Arthur Tomlinson writes:

HAVING, with great sadness, read of the death of the Ven. Frederick Hazell, I recalled the fact that he and I were classmates at Hutton Grammar School, near Preston. I was aware that there was something “odd” about his religion, but never enquired, that was his business. I did once overhear him arguing with another boy about actors, maintaining that it was wrong to portray characters other than one’s own personal and true character.

It was after we left school that I once saw him at evensong in St Mary’s, Penwortham. I could not get near to talk to him as he was in deep private conversation with the then Vicar, the Revd P.A. Schofield. I was surprised, being aware of his religion.

So the decades passed, and as a newly elected member of General Synod I found myself in Church House. I remember well going through a door and seeing Fred coming through the door opposite. We recognised each other instantly and resumed a long-lost friendship. He very gently informed me that he was now not formally called Roy as at school, but Fred. He was one of the three from that school year who had been ordained priests in the Church of England. After retirement, we carried on a Christmas-card friendship for several years, until age and relocation took their toll.

I was sorry to read his obituary in the Church Times, but interested to learn some of the facts I had never known about Fred. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.