Former Pupil Obituaries

Mr. Stewart Cram 1955-2023

Class of 1972

Fondly remembered as an active member of our school community, Stewart continued his love for rugby playing for the school's FPs and the Edinburgh Wanderers.

Stewart married his classmate Fiona Williamson and the couple continued their association with the school as proud parents with Fiona also teaching in the Modern Languages Department. During his working life, Stewart became a director of Robertson's Furnishings in Dundee but still found time to take part in many local community groups in Fife. 

Stewart will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

You can read a lovely tribute to Stewart in the Courier: https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/4603033/stewart-cram-robertsons/ 

Dr. John SG Blair, OBE 1928-2023

Class of 1946

Dr Blair was Dux of the School in 1946 but due to a shortage of gold post war he had to wait 60 years to receive his Harris Gold Medal at our June 2006 Prizegiving. A keen supporter of the School, Dr Blair regularly attended the annual alumni reunions and he shared wonderful memories of his school days in our Winter 2019 Edition of Schola Clara Magazine.

During his school days Dr Blair received a number of other medals and appears in medallist photos in our archive section on the website here.  The photo here is from the 1944-45 magazine where he won the Boase Medal and Piri Cup for Golf and the following photo is from the Boys’ Golf Club Session 1945 which you can find here.

Dr Blair will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

You can read a lovely tribute to Dr Blair in the Courier https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/perth-kinross/4481845/dr-john-blair-perth/ 

Mr. George Farquhar 1931 - 2022

Class of 1948

Born in Edinburgh on the 12th March 1931 George was a pupil at The High School of Dundee for 10 years, leaving shortly before his 16th birthday when his family moved to Edinburgh. 

Like so many others his childhood was interrupted by WWII and consequently he needed to join the Cadet Force and undertake harvest camps to help local farmers. He loved the camps and they allowed him to save some money to buy a Hercules bicycle. Enabling independent travel, the bicycle was so cherished that seven decades later it still has pride of place in the family garage.

Upon finishing school he joined the Royal Bank of Scotland for 1 year before military service called. He promptly rose through the ranks gaining an officer’s commission. Even better, the army liked and utilised his rugby skills, enabling him to play matches throughout the UK. After 2 years service he returned to the Royal Bank of Scotland. The money he earned enabled him to augment his bicycle with a proper fully powered motorbike. This allowed him to undertake longer trips and adventures throughout the lowlands of Scotland.

Upon leaving the army he returned to the Royal Bank before taking a post with the National Bank of India in Mumbai and Columbo. The outbound journey was taken in a converted WWII bomber and weekends were spent playing rugby and exploring widely on his motorbike.

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Rev. Ian Taylor 1932 - 2022

Class of 1948

Cherished memories of the Reverend Ian Taylor (former pupil and teacher at Dundee High School; senior lecturer at the College of Ripon and York St John and summer schools in St Andrews; minister at St Giles Cathedral, later The Parish Church of Newburgh, Abdie and Dunbog, Fife), who passed away, on November 3, 2022, beloved husband of Joy and much loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. No longer in our lives but forever in our hearts.

Prof. David C. Crichton 1948 - 2022

Class of 1966

Born in Dundee in 1948 David was educated at Dundee High School before studying politics and economics at Dundee University.

In 1971 he undertook a graduate trainee position with Legal & General Insurance Company in Glasgow and after two years was promoted to a senior underwriter position in London.

As a result of this move he met his future wife, Haf and were married in Wales in 1976 before moving to Perth when he took a role with General Accident Insurance.

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Mrs. Alison Chandler (née Gauldie) 1957 - 2021

Class Of 1975

Alison was born on 30th November 1957 and brought up in Invergowrie. She was the elder daughter of Enid and the late Sinclair Gauldie (Class of 1936) and sister of Robin (class of 1973) and Becca (class of 1986).

After leaving school, Alison completed a BA at the University of Edinburgh and then spent a year as an au pair in Spain. Following that, she lived and worked in the third sector in London, where she met her husband, Miles. (see more...)

Mr. Alexander (‘Sandy’) R. Murray 1926 – 2021

Class Of 1944

Alexander Ritchie Murray, known as Sandy, died at the age of 95 on 29 June 2021 after a long, happy and fulfilling life. He will be remembered as a most amazing, inspirational, proud and canny Scot who was so interested and supportive of his family throughout his life. (see more...)

Mrs. Aileen M. Smith (née Gordon) 1953 - 2021

Class of 1971

Born in May 1953, Aileen attended Ancrum Road Primary School before enrolling at the High School of Dundee. She went on to study her LLB law degree at the University of Edinburgh from 1970 until 1974, graduating with a first. She completed her traineeship with Dundee City Council, qualifying as a Solicitor in 1976. (see more...)

