30 September 2020
In Memoriam – Phil McGarry and Bob Pearton
We are very sorry to announce the passing of two members of the Christ Church community: former colleague, Robert Pearton, affectionately known as Bob, and Phil McGarry, alumnus from the Class of ’93.
Phil McGarry
Originally from Belfast, Phil served a period in the army before joining Christ Church on the BA/BSc (Hons) in History and Social Science, graduating in 1993. He subsequently went on to take up the post of VP of the Students’ Union mid-way in 1995.
After graduating, Phil made a career in the Hospitality sector. He met his wife, Lisa whilst managing a hotel in Chester and they went on to have a daughter, Scarlett. As well as working in Hospitality, Phil also served as Mayor of Holywell. He sadly died in August, following a 15-month battle with cancer.
Bob Pearson
Bob was appointed as Head of Department for Movement Studies at Canterbury Christ Church College in 1981. As the success of the subject evolved under his leadership, he became the founder of Sport and Exercise Science at Christ Church. He lectured internationally in the Sociology of Sport.
Bob was a gifted educator, academic and talented sportsman. He had a passion for football and captained the Bristol University first X1 and played for English Universities first X1. He was an international volleyball player, a national long-jump athlete and a fitness and well-being enthusiast.
An excellent colleague who was popular with the students, Bob was the longest serving Head of Department when he took early retirement in 2000 at age 60. He had fought cancer for over two years and died in April. He leaves behind, Nick and Cate from his marriage to his first wife, Pat (who sadly died suddenly in 1995) and two children, Tommy and Lottie, from his second wife, Hilary.
We know that this news of Bob and Phil will be a sadness to many. Our thoughts are with their families and friends.
Bob was a year ahead of me at Bristol where he read Economics
and Government. He was a leader among a tight- knit group of
London lads whose style of dress many of us copied- boxy Italian
jackets, detachable starched shirt collars and Chelsea boots.
As captain of the First X1 football team he was much admired and known to the whole student population for his sporting prowess and
also his sense of humour.
At least two of us followed his example and went on to Loughborough to do the exacting PGCE course majoring in PE.
All of us who knew him at Bristol will be saddened to hear of his passing.
Thank you for sharing your lovely university memories of Bob.
I remember Bob very well, we went for a few runs, together with Keith Davids, when Bob was training for the Berlin Marathon. I recall Bob and his wife hosting a BBQ for our year group at their house back in 1984.
A very good lecturer and head of department in those early days for the subject and department.
Condolences to his family. RIP.
Thank you, Mike for sharing your happy memories of Bob.
Phil was my very good friend during our degrees at C4 and I’ve been in regular contact with his wife Lisa during his illness and since. His funeral was very moving and Lisa was amazingly brave giving a loving eulogy. Their daughter turned 5 yesterday and had a lovely Daddy in Phil.
Thanks for your comments Emma. Our thoughts are very much with all Phil’s friends and family at such a sad and difficult time.