John Nicholas Wood (BH, 1971)

The following tributes have been written by Nick's friend Nigel Williams (L, 1971) and Nick's sister Venetia Howes.

Woody and I first met at Cheltenham College in the 60s. We both played for the 3rds Rugby Team where I was the Captain and Woody would alternate between the relatively gentlemanly 3rds and the 2nds – which was in a different league of physicality. You certainly didn’t want to get in Nick’s way at full tilt as he was solid muscle and you’d likely bounce off him. Fortunately, we were on the same side.  

In 1967, the film If.... was being made at College. Amongst others, Nick, Douglas Cole (NH, 1972) and I were extras, paid £1 each for our acting skills and captured on celluloid for posterity. Malcolm MacDowell was a rising star and Linsday Anderson (Cheltondale, 1941) was the Director. He told our Headmaster it would be good for the school, but it wasn’t! 

If.... was about a time of anarchy at a generic public school. In the last scene, during Speech Day, our rebellious heroes machine-gunned defenceless masters, parents and pupils in cold blood. As you can imagine, some local newspapers took the opportunity to have a pop at College – because it confirmed their suspicions!!

Nigel Williams (L, 1971)

Nick spent his professional life in the worlds of shipping and insurance, but his true loves were dogs, guns, motors, girls and family – not necessarily in that order. Friendships filled him with joy, whether in a City pub or among the dog-walking community of Wimbledon Common.  

Nick was generous, kind, interested, loyal, good-humoured, brave and very much loved by the many people whose lives he touched, as described in letters sent to the family: 

"Nick was part of the group that kick-started my social life when I moved to London. I shall never forget how warm and welcoming he was when I first met him at an 18th birthday party – so many years ago."

"Nick was incredibly welcoming to me in the market as a young underwriter and for that I was always very grateful, because some of the older Brokers weren't that welcoming!"

"I have so many happy memories of a friendship that goes back 50 years – the ski holidays, rugby matches, picnics, beer festivals, point to points, barbecues, dinner parties, swimming pool parties, playing cricket and even the occasional visit to a pub."

"Nick was an extremely good friend to me and lots of others for many, many decades. Always very loyal, always a lovely sense of humour, always willing to give so much. Always generous, kind, soft-hearted – a true gentleman."

Nick was married twice, and was immensely proud of his two sons, who both survive him.  

Venetia Howes

Left-Right: Nigel Williams (L, 1971), Douglas Cole (NH, 1972) and Nick at Nick’s 70th Birthday party, March 2024