Jez Stephens 1975-2004
Died Krabi, Thailand
You see and hear about disasters in far away places with a generalised concern. Gradually, as the size and scope of the disaster becomes clear, the sense of involvement becomes sharper; along with the suffering of the victims, one becomes aware of friends and relatives who missed being involved by weeks or days or even hours. And then news comes that makes the situation devastatingly personal.
All those who knew Jez Stephens at the Harvey will remember him more than anything as a cheerful and popular young man. Even when, in the 5th form, he suffered a bout of terrible headaches, he was never less than positive about life in general and his friends in particular. He was always "Jez", never Jeremy, to his friends and, out of class, even to most members of staff, and that, in a much more formal time than now.
Jez grew up in Lympne, where his family ran a newsagency and garage. He was at Harvey from 1986-91. More recently, he lived in Norwich and worked for Virgin One Accounts. He was married and had a two-year old daughter, although had recently divorced.
I am sure that all his friends from school and all the staff who taught him will extend to all his family their deepest sympathy. We will remember with fondness the parts of our life that we shared with him and we will all feel a sadness that such a vital spark has now been extinguished.
