Part 2 (Obituaries) - King's College - University of Cambridge

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OBITUARIES
Tim’s intellect was attracted to philosophical issues of morality, ethics and
religion. This led him to a deeper personal faith, which sustained him and
was perhaps strengthened by his deteriorating health. His recurring illness
put a great strain on his working life and his family life. He and Kate
separated for a while when Tim took early retirement and was hospitalised.
During his convalescence, he was greatly helped by a vicar and other
friends, but Tim found it difficult to regain his physical strength. Years of
powerful medication had taken their toll on his kidneys, walking became
difficult, and then it was discovered that he had a shadow on his liver. Once
cancer was diagnosed, he moved back in with Kate, Peter and Annie, who
looked after him and fed him with large meals to keep up his strength for
chemotherapy. Just after his 58th birthday, he was taken into hospital for an
emergency operation, and although for a week he struggled to recover, sadly
he lost the battle and died on 25 July 2005.
THOMAS GRAHAM DENNE (1949) was an only child born of elderly
parents in Walmer, Kent, on 24 February 1929. Even though he was quiet and
cautious by nature,Thomas became someone who had the ability to get along
with almost everyone, as he had a charm and straightforwardness that made
him a very likeable character.
In 1942 Thomas arrived at Eton, having been groomed for a scholarship at
Sunningdale. Life at the school carried on much as ever even though it was
wartime.The school had been bombed and food was rationed.Thomas fitted
in well, made many friends and was elected to the elite “Pop” society. His
prowess in sports also contributed to his social success, but this was an
accomplishment that in no way altered his humility. The years at Eton were
crowned by the achievement of winning an Exhibition to King’s, but before
he could leave for Cambridge Thomas was called up for National Service in
1947. He served as a Gun Position Officer in the Royal Horse Artillery in
Germany and was well liked by his men. Serving in the Horse ArtilleryThomas
was expected to ride, but he was always much more comfortable playing
scrum-half in the regimental rugby team.