Dr. Lockhart E. R. B. Frain-Bell 1921 - 2020

Class of 1940

Born in Dundee in 1921, Lockhart went on to secure a scholarship in 1938 from the High School of Dundee to study medicine at the University of St Andrews. Graduating with his MBChB with commendation in April 1944, Lockhart was immediately commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps having passed Certificate B in the OTC. (see more...)

Mr. William (Bill) A. S. Dryden (1929-2020)

Class Of 1946

Born and brought up in Dundee’s Nelson Terrace, Bill was the youngest of three brothers, who were all involved in the family firm, Dryden’s, started by their grandfather. The locally run business sold flowers, fruit and vegetables at a number of shops in Dundee. (see more...)

Professor Sir Neil J. Douglas 1949-2020

Class Of 1967

Neil was born in Edinburgh, the second of four children. His father, Professor Sir Donald Douglas, became President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and his mother Di was a superb full-time homemaker. He was brought up in Dundee and educated at Dundee High School and Glenalmond College. This was followed by preclinical medicine at St Andrews University and clinical studies in Edinburgh. He graduated with distinctions in medicine, surgery and therapeutics. (see more...)

Mr. Kenneth G. Morrison (Captain RE, Retired) 1938 - 2020

Class Of 1956

Kenneth joined F1 from Ardrossan Academy when his family moved to Wormit. Academically able and a keen sportsman, he was a member of the rugby and tennis teams, also enjoying golf and squash. Above all, as a member of the CCF, he looked forward to Friday parades. Another interest was membership of 34th Fife (1st Newport) Scouts, where in 1954 he achieved the distinction of Queen’s Scout. On leaving school, he began studying Pure Science at Queen’s College in Dundee, then still part of the University of St Andrews. (see more...)

Mr. J. Ross Paton 1948 – 2020

Class of 1967

Dundee Solicitor Ross Paton, described as the life and soul of any party, has died aged 71. Born James Kinross Paton, but known as Ross, he died suddenly on October 13th at his adopted home of Insh.

Raised in the West End before later moving to Broughty Ferry, he was educated at the High School of Dundee.  He was a member of the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and became Pipe Sergeant.  He also played rugby at school and for Dundee HSFP as an adult. (see more...)

Mr. Mark G. Kerr 1954 - 2020

Class of 1972

Mark Kerr was born on 27 June 1954 in Lochee. He was the eldest son of Grant Kerr DFC FRCS and Agnes ‘Nan’ Kerr and was the first of their four children to attend the High School of Dundee, Mark from 1966 until 1972, Hilary (class of 75), Lynne (class of 78) and Paul (class of 80).

A keen hockey player, Mark became 1st X1 Captain. He played while at Aberdeen University, returning to Dundee to play for DHSFP, where he became Club Captain and President. (see more...)

Dr. Ian J. Lawrenson 1933 – 2020

Class of 1951

Ian was born in Dundee on 13th June 1933 to Marion and Thomas Lawrenson. Thomas was an artist with DC Thomson for his whole working career and also a keen amateur cine-photographer, with Ian being the childhood star in three of his father’s films which won awards around the world, including in the UK, Tokyo and Hollywood. (see more...)

Mr. Douglas M. S. Robbie 1950 - 2020

Class of 1968

Douglas Robbie, an HSD Former Pupil from the Class of 1968, passed away peacefully on 27th January 2020 after being diagnosed with lung and liver cancer in November.

Growing up in Dundee, he attended the High School of Dundee before later moving to Strathallan School. Douglas ran Dunlaw House Hotel on Union Road for 30 years and was a well-known figure across the city. (see more...)

Mrs. Deborah Haring (née Duffy) 1969 - 2019

Class Of 1986

Deborah, always Debbie or Debs to her schoolfriends, was born on 19th April 1969 in Edinburgh and brought up in Dundee and Kirkton of Balmerino, by Bill and Ina. She started DHS in L1 and many of the friends she met then remained close friends. Her parents were always most welcoming, and many people will remember happy times spent in Balmerino and her mother’s wonderful food. (see more...)

Mr. David A. Shepherd 1930 - 2019

Class Of 1947

David was born in Dundee on 28th February 1930, the youngest of Andrew Inglis and Marjorie Shepherd's four children. Educated at Dundee High School, Mill Hill in London and St Bees in Cumberland (during the war years), David spent his National Service as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers in the New Territories in Hong Kong. (see more...)

