We are sorry to hear the very sad news of the passing of Michael Bostelmann (A 61-66) on February 8 2024. Michael was a great friend of Bradfield, a keen cross-country runner, squash player and supporter of the College. The photograph above was taken of Michael at the Bostelmann Trophy run in March 2023 with his son David who described Bradfield and running as a huge and important part of Michael's life.

During his time at the College, Michael was Head of Loyd House, a great athlete and won the Senior Cheese in 1964 after his brother Robert won it in 1962. Michael continued his relationship with the College as President of the OB Running Club and before that he was Secretary for around 20 years before handing over stewardship to Tony Henderson in 2011 and working with the current Secretary Adam Robinson. Michael also put his name on the Bostelmann Trophy, which is a race run between the College and the OB Running Club each year and this year's race will take place on Saturday 9 March, in tribute to Michael. Rob Pollock said "I’ve no doubt the OB running club wouldn’t be what it is today without his input and energy."

He was also a keen team runner in the Thames Hare and Hounds alumni race in Wimbledon each year. Indeed they have communicated to all their members referring to him as one of the Thames greats below:

"Michael joined Thames in 1966 and was a regular face at the club throughout his entire membership. By 1968, he had joined the committee as Assistant Secretary (forerunner of today’s Fixtures Secretary) and this was a start of 42 years’ unbroken committee service. He was Assistant Secretary until he graduated to Honorary Treasurer in 1973, a role he served for 32 years and which only ended with his elevation to be our sixth President in 2005, a position he held until 2010. After the Great Fire of 1975, which destroyed our headquarters at the King’s Head in Roehampton, Michael played a key part in negotiations with the Conservators to secure a long lease for our current clubhouse in the pavilion at the Memorial Playing Fields.

On the competitive front, he won our Long Distance Handicap in December 1968, the 10-mile Handicap in 1976 and 1978, the Midsummer Handicap in 1974 and 2004 and the Aggregate Handicap four times (1981-82, 1991-92, 1993-94 and 1999-2000). He was the recipient of the Harry Hall Award in 1982 and was in the chair for the 1991 Annual Dinner as well as our 140th Anniversary Dinner in 2008. He was also a keen supporter of the Alumni Race, running in the colours of Bradfield for many years."

Michael had battled with Myeloma in recent years and it had affected his heart. It had not affected his spirit though and his wife described him being on good form before he died and planning his escape from hospital. The College sends our condolences to his wife Gill, sons David (A 94-99) and Richard (A 92-97) and also Michael's brothers Peter (A 57-61) and Robert (A 59-64) and their families.

A service of celebration for Michael will be held at his local church Christ Church, Christ Church Road, East Sheen SW14 7AW on Monday 25th March 2024 at 2pm.

Michael and Philanthropy in the Bradfieldian magazine 2018