In Memoriam | 49
Staffordshire and which had the support of former England prop , Jeff Probyn . The competition raised money for several charities , including local children ’ s hospice The Donna Louise Trust , MENCAP , the Protect Your Neck rugby charity , and Keele University ’ s Athletic Union .
Keele ’ s rugby team of today are currently looking into holding a charity match in Ellis ’ memory in 2022 – please look out on Forever Keele social media channels and newsletters for further information .
“ I was lucky enough to get to know Ellis through studying Biology at Keele and a field trip in particular . He was one of a kind . He had a natural ability to entertain , and he brightened any room , often leaving everyone in hysterics and tears of laughter . I was so saddened to hear of his death . RIP Ellis and thank you for all the fun memories .” - Rachel Garside , fellow Keele alum and friend of Ellis .
“ I first met Ellis on a biology field trip . I think it ’ s fair to say he made quite an impression on many of us and made that week very memorable . That week forged a friendship that grew throughout our time at Keele and provided me with some wonderful memories that I will always treasure . Ellis had an absolutely insatiable and contagious lust for life .
“ He was a people person and had friends from all walks of life . Looking back now I greatly admire his grounded , inclusive and non-judgemental way with others . When we met , we couldn ’ t really have been more different - he was a mature student with a colourful life experience whereas I was a fresh-faced teenager straight out of college , yet he never made me feel inferior , patronised , or belittled in any way . We just found our common ground and had fun .
“ I would say Rest in Peace , but I find it hard to associate the word “ peace ” with someone you could hear bellowing down a traffic cone from miles away ! Thank you for the good times , Ellis .” - Rebecca Peberdy , fellow Keele alum ( Biology & Visual Arts Graduate 2002 ) and friend of Ellis .
Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill
FRENCH AND GERMAN ,
1968-72
Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill was a Keele alumnus and the 98th Bishop of Lichfield . Jonathan studied French and German at Keele between 1968-72 , and also received an honorary doctorate in 2007 in recognition of his “ outstanding contribution to the Church and to the people and the County of Staffordshire .”
Jonathan was the Bishop of Southampton from 1996 to 2003 , and later the Bishop of Lichfield from 2003 until his retirement in 2015 . He died in November this year .