In Loving Memory of
Stephen Fell
It is with great sadness and sense of loss that we received the news that Mr Stephen Fell passed away on Saturday 16 January 2021, having contracted Covid-19.
Mr Fell came late to teaching after a successful career in the chemical industry and joined Kent College in 1996. Stephen was an inspirational teacher applying his experienced elemental expertise as Head of Chemistry to popular pyrotechnic performances and sugar coated covalent bonding (demonstrated with Smarties). He was passionate about the progress of his pupils, many of whom went on to continue their studies of Chemistry at University.
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Known as “Felly“ by many colleagues and students, he ran the Kent College Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. He encouraged students to step out of their comfort zone and take on the challenges of Lake District weather; the heights of Snowdonia; as well as life affirming expeditions further afield in South Africa, Italy and Crete. Many completed the Gold Award and received their medals at Buckingham Palace.
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Mr Fell was also a key member of the boarding community at Kent College. For the last 13 years he ran the boarders’ activity programme: organising five aside football, basketball, gym access, as well as lots of individual sports club opportunities during the week. The highlight for many were the Sunday trips which included art exhibitions, London concerts, football matches, go-kart racing, paintballing, and visits to theme parks. These trips have been highly valued by boarders giving many a taste of British culture.
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So many young lives have been touched by Stephen, and enhanced by his enthusiasm, optimism and passion. We are grateful for his dedicated service and that we had him for so long as part of the Kent College Community. He will be greatly missed.
Book Owner: David Lamper
Book Size:Â 200 Messages
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Dr Richard Hawes
Well, what can I say? It is over 50 years since I last saw Felly, as he was known even then. We were at Bilborough Grammar School, Nottingham, together. We sat next to each other in countless lessons, often sharing answers! He was always a science man, I was the Arts brains, if I can say that. He showed an amazing instinct for chemistry very early on, certainly by what is now called Year 9, and would read text books cover to cover. A pet trick by year 11 was to prepare and spread a contact explosive on the floor of the school foyer just before the lunch break and then skidattle before the fun began. Felly taught me chess, not very well I suppose because I don’t remember beating him. We were also obsessed with a TV programme called Thunderbirds and would quiz each other fiercely the morning after each edition. I’ve carried such memories throughout my life, an indication of what a decent lad he was and man he became, …
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Mitko Nastoski
I just came from work after 13 hours shifts working and fighting against Covid 19 as a Critical Care Nurse and read this sad news.. I remember Mr. Fell vivid as he was my Chemistry teacher 2002 – 2004. I vividly remember the positive, full of Energy and just enthusiastically explaining Chemistry to us. He was an exceptional teacher as he was able to make you curious about Chemistry. I guess he was a really great teacher because I am a Critical Care Registered Nurse working at the best in the world Hospitals that are in the New York Metropolitan area. I’m really sorry that I will not have the pleasure of thanking him personally for part of my success. To his family condolences as the world lost a big men and may his sole find finally a resting place. Mitko Nastoski A level class of 2004…
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Kathy Wilson and Kevin Fielding
Oh Stephen, you came into our lives so gradually. The first trip we did was the DofE walk from Shepherdswell to Kearsney and then finally Kevin got his wish and we camped. Gradually, we became more and more involved with the Boarders trip, from the cold of paintballing to the fish and chip shop in the wall at Football. So many, many happy memories. The trips to the theatre, cycling, all the restaurants in London, the trains, the plans from A – Z when things didn’t always go to plan. The rides at Thorpe Park, getting soaked and you drying your money, Disney – such fun. The cake shops, you always had to have cake, the sharing, the ice-creams. And when we all started to get together, you, Ardell, Kevin and I, the evenings we spent together, sharing glasses of Prosecco, eating dinner, watching films, going on the long walks, such happy, happy memories. I shall miss you my friend, Rest in Peace….
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The Lamper Family
Remembering with thanks a great character who gave wonderful service to Kent College: Chemistry lessons delivered with passion; exciting DofE expeditions and sharing cakes. With love from the Lamper family to the Fell family, Carolyn, David, Barnaby and Hugo….
