John Casstles (OB 1940-1950)

John Casstles, one of two brothers to attend Brentwood School, died on May 1st, 2024. The funeral took place at St John the Baptist, Pinner on June 18th.

Born in Ilford on August 31st, 1931, John attended Brentwood School from the age of 8, for which he was immensely proud, living by their motto, Virtue, Learning, Manners. School life provided John with independence and security whilst life during the War was uncertain. John worked hard, enjoyed rugby, captained the school shooting team and was Head of the Cadet Corps. 

In 1951 he joined the Royal Artillery to do his National Service, and he went on to obtain a Territorial Army Commission with the Essex Yeomanry, a Royal Horse Artillery Field Regiment, for which he held a lifelong position. 

On return from his Military Service, he was hoping to continue studying Engineering at UCL. However, his father was ill at home and John felt he needed to get a job. He joined Mann Judd and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. From there he moved to Touché Ross before joining Sheppards and Chase Stockbrokers in 1969 where he became Chief Compliance Officer. During this time, John met & married Anne. He retired at age 70 in 2001.

During retirement, he served on the board of four Trusteeships, most notably the Rickmansworth & Watford Sea Cadets & the Watford & Three Rivers Trust, the latter providing support for local families in Watford.  For relaxation, there was gardening, travel, reading, sudoku and his grandchildren.

John is survived by his two children, Rupert, a Chartered Surveyor and Helen, a Chartered Physiotherapist, and two grandchildren.