REMEMBERING MICHAEL RAW

Michael Raw was a deeply loved individual and has been a great influence over the lives of so many colleagues and Sedberghians. The OS Club has had an overwhelming response to his passing. We include one such tribute from Oliver Foster (W 97-04):

“MAFR was one of those truly remarkable people who seemed to be the very embodiment of Sedbergh. His razor sharp intellect, his dry wit and his undoubted ability to command the attention of pupils and staff both in and out of the classroom were just a few of his attributes. 

Generations of Sedberghians will remember him for all manner of different reasons (Rugby, his love of fizzy blue bottles, Rm 13 with its windows open regardless of whether a new ice age had descended outside or not, his love of “notes”; a phrase which sent shivers down the spine of many!). 

When all is said and done though, we who were fortunate enough to have known Mr Raw owe him a debt we will never be able to repay. Sedbergh has lost a “giant”, a man who’s like we will not see again and we are all the poorer for it. May you rest in peace, Sir!“

We have had many requests for further information, which fall into three broad categories. In response:

• For those who wish to write a letter of condolence, and given that Michael had no immediate relatives, we ask that you send your letter of condolence to: In memory of Michael Raw, Old Sedberghian Club, Sedbergh School, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5HG. These letters will then be used to make a memorial book. Please make sure you include your name, address and email.

• Many have asked if there will be a funeral or memorial service. Undoubtedly there will be, but the School is still coming to terms with Michael’s loss. We will update everyone once such decisions have been made.

• Some have asked if they can mark Michael’s passing by a donation. It has long been known that Michael was keen to raise funds for a Roger Lupton Scholarship through the proceeds of the book he was writing (The History of 500 years of Sedbergh), and had said as recently as two weeks ago that this was an important to him. After discussion with the Headmaster, and others, we ask that any donations are made to the Roger Lupton Scholarship Fund which you can find here.

Thank you to all those who have been in touch. He was indeed a very special and dearly loved individual.

Jan van der Velde