Remembering Christopher Cobb

Christopher Cobb passed away peacefully at home aged 94 after spending Christmas with family.

Chris spent his childhood in The Lees as his father was Head of Mathematics at Malvern College for over 30 years. He was one of the last of a generation of college boys ‘evacuated to London’ along with the rest of the College to make space for the Free French and Royal Radar Establishment during the war. He reminisced about listening to the doodlebugs coming over during lessons. It was safe until the engine cut out and then you had to dive under your desk as if that would have made a difference!

Chris was in No.7 and No.9 during his time at Malvern College – initially in Harrow and then back at Malvern.

Chris was very bright and read mathematics at Pembroke going up in 1951 after his national service. He made many lifelong friends there particularly through rowing where he coxed competing regularly in the bumps and at Henley.

After Cambridge, Chris taught Maths at Cheltenham College before training as an Actuary with The Equitable in London. A pioneer in the use of computers in finance, Chris moved to live in Surrey in 1963 when he joined Friend Provident, qualifying as an Actuary in 1968 and retired in 1990.

Chris met Carolyn in 1957 and they married in 1959. They had wonderful times together, celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary in 2024. Chris and Carolyn had three children – Cilla, Tim and Annabel and four grandchildren – Tomio, Eleanor, Alisa and Natalie. Chris and Carolyn were keen gardeners, kept a boat on the River Wey and also travelled the world in their retirement.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, A very clever chap and a fine example.

20th August 1930 – 29th December 2024