died..

Club piper Ralph Potter played Amazing Grace and the Lament. The crowd (for that is what it was) gave Flower of Scotland a rendition of passion and quality seldom heard.

Afterwards, the mourners headed for the bar at London Scottish, which is where Cammie would have chosen! Not many went away early. 

Meredith Johnston has asked that rather than sending flowers to the cemetery, the family would prefer you make a donation to the National Kidney Research Fund.  This can be done by sending cheques to the funeral directors, they will then send them on to the NKRF in Cammie's name.
 
Cheques payable to: "National Kidney Research Fund" 

Please leave your name and address on the rear of the cheque, and also Cammie's name.

Please send to: 
Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors
23 Church Road
Ashford
Middlesex
TW15 2UG

Cameron Johnston