The obituary notice of Frank Harold ANSTIS

Memories of a true gentleman ,teacher with a dry sense of humour and the following extract from'The Reeder 2019. sums him up -I wonder whether note is made of his comments re "tributes" at funerals
I will quote Albert Einstein"Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation.For they are us :our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life"


Frank Anstis (1951 to 1985, former Head of Science, Blathwayt Housemaster and Second Master)
What have I been doing in retirement? As I have been retired for about the same time as I taught at Reed’s, the answer is a great deal and a multitude of activities.


Annual holidays in France stopped last year, but I have been active in party politics, a governor at a local high school for girls, chairman of the local art society, church warden, walker, gardener, cook, avid reader and generally making a nuisance of myself. I stop there because this is beginning to read like some of the ‘tributes’ I so much loathe at the many funerals I now attend.
I was greatly encouraged by the many formers pupils (nudged by Roger Mew) who sent kind messages on my 90th birthday (four years ago!) – I could believe that my working life was not wholly unproductive! Now I concentrate on keeping active and growing old gracefully. Last week I was recognised at the health centre by John Raquet (Capel 1977) calling: ‘It’s Mr Anstis, isn’t it?’. So clearly, I am no less ancient now than I seemed to pupils in the 1950s and 60s!

I don't think I was one of Frank's best pupils or member of his house. He was, though, patient and kindly and his maths tuition put me back on track and I have kind memories of him as my housemaster. In a long career at Reed's, Frank rose to deputy Headmaster and during an "interregnum" Headmaster. Reed's and all those pupils in his care have a lot to be grateful for, his memory will remain. In retirement he took up painting and on my dining room wall I have one his paintings, the Church where his Memorial Service is to be held. Very fitting.
My condolences to all his family .
Chris Hawkins

May I convey my most sincere condolences to the family. During my time at Reed’s in the mid 1980’s, I cannot think of anyone who emanated a more natural air of genuine enthusiasm than Frank Anstis. Frank had an ability to communicate to all levels with ease, combined with a raw energy that was truly infectious. These attributes always helped one feel that lessons had less of a divide between student and teacher, because it was more important to grasp the facts together. Yes, I admit that I was hooked on his Physics classes from the outset. Mr. Anstis or ‘Sir’ - also had a knack of seamlessly joining the theory side with practical explanations that made the learning process far more fluid than I found with some other subjects. In fact, I still use parts of the curriculum he taught within my job today. But when doing so, my mind always subconsciously returns to a fond image of the physics laboratory, the detailed drawings that he chalked on the black board, avidly writing in our blue hard backed notebooks and of course - the famous practical demonstrations. It was a real privilege to have benefited from this experience, especially during my teenage years.
Ian Locke

Frank was a wonderful support to me when I first joined the Science staff straight from College in 1970. Even though I was so very young & 'green', he was always there to lend helpful advice in times of trouble. Thank you, Frank, for all your help & friendship. My sincerest condolences to all the family, from Howard Robinson

I remember Frank Anstis with great affection from my time at Reeds 1970-1977 - a real character and a lovely bloke. It was lovely to read about him in the Reeder and see he was 'down the road' from me in Devon. Lovely part of the world for him. Condolences to the family.

Frank Anstis, or as I knew him Mr Anstis or Sir. He was my Physics Teacher at Reeds and if my memory is right Deputy Head during my stay between 1971 to 1978. He was a Gentleman in the true meaning of the word, as well as the Teacher who led me to a Grade A. Thank you. I attended a reunion at Reeds sometime around 2008-2012 with my younger brother who is also an OR. Frank saw us and came over and recognised me. What had I done all those years earlier to be so remembered! We had a great chat. I now so regret that I had not known he was living just a few miles from me here in Cornwall. Thank you Frank for everything you did for me. My thoughts are with the Family at this time. Reeds and its Teachers set me on a path I had no idea I was on until later life. Thank you once again ,Sir, or, you don't mind, Frank.
Be at Peace. Nigel Parkes.

On behalf of generations of Old Reedonians (former pupils of Reed's School, Cobham) where Frank guided and inspired so many for over 30 years, we offer sincerest condolences to Evelyn, Simon & the whole family. RIP Sir xx

Frank was the dearest of friends and a great colleague. We had so many fun times through our shared interests and beliefs. Fiona and I were deeply privileged to share in 45 years of knowing a remarkable man. Our love and prayers are with all the family. Richard and Fiona Garrett