Philip Jeffrey Gillyon (at Hymers 1974 -1984) died on 30 October 2020, aged 54.

From entering the Junior School in 1974, Phil really loved his time at Hymers College. It was well that he did, for 10 years at the school before passing away at such a relatively young age, meant a daily involvement with Hymers for almost 20% of his life. He was educated at the school, in common with his father and his three brothers.

Phil was very active throughout his school career, both academically and on the sports field where he became an established member of the 1st XV.

It was at Hymers that Phil met Jill (then Hunter). The school was taking tentative steps towards co-education, admitting a handful of brave girls into the Sixth Form. As Jill describes it, the stage was set for the first English class.  Phil was late, and the only available seat was next to one of the new girls. Reluctantly, he took it. Some things are perhaps meant to be, and they were never thereafter apart.

Phil was noted at school for his sense of humour, dry as a Yorkshire stone wall and quick as a whippet. He became something of a celebratory when he received, from Downing, a “Hopkins’ offer” of two Es at A level (John Hopkins was Senior Law Tutor at Downing).  It is not known how many such offers were ever made, but they were rare. They are probably illegal nowadays.

Phil arrived at Downing in 1984.  Presciently, Jill had herself applied to Trinity. Whilst they thrived together, Phil was committed to College life. He played in the 1st XV.  He was a member of the Patricians Society and developed a wide circle of friends, who revelled in his company and his wit.

Phil shone academically. Friends said it was a bittersweet pleasure to sit with him in supervisions, conscious that he would always know the right answer but aware that this did not mean he would help out. Although (every year) he claimed to be surprised, no-one else was surprised when he took a 1st in each leg of the Tripos.

After Downing, Phil joined Middle Temple and was awarded the Lloyd Jacob Memorial Exhibition and a Harmsworth Scholarship. He obtained tenancy at Erskine Chambers where he built a successful practice in company law and insolvency. He was also called to the Bar of the BVI and became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. His punishing work ethic, penetrating intellect and affable nature meant that he remained much in demand.

Phil was also committed to pro bono work. The case worker for The Advocate wrote, “We are terribly sorry to hear of Philip’s passing. He was a truly wonderful person and lawyer and we were incredibly grateful for his dedication to pro bono and helping our applicants have the access to justice that they deserve.”

Meanwhile, Phil and Jill were married in 1993. Nick was born in 2001 and Amy in 2003. Phil delighted in watching Nick play rugby and Amy participate in drama productions. There is a suspicion that both want to follow their father to the Bar.

Phil was introduced by Nick to the delights of football.  Many weekends were spent travelling the country to watch Hull City. A highlight was when three generations went to Wembley in 2008, bedecked in kit, to witness promotion to the Premiership in the play-off final.

For a man of such talent and accomplishments, Phil remained disarmingly modest and self-effacing.  Having done all the hard work, he had every right to look forward to many more happy years. It was a great shock when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Phil bore his illness with stoicism and his trademark good humour. He died at home with his family around him.

At his funeral, Phil’s Head of Chambers read out numerous messages of condolence from professional colleagues. Mr Justice Snowden stopped the proceedings in his Court and ordered a minute’s silence in his memory.