The College Record 2022

Dad loved life. He was incredibly bright, charming, generous, and gentle. He had
no time for crooks in business, and leaves behind a reputation for being rigorously
honest and fair in a world renowned for its ego and corrupt values. Music and
poetry brought him deep joy, and if literature moved him, he didn’t hesitate to buy a
copy for everyone that he loved. He was thoughtful. A keen walker, he orchestrated
many walking weekends all over Britain, taking large groups of friends out in the
elements, always with a worn-out pair of binoculars and some bright pink hiking
socks. He leaves behind not only a number of close family members, but hundreds
of friends who have depended on him greatly over the years. We all feel his absence
with great sadness, and also gratitude to have been in his path at all. After his death,
I received many correspondences from people, some known and others not, eager
to explain to me the profound effect he had had on their lives. This has brought great
comfort, and I write this with a feeling of pride that I got to be his daughter. Rest in
peace, Dad. Thanks for teaching me to always read the small print.
Obituaries
Jennie Chapman
BARRIE CRAYTHORN
Barrie Craythorn was born in Brixham on 12 April 1936,
the only child of Henry and Gertrude Craythorn. He died
in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on 24 May 2022 at
the age of 86.
At Torquay Boys Grammar School he learnt well his
French and Spanish, and after National Service went up
to Queen’s in 1956 to read Modern Languages. A keen member of the College
Soccer team, he was team secretary at the time of their promotion to the University
First Division. In fact, he was an active soccer player into mid-life and took a lively
interest in the game.
After graduation he joined the British Oxygen Company, serving in a number of roles,
particularly using his Spanish in supporting clients in South America.
From 1970 Barrie become increasingly focussed on the benefits of language
laboratories, then emerging as a means of facilitating the teaching of modern
languages. He promoted sales at home and latterly overseas and in 1979 started his
own servicing company, Bellnorgis, to provide a new standard of service for existing
language laboratories. Barrie continued to serve as Director until his retirement in
2009.
Barrie was blessed with a powerful tenor voice, and enjoyed singing in a diverse
number of choirs. For 40 years Barrie sang with the St Barts Academic Festival
College Record 2022 | The Queen’s College 111