(photo taken at Caterham School)

Jack Bridge
(OC 1942-1945, Class of 1947)

Born 20 August 1929, died 4 October 2020, aged 91 years old

Jack Bernard Bridge sadly passed away at home on 4 October 2020 with his wife Joy and stepdaughter Candy by his side. He suffered a short but painful time with cancer.

Jack was born in August 1929 in Brixton where he was raised in the family home in the shadows of Brixton Prison. A fact he loved to tell people!

The family later moved to the Croydon area in Wallington and Jack lived here with his parents and sister.   

In 1939 his family suffered terrible tragedy when an aircraft taking off from Croydon Airport landed on their house. Sadly his mother and sister were lost but his father, Monty, got out, albeit badly injured. Jack suffered only minor injuries but carried the memories of this day.  He rarely spoke of it but remained deeply affected by it.  

He became a student at Caterham School in 1942 and thoroughly enjoyed his days there, taking part in many of the schools sports and social activities. He was a proud Old Cat at all times.

Jack lived in Warlingham for over 50 years, designing and building his house there. A home which remains the family home to this day.    

He was heavily involved in many communities and especially loved being a member of the Rotary Club of Harestone, also the Probus Club supporting annual events such as Caterham Carnival, the annual Santa tours of the area, and Warlingham Fair and the Christmas Lights. My mother and I are so proud of the respect he had in the community.

He loved wildlife and supported many causes from WWF to RSPB to Donkey Sanctuary and, more locally, a keen supporter of the Chaldon Animal Rescue centre.

Rugby was one of his favourite sports as well as Formula 1 car racing where he had many friends.

He is greatly missed by Joy, my mother and his wife of 55 years, and of course myself.    

Written by his stepdaughter, Candy Bridge