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Julian Ross
A true legend of the Kent College community has left us. Stephen was an outstanding teacher and mentor who inspired everyone of us in some way each day. His dedication and determination to use his own incredible talents to provide opportunities for his students and fellow colleagues was remarkable. Stephen’s positive energy, humour and in particular his warm kindness will be fondly remembered. I feel very privileged to have known and worked with Stephen. May you now rest in peace. Julian Ross, Director of Music …
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Tracy Watton
They say that noone is irreplaceable but there will never be another Stephen. Not only was he an amazing, dedicated teacher but also a warm, generous and kind-hearted man. He lit up every room he walked in and always put a positive spin on everything. I will miss our friendly chats, his encouragement for having another biscuit at break and his invaluable support….
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Soraya Botha
Stephen exuded a warmth and kindness that was infectious – he had a wonderful smile and a cheery outlook, with a little twinkle in his eyes, that you could not help but be affected by. I will sincerely miss seeing him around the school, with our ‘Good Morning’ to each other as we passed in the quad, or sitting beside one another in the Boarding meetings. I had the privilege to witness his passion for Chemistry in action when he taught his ‘mini-lessons’ for the KC Experience Days, filling the children, and myself, with awe and wonder at the different experiments. It is truly a great loss for KC to have lost someone like Stephen, and I can only imagine the hole he has left in the hearts of his family – I wish them love and serenity in the days, weeks, months and years to come, and hope that the fact that Stephen was so loved by so many brings them some comfort. Rest in peace Stephen – we will miss you….
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Andy Clark
Felly was a friendly, kind, and very cheerful person to be around. He was always supportive and would find time to have a chat, whether academic, putting the world to rights, or just having fun. As many students and teachers will testify he was an enthusiastic teacher who thrived on sharing his passion for his subject. His expert knowledge and enthusiasm captured the attention of his audience. He was not only extremely well versed in Chemistry but also had a wide and deep knowledge of other scientific areas. Before teaching, Stephen worked for BNFL; he would more than happily share tales of his shenanigans and experiences. Felly was passionate about American Football and would regularly go to watch the NFL games that took place at Wembley. He would have many late nights watching games on TV. As a Green Bay Packers supporter, he would grin when being called a “Cheesehead”. Thanks to him, I will always have a soft spot for the Packers. My family got to know Felly through the boarding activities and enjoyed many adventures. He always greeted them by name with a huge smile on his face. They all knew him and were all very upset …
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Julie Wells
Life will not be quite the same without Stephen Fell at KC. We will miss him calling into the School Office, with the latest snippet of information for the term’s weekend trips. And his delight if he could help himself to the team’s supply of cake and biscuits! I am so sad that you have left us much too soon! Your final journey is definitely not on the schedule for this term’s boarding activities. But glad to have had the privilege to have worked alongside you. I will remember you always, with a great fondness. …
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Michelle Duncan
I didn’t know Stephen for very long but what an impression he made! A friendly face with a ready smile and passion in all he did, an absolute suoerstar. The world will be a far less interesting place without him. …
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Julie Allen
Stephen was a delightful man and always cheerful. I have had the pleasure on going on Boarders Sunday trips with Stephen, all of which are memorable. You will be dearly missed Stephen Sleep tight x …
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James Limmer
A whirlwind of a man! Only appearing once or twice a term in the office but always cheerful and welcomed, Kent College is heartbroken. Rest in peace Mr Fell……
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Alexei Maraldo
Mr Fell was a great teacher and a great man. He was always buzzing around the classroom with so much energy and definitely gave off the mad scientist vibe. I will always remember Mr Fell and his love for the show Breaking Bad, he told me that if he made meth he would have made his iridescent and not blue as blue was too boring, he never failed to amaze me with the stories he told. Those chemistry lessons wouldn’t be the same without him, I think back on them from time to time and smile because I cannot think of single bad memory from being in his class. He will truly be missed and it didn’t even seem that long ago I was sat in the lab listening to him bang on about covalent bonds and optimal environments for chemical reactions. Mr Fell will never be forgotten, Alexei Maraldo …
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Dudley Shipton
Stephen Fell was a great asset to the Kent College family. A chemistry teacher to whom the students enthusiastically warmed and from whom they learnt so much. He was like so many of the staff at KC totally involved in the life of the school, not just by his teaching but in all the other aspects of life within the day and boarding environment. He realised the value of students learning from one another and from the need to be aware of and share in the life outside the confines of the building. As a colleague I enjoyed his positive attitude to work for the good of all involved in the life of KC and I am very sad that he has become a victim of Covid-19. He is much mourned by staff and students alike. Dudley Shipton, former Chaplain and Chair of the Governors…
