In Remembrance of Tom Durrheim
The High School community was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our much loved and loyal colleague Mr Tom Durrheim.
Mr Durrheim joined the school in 1980. He was a fine teacher of English first and foremost but he was also a dedicated and enthusiastic schoolmaster committed to the whole school. Above all he was both a gentle man and a gentleman.
Since Tom's death, we have received many messages from those who knew him. We have collected those memories on this page, as a small tribute to Tom. If you wish to send a message for inclusion on this page, please contact us at remembrance@highschoolofdundee.org.uk.
Our sincerest condolences, and warmest thoughts and prayers go to Mr Durrheim's mother and the rest of his extended family at this very difficult time.
Read the Eulogy for Tom, given by his friend Colin Stuart.
Memories of Tom
I joined the DHS staff in 1981 and left in 1985. In the space of a short time Tom was to become one of my closest friends. My family and I will always remember him with love for he was a gentleman of the highest order. So true is the addage 'If you have a friend you are a rich man.'
Tom, we will miss you more than words can say and let it be known that you will always be in our hearts; a beautiful human being who set an example to so many.
God bless.
We were very shocked to hear of Tom's untimely death. Having worked with him for several years producing and acting in plays, we got to know him very well and realise what a loss he will be to his mother and the School.
Please convey our sympathy to Mrs Durrheim and all his friends.
We will always remember his good humour and generosity.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Tom. He was a loyal and supportive friend of mine since the day I joined DHS in 1983. Indeed I spent many hours outside of school in Big Tom´s company and he showed me nothing but unconditional friendship, warmth and hospitality. We played together in a band, spent many hours socialising at weekends, trout fishing and attending football matches. I lost touch with Tom when I moved abroad 10 years ago but I never forgot his humanity and his passing will touch many colleagues, friends and pupils both past and present. He was one of life´s genuine, humble gentlemen.
I first went to DHS in 1947. I have just written a foreword for a book written by a friend. It includes the quotation 'teaching is the most noble profession.' I certainly believe it. During my splendid time at DHS, Major T. Halliday, the Head of the art department, Jack Stark, Janitor, D. Allardyce, Head of the P.E. Department were my mentors and inspiration. Clearly, Tom Durrheim was of that ilk. I would be obliged if you would forward this message to his family with my condolences.
Thank you for passing on the sad news of Tom's death. He certainly was one of the nicest men I ever knew, totally dedicated and just so thoughtful and kind. He will be sorely missed by all his many friends and colleagues
Thank you very much for informing me of this desperately sad news. I have often looked back on my classes with Tom with great fondness. He was indeed a very considerate, intelligent and gentle man with a great talent for developing a passion for literature and creative writing. He loved assisting with sports classes too, giving up personal time at weekends to join us for hockey matches. Tom was a very genuine, engaging and memorable character and news of his sudden passing will be a great shock for all those people who have been privileged enough to have known him. I left Dundee High in 1987 but I can still see him sitting behind his desk! A great man.
Thank you for the email and keeping the Alumni informed. Very very sad to hear this news. I attended DHS 1982 to 1988 and Tom was my English teacher in S2. In 1986 Tom with several other teachers and I formed a school rock & blues band called “No problem” and I have extremely good memories our time together playing at School discos and also Christmas Parties and the Final Year Ball with Tom. The band was led by Derek Laidlaw (drums) and I was lead singer, although my voice is not the same now.
This is sad news indeed. All 4 of my children were fortunate enough to have been taught by him, and very much enjoyed the experience. We are all very sad to hear the news as we were very fond of him. A big loss to the school.
From Japan : I mourn over Mr. Tom Durrheim’s death. The High School of Dundee has lost an important teacher and so disappointed. May his soul rest in peace.
Very sad indeed. I remember him teaching me how to play chess. He was a lovely man. What a shock.
That's terrible news....I'm very sorry to hear that. Mr Durrheim was our coach for the school Chess Team which I was a part of for many years. We came Regional Champions under his leadership and I always enjoyed coming in at lunchtimes to play chess. We had a very active community with 20-30 people coming in at lunchtimes on a Monday and Mr Durrheim was very supportive of what we did. Condolences to his family.