Museum index

Notice Board

Namelist

Stapylton Field

KAYE TOWNSEND (master at QE 1956-65): obituary from The Elizabethan September 2006

Kaye was born in Dursley Road, Trowbridge in 1932, first child of Leslie and Evelyn Townsend.  He died tragically in Lusaka, Zambia, beaten to death, his body then being bound and wrapped and removed to farm land on the outskirts of the city.  His body was set alight, but rains extinguished the fire and he was found the next morning by a farm labourer.  Loving friends searching for him found and identified his body in the Police mortuary.    Kaye grew up in a simple family home; his life soon influenced by the rising power of Hitler in Germany.  At seven he was, with his younger brother Vivian, and the many children of Britain, involved in the Second World War.    Leading his younger brother they "dug for Britain", growing vegetables in their garden to support the family and his father, who went to war as a soldier, ultimately being shipped off to North Africa.    Kaye became the senior man of the family whilst the war continued.  Schooling was paramount, but the fear of invasion and enemy attack was with both the boys constantly.  Their garden flourished and they did many jobs for neighbours.    With the War over, education became the focus and their Dad returned home, changed by war; soon a younger sister arrived, Stephanie, followed by another brother, Patrick.  Kaye remained very much the "big brother", and has always remained thus.    Kaye delivered early morning newspapers to earn money, beginning years of various jobs as he funded himself through Winchester College (now University) and Exeter University to become a qualified Maths teacher.    The family were immensely proud of him gaining his degree, and beginning teaching at Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet.	He taught there for ten years and became Head of Mathematics, whilst organising school trips with the other hand, so to speak!  Visits as far afield as Russia took place in the days before today's safety legislation.    Then came the big adventure - Zambia; much planned and carefully prepared he set forth in January 1966; this young country boy, undertaking a difficult journey to a whole new world.  He loved it, meeting a new neighbour in Mongu at Kambule Secondary School - John Whittingham, who became a life long friend.  Kaye flourished and enjoyed the many challenges; eager with new ideas and full of energy.  Was he ever still?    Our memories are of someone full of determination, enthusiasm and wonder. Many Zambians became friends, getting involved in his many projects, confirming his life's goal - doing what he could to impart his knowledge and skills for the benefit of others. His visits home were full of news of his doings, new friends and colleagues.  Lots of names began to have faces as they came back to the UK; a little of his world coming to us.  He was always happy and full of energy, eager to be back in Zambia, now his country, as he became a citizen.    His parents and his mother's sister visited and fell in love with Zambia too.  Niece Diane, and then nephew Paul were born to his brother, Vivian and wife Janet, and then another nephew James born to his sister, Steph, shortly followed by two more nephews Luke and Jake born to his younger brother, Patrick.  He became a visiting Uncle supplying lavish presents in the early years of their lives.  He funded a trip for James to see "his" Zambia and it will always be to our regret that poor health prevented our visit too.	Kaye became a rarer visitor to the UK, with the death of his parents, but we kept in touch and continued to meet members of his Zambian family when he, or they, came to UK.  T&T Gym, and charity work became his new passions.  His last visit in 2005 was a happy one and he managed to see almost everyone, although some of his old Winchester College and Queen Elizabeth's School friends had died.  He attended his friend Eric Shearly's funeral and talked of nothing but Zambia! We looked forward to seeing him again in 2007, but this was not to be.    Kaye's strength was in his energy and determination to get a job done, from war-time garden to obtaining his degree and putting his knowledge into practical use.  He loved teaching, he loved the Gym and he loved Zambia and all the friends that he thought of as family.  Indeed many benefited from his sponsorship and obtained education.  Some have come to UK to train and work, all have succeeded in achieving well and he was so proud of his students.  He couldn't countenance being ill, and was aggressively proud of his good health record.    He would have hated being sick and dependant - at least he has been spared that.  Nevertheless he expected to give more, do more and his busy life should not have been so forcibly cut short.  We shall never forget him and all his many contributions to education will be his everlasting memorial.  It would be wonderful to see his charity flourish and be registered under the auspices of Nelson Mandela. The Townsend Family
Sent in by Chris Mungovan