We are a saddened to annouce the sudden passing of Old Viking, Guy N Avis, who died at the age of 76 following a fall while hunting with the Heythrop foxhounds.

Guy's passions and talents left an indeliable mark on the world of horses and hunting and he will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Born in Reading on December 13, 1947, Guy grew up in Caversham alongside sister Bridget. His parents, owners of a music shop and members of a local operatic society, instilled in him a love of music that grew throughout his life.

Guy started at Shiplake College in 1962, where he developed an interest in reading and a love of Chaucer. It was also during his youth that he joined the Garth and South Berks Pony Club. This was where he learned how to ride and hunt, laying the foundation for a lifelong devotion to horses.

At age 17, Guy began working for the Sumner family at their farm, under the mentorship of future master of The Heythrop Hunt, Richard Sumner. After three years, Guy established his own business breaking, buying and schooling horses in Bledington before moving to Oldner. He then took over looking after the horses at Sarsden for the Fleming merchant banking dynasty and later bought his final home and yard in Dean, West Oxfordshire.

A skilled equestrian, Guy competed in three-day eventing and point-to-pointing at the highest levels, including the European Championships and the World Equestrian Games. Guy also served for 28 years as the secretary of the The Heythrop Hunt which, along with his love of singing, earned him the nickname "the Singing Secretary". His musical side led to his involvement in Gloucesterhsire's Gifford Circus where he originally provided horses but then began singing in their 10-piece band.

Friends describe Guy as a brilliant but humble man who, depsite his many accolades, remained grounded, always putting others and his beloved animals first. He never married and had no children but his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched. 

Shiplake College is proud to count Guy Avis as an Old Viking and celebrates the extraordinary life of a man with unwavering passions for the pursuits he loved most. He will be deeply missed.