Charles (Charlie) Simkins (PR 1959-64) spent his early childhood in Rhodesia, where his father Anthony Simkins (CO 1925-31), began a distinguished career in MI5. When Charlie was five, the family moved to Guildford, and he was educated at Hawtreys before joining Marlborough College.
Charlie adored his time at Marlborough and developed lifelong friendships there, as well as a love of singing and sport; in particular tennis, which he continued to play until his seventies.
After briefly considering a career in law, Charlie found his true vocation in Investment management and the financial markets, joining Tyndall Group in London in 1970 which led to a successful career of over 40 years. After moving to Bristol and later Kent with his wife, Wendy, and daughters Elizabeth, Mary and Virginia, he joined Hendersons in the 1980s, where he was respected for his expertise in the markets — an interest he maintained until he died.
On retirement Charlie served as a magistrate and, from 2013, an elected member of Kent County Council. He served three terms and chaired the Pension Fund Committee, earning admiration for his integrity, fairness and ability to listen to others. KCC colleagues described him as “a true gentleman” who was “a massive contributor to public life”.
Away from work, Charlie was devoted to his wife, daughters and wider family. He loved tennis, skiing, golf, singing and gardening (especially the roses at their family home). His enthusiasm for life was matched by his sense of humour and wide circle of friends.
Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2024, Charlie faced his illness with extraordinary courage, optimism and resilience. Just months before he died, he took the family including his 7 grandchildren skiing to Wengen. Two grandchildren, Harriet & Antonia, attended Marlborough College Malaysia and, Violet starts at Marlborough College in September 2027.
Charlie will be remembered for his enthusiasm, charisma and his ability to make everyone feel welcome as soon as he walked into the room.
