Walter worked at the school as the school Chaplain from 1977-1994 and will be sadly missed by his friends, family and all who knew him at the School.

We are conscious that many people from this time at school may not be in contact with us and we would be very grateful if you could pass on this information to those that you know.

As is the usual practice, we would like to place an obituary for him in the next OI Journal and would be very grateful if anyone felt they could come forward to write one. Alternatively, if you know of any stories or memories, please pass them on so we could put them together for the publication. Address any contributions to me through oldipswichians@ipswich.school.

With best wishes,

Iain Chesterman

OI Chairman

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Walter Wilson
Walter was born 88 years ago in Conisbrough into a large mining family. He went to a technical college and then went to work at a steel works in Rotherham in the drawing office. He studied in the evenings and then attended a theological college where he studied to enter the ministry. He became a curate in Sheffield and whilst serving as the senior curate for Kit Howell Thomas he met and married Kit’s daughter Sally in 1967. In 1968 Emma was born and the family moved to Lincolnshire where Walter was rector of Cabourne and Swallow and the youth officer for the Grimsby Industrial Mission and Pippa was born in 1970.

The family moved to Ludlow in 1972 where Walter was the Youth Officer for Hereford Diocese. He ran the youth centre which included taking youngsters camping and on holiday. Sally helped with feeding all the hungry mouths and taught them all how to wash up afterwards!

In 1977 the family moved to Ipswich where Walter became chaplain at Ipswich School. The girls really loved this move as they had free use of all the sporting facilities which is where their love for sport blossomed. Whilst at the school as well as being the chaplain Walter also taught Physics and Maths. He often spent evenings in the science labs perfecting experiments for the next day!
He also got to know each student and wrote individual reports for each of them every term. He worked with students who faced challenges both in school and at home teaching them new skills such as his love for carpentry whilst giving them a chance to talk through any issues they were facing. He always had time for anyone needing his help and was affectionately known as “Wally”
by the students.

In 1994 Walter retired and he and Sally moved into their cottage near Mendlesham. This has been a labour of love over the years as the first house they had owned due to the nature of Walter’s work. Walter had spent years with the help of his family renovating it from top to toe to turn it into a home. Walter used his love of gardening to turn a once desolate area into a stunning garden complete with a huge fish pond. He built his grandchildren, Jade and Adam, various climbing frames out of scaffolding on which they spent many happy hours. They even had an upturned sandpit as a boat on the pond! Walter continued to keep himself busy by repairing church windows and doing several commissions for stained glass windows- these he did in a purpose built work shed overlooking his pond. He also helped out with services at Wickham Skeith. Walter and Sally bought a camper-van in which they traveled to various places in England and Ireland having many adventures and breakdowns! They went to visit family in Australia and sightseeing in Egypt.

Sally and Walter moved back to Ipswich seven years ago due to failing health and to be nearer to their amazing daughters. Sadly Walter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Dementia and was initially supported at home by Sally before carers were brought in to assist. He moved into Prince

George Home in 2021 and immediately made a favorable impression on the staff with his ready smile and sense of humour which he kept right up until the end. He sadly passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 3rd.

Dad’s funeral will be on Monday 11th July in Ipswich. Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome and can contact me at emma.netball@sky.com for details.

Obituary by Emma Wilson ( daughter and OI 85-87)