Tribute: Greville Grubb - Chaplain 1977-89
It is with deep sadness that I write about Greville Alex Grubb who passed away peacefully at the beginning of this month.
Greville made a huge contribution to the whole life of the school, ministering as Chaplain from 1977-1989, following Bob Shepton and preceding myself. His Chaplaincy was strategic in the development of the school and preparing the way for the long-term future of the Chaplaincy and Christian ministry of the school. Building on Bob Shepton’s ‘muscular Christianity’, Grev skilfully wove a ministry through teaching, sport, pastoral care, and a clear proclamation of the Gospel.
Born in 1936, the war years left an indelible mark on him, his family writes, and he often claimed his appetite and love of food were by-products of the food shortage and rationing which endured until the early 1950s.
As a passionate sportsman, his love for Cricket, really ignited when his father took Grev to watch the 1948 England v Australia Ashes Tour at Old Trafford, a pivotal moment and enduring memory which drove him to both play and teach the game.
Serving 3 years of National Service in the RAF, was life-shaping; it was here that he committed his life to Jesus. It was also at this time that he started to take sport even more seriously: he played Cricket for Nuneaton, but also partook in Athletics and Cross-Country running for Coventry Godiva, Warwickshire, and the RAF.
By 1961, he was Head of PE at Woodhouse Grammar School, in Finchley, North London, a post he held for 11 years. He followed this with three years as Head of RE at Ramsey Grammar School on the Isle of Man. After being ordained in 1974, and a 3 year curacy at St. Mary’s Rushden in Northamptonshire, Grev joined St David’s College as Chaplain. Here his love of people, teaching, sport, and hill walking were able to come together. He relished the 12 years spent at St David’s College and the nearby splendour that is Snowdonia.
Grev and I made a pact that we would not challenge each other to a Chaplaincy post, as he and I were looking at the same time! Grev was looking to move on to a girls school or prep school where physicality might be less demanding! He was formative in my move towards a calling to Chaplaincy and wise in his support in helping me navigate the complexities of ordination in the Church in Wales!
Grev moved on to Casterton Girls School in Cumbria for 6 years. Val and Grev then enjoyed 19 years close to Lancaster until in 2014, they moved to Worthing where he continued his ministry at Christ Church.
Grev and Val married in 1962 and enjoyed 59 years together as soul mates. Our deepest sympathies and our debt of gratitude comes with this tribute for the life and ministry of Grev at St David’s College to Val, their sons Andrew, Martyn, David, and their families.
The boys write, “Dad woke up every day with a single purpose – to love God more dearly in whatever way that would manifest itself and this rocklike belief made his last few days full of thanks, love, joy, and peace”.
The funeral will take place at their Church, Christ’s Church in Grafton Rd, Worthing on Monday 11th October at 1pm to be followed by the wake at the Church afterward.
Revd Tim Hall
