Adrian A West (OB 1953-1960)

Written by Francis Roads (OB 1954-1961)

Adrian was a year ahead of me at Brentwood. On leaving he went to Caius College Cambridge where he studied English. From there he went, somewhat reluctantly, into the Inland Revenue, and he stayed there for all his career until 2001. He specialised in the legal aspects of taxation of large companies, particularly offshore businesses, and he used to lecture on the subject. In his retirement he devoted much time to lay-preaching in his local area, gardening, country dancing and all manner of singing.

I got to know him personally when in 2003 he joined London Gallery Quire, which I conduct. He was a dependable bass singer, and after he had been with us for a few years he took over the chairmanship of the quire committee. As well as being a choir singer, he often entertained us from his repertoire of folk-songs, and joined enthusiastically our folk-dancing sessions.

He died on September 11th after a long period of illness. His memorial service, a joyful celebration of his life, took place on 28th September at Winchmore Hill URC, where he served for many years as lay preacher. He leaves his wife Gillian, daughter Tomasin, son Clement, and three grandchildren. I shall remember him as a true gentleman.