We are sorry to report that David (Jim) Laker has passed away after a short illness. He was 79. David entered WCS in September 1955 and for the next thirty years was known by everyone at the school and later at the ‘Old Boys’ as ‘Jim’ as this was the peak career time of the Surrey and England cricketer Jim Laker. David was an excellent sportsman at WCS, representing the school year teams at both cricket (left arm fast bowler) and football.
For the school football first eleven he played at various times as left back, left wing and goalkeeper. He was one of the few ‘Sarf London’ boys in his year to support lowly Fulham rather than glamorous Chelsea. He left WCS in 1962 to read maths at Birmingham University. After graduation he returned to London to begin a long career with Unilever, working initially in their marketing department. In the 1980s he moved to Hamburg with Unilever for a couple of years. David was a regular player for OWCFC in the !st and 2nd elevens from 1965 until he moved to Germany.
After his retirement David developed an interest in film making and cine/video photography. Also in local history, often combining the two. He was a member of a group of old West Citz classmates who met regularly for walks, outings and a few drinks! He recently contacted Wes Streeting, another OWC, to see if he would be interested in meeting the group. His secretary declined because of ‘work pressures.’
David was proud of his association with the school and Old Boys. He was a regular attendee at reunion dinners and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
On Wednesday April 26th the cremation for his immediate family only will be held. This will be followed by a Thanksgiving Service at 1.30pm at All Saints Church, 44 Bark Hart Road, Orpington, BR6 0QD, Followed by a wake at the Bull’s Head, 5 Royal Parade, Chislehurst BR7 6NR. All welcome at the church and the Bull’s Head.
Our picture shows David (Jim) Laker at the OWCA Centenary Dinner 2008.
