Richard Selley Memorial Service
07/01/2021
On 7th December 2019 around 300 OLs, Loretto staff, past and present, and family members gathered in the Chapel to give thanks for the life of Richard G. Selley (Hon). Richard died after battling Motor Neurone Disease for four years, on 6th September 2019, at Dignitas in Switzerland.Having spent thirty years working at Loretto in a variety of roles, including Housemaster, Head of Department, Master i/c Cricket, Vicegerent, Acting Head of Senior School and Head of the Nippers, Richard was a popular figure, admired and esteemed by many. During the service tributes came from former housemaster N. Gavin C. McDowall (Hon.), Richard’s brother Peter Selley, Richard’s daughter Lorna Selley and John D. Wright, friend and classics master at Glenalmond. Richard’s uncle Gerard Manning gave a reading. OLs and stepsons Cameron(2017) and Tom Middlemass (2013) performed a beautiful rendition of Snowpatrol’s Run in memory of Richard. The service was led by Reverend Phil Parker (now former Loretto Chaplain). A reception afterwards was held in the Dining Hall at Schoolhouse, where hundreds of friends and family, colleagues and former pupils gathered to share happy memories of Richard and his time at Loretto. Elaine Selley (Hon.), Richard’s wife, thanked those who attended and had supported them throughout Richard’s illness. All donations made went to the charity of Richard’s choice, Motor Neurone Disease Scotland. Richard was a keen cricketer and spectator throughout his life. The Lorettonian Society have dedicated an award to Richard’s memory in his name, “The Richard Selley Cricket Prize”, in the form of a cricket bat with engraved plaque and a mini bat, to be awarded each year at Speech Day to the best all round cricketer at Loretto.