The association has learned of the death of Cdr John Geoffrey (Geoff) Clee RD RNR. He died on 4th March 2013 and leaves a widow, Jane.
Extracts taken from the Eulogy for the funeral provided by Geoff’s younger brother, Peter
Let me start by saying how good it is that so many of his family and friends could be here today to support Jane in her most unexpected bereavement. Geoffrey’s sudden death, following a long but seemingly well controlled illness, has come as a great shock and it will take a great deal of adjustment before we can come to terms with his most untimely demise.
Geoffrey was born in London at the beginning of the 1930s. His early recollections of me were as an annoying younger brother, intent on interfering with his precious railway set. When the war came we treated this as a great adventure….later during the war he was sent to The Perse school in Cambridge, lodging with an elderly Aunt who pandered to most of his whims.
Having started late on a steep educational curve he succeeded in gaining entry to Caius College and from all accounts thoroughly enjoyed his next three years at university. After coming down he completed his National Service by training as a Fleet Air Arm pilot, another fine example for me to follow. No doubt he could have stayed in the navy but I suspect the demands of military life did not appeal to him. He started his civilian career working for an Aviation company but soon moved on to start his life-long career in the oil business, initially with BP.
During this time he enjoyed many weekends flying with the Channel Air Division as a reserve anti-submarine pilot, an idyllic way of life which sadly came to an end during the Duncan Sandys military cuts. However, Geoffrey remained in the Naval Reserve and was employed in military intelligence duties eventually reaching the rank of Commander.
His family life was always important to him and he took a keen interest in the progress of his son, Nicholas, his daughter-in-law, Nicollete and his granddaughters, Rebecca and Laura, giving them a good deal of support and encouragement…He was also very appreciative of fine arts and Jane and he enjoyed visiting art galleries both at home and abroad. Their hospitality was legendary and many a fine social occasion was enjoyed by family and friends, although after one fairly riotous family get together Geoffrey noted in his engagement diary, 13 Clees – never again.
Geoffrey enjoyed a long and happy retirement. He remained a true gentlemen to the end. His loss will be felt by family and friends for a long time and his memory will be with us for ever.