Robert Stokes - 03/08/25 - 29/09/14
08 October 2014
We are sad to announce that Robert Stokes (CR1949-83) passed away on Monday 29th September.
Robert was a long standing and well respected member of the teaching staff at Aldenham. He taught modern foreign languages and was Housemaster of McGill’s from 1959-74. His wife, Hazel was also popular with both staff and boys at the time.
Later Robert became head of Modern Languages and pioneered the development of a Language Laboratory to allow speaking skills to be developed. He was also dedicated to developing the school’s careers capabilities, building strong and lasting links over the years with industry, commerce and the professions. In January 1977 he commenced a four month sabbatical sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and produced a report ‘Why Engineering?’ contrasting the English and German approach to engineering in industry
Hazel died in 1978, which led indirectly to early retirement from Aldenham in 1983 and a new career as the Eastern Secretary of the Independent Schools Careers Organisation ISCO
The School continues to offer this important service to pupils today.
In retirement Robert was always busy, he enjoyed travelling, learning new languages, singing and playing his grand piano. He went to Proms and art galleries and was a huge fan of Covent Garden. Robert had a heart attack in 2009, and in 2011 he moved close to one of his sons near Guildford. Typically, he participated fully in many activities and excursions, until advancing dementia limited his ability to cope with new adventures.