Oldest Colfeian dies...

From March 2013: Colfe’s school has recently had the extraordinary pleasure of being contacted by the family of a fomer Colfeian, now living in a retirement home, aged 104. Robert Campbell Muir was born in 1909, and according to our records, was admitted to Colfe’s on 11th September 1923. Robert has only just recently moved out of independent living to reside in a retirement home near Newport Pagnell and his daughter, Maggie, contacted the school as part of her work, piecing together her father’s remarkable life. 

Maggie said “I really wanted to research my father’s life history, particularly his school days, which he has only recently begun talking about. While going through his papers I came across a letter informing him that he had been granted a London County Council scholarship in 1923 to Colfe’s . I believe his brother Cyril also went to the school. My father thinks his mother had to persuade the headmaster to accept my father as Cyril hadn’t always been a model pupil. He was 9 years older and apparently quite a rebellious individual! I am delighted to be in touch with the school and so grateful for all Colfe’s hardwork in plugging some very important gaps in my father’s early years. Thank you especially to your archivist and librarian Mrs Cardnell, who kindly took the time to find out more about my father’s school life.” 

According to Colfe’s roll book, which is used for entries pre-computerisation, and copies of the Colfensia, the old school magazine, Robert Campbell Muir lived at Belmont Park. He played an active role in school life, coming 4th in the Junior Harriers race, played in the House Cricket team, and showed musical ability by singing a solo in the school concert on 15th April 1924. 

Maggie, a former history teacher, thinks there no doubt this is her father, “My father was, and still is, very musical. In fact I have in front of me the programme of a concert called “The Summer Show” and “Concert for East Dulwich”, dated 25th August 1923, which lists my father as Master Bobby Muir– The Hastings Boy Soprano. He sang ‘Keep your Toys Laddie’ (Ketelbey) and ‘Roses’ (Adams). For most of his life he was a very keen member of Amateur Operatic Societies and he was also very sports orientated too.” 

Robert’s remarkable life has included service in the Army, Navy and Air Force, including becoming Squadron Leader with a remarkable 59 missions in Mosquitos during WW2 and being awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), an award given for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy.” 

Robert’s civilian life took him from banks to retail businesses until his retirement in 1970 when he relocated to Spain and Andorra. In the 1990s (now in his 90s) Robert returned to Britain, driving himself home through France and taking up residence in Bedford until two years ago. 

Now retired herself, Maggie said “My father has remained true to his sporty nature and he even made a trip on a zip wire for his 99th birthday! He is absolutely delighted that he is back in touch with his old school, and is looking forward to reading the most recent Colfeian and Roebucks to see how much life has changed for modern day Colfeians !”