Mr. Peter J. Mee 1941 - 2018

Class Of 1959

Peter was born in June 1941 in North Wales during the second world war. His parents had moved from Liverpool to avoid the Blitz but returned once the war was over. Peter then attended Merchant Taylor’s School before the family relocated to Dundee in the mid-1950s. (see more...)

Mr. Roger Chawla 1930 - 2019

Class Of 1949

My brother, Roger, came to HSD in 1939. Our mother had brought my sister, Anne, Roger and me back to her home town whilst our father had returned to the army, and to eventual capture when the Japanese swarmed into Singapore. (see more...)

Mrs. Margaret A. Ross (née Anderson) 1935 - 2019

Class Of 1953

Margaret was born in Dundee in 1935, the younger sister of Kathleen and Graeme. Following in her sister’s footsteps, she attended the High School from 1940 until 1953. She always remembered her time there with great fondness. Margaret made many friends during her time at school, in particular, Ismay Scrimgeour (née Ogilvy). Their friendship stood the test of time and lasted her a lifetime. (see more...)

Mr. Harold A. H. Inglis 1935 - 2019

Class Of 1953

Born in Newport-on-Tay, Harold’s father was the formidable Dr. Alexander Inglis, Principal Teacher of Maths at Bell Baxter High School, a Liverpool University contemporary of Mr 'Wally' Marshall 'Second Master' i.e. the Deputy Rector, who taught Physics. Prior to her marriage, Harold’s mother had taught at the High School. (see more...)

Mr. David H. Tweedie 1934 - 2019

Class Of 1952

Born in June 1934, David attended the High School of Dundee from 1940 until 1952. Throughout his time at the school, he took part in many activities including the CCF, Rifle Club, the Literary Society as well as being a part of the Rugby Team. (see more...)

Mr. Brian J. R. Junor 1946 - 2019

Class Of 1965

Following on from his education at the High School of Dundee, Brian went onto study Medicine at the University of St Andrews, gaining his MBChB in 1970. A little while later, Brian moved to Aberdeen to train in Renal Medicine. It was here that he completed his MD thesis on a novel form of vitamin D tailored to the needs of patients who suffered with kidney failure, and the debilitating effects on their bones as a result. (see more...)

Mr. Andrew C. Bain 1941 - 2019

Class of 1961

Andrew Bain, a well-known farmer in the Carse of Gowrie, passed away on 30th August 2019 following a short fight with cancer. He was 77 years old.

He took over the running of the Flocklones family farm in the early 1960s. His father, also named Andrew, came to the Carse of Gowrie in 1926, aged 22, to set up the farm. (see more...)

Prof. Michael Rosen CBE 1927 - 2018

Class Of 1945

Born in October 1927 in Dundee, Michael attended the High School of Dundee until 1944 when he commenced his medical studies in St Andrews, the first in his family to attend university. (see more...)

Mrs. Joyce Ward (née MacKenzie) 1933 – 2018

Class Of 1951

Joyce Ward attended the High School of Dundee from 1945 until 1951, along with her sister Muriel. Throughout her time at the School, Joyce immersed herself in many activities including tennis and hockey as well as being a member of the Literary Society and the Girl Guides. (see more...)

Mr. Douglas W. M. Davidson 1928 - 2018

Class of 1947

Mr Douglas Davidson or Doug as he was affectionately known to relatives and close friends, passed away peacefully in Blairgowrie on 1 February 2018, aged 89. (see more...)

Mrs. Philippa L. A. Gray (née Cherry) 1965 – 2017

Class Of 1983

Philippa Gray (née Cherry) was born on 30 March 1965 in Dundee. She was the youngest daughter of Muir and Elizabeth Cherry and a younger sister to Gavin and Nick Cherry. (see more...)

Mrs. Patricia A. G. Barnsley (née Younger) 1934 - 2017

Class Of 1952

Patricia Barnsley, or Ann as she was affectionately known as to friends and family, sadly died on 4 October 2017 after six months in hospital and care. (see more...)

Mr. Nicholas P. Tott 1960 - 2017

Class Of 1978

Leaving the High School of Dundee in the 1970s, Nicholas went on to study Law at University before paving a very successful career path. He qualified with Dundas & Lawson before joining Herbert Smith in December 1986, progressing on to becoming a Partner by 1992. (see more...)

Dr. Gillon C. Ferguson 1936 - 2017

Class Of 1954

Gillon Ferguson, son of Charles Ferguson, an engineer, and Elizabeth Ferguson, a nurse, was born and raised in Glasgow. He later moved to Dundee and attended the High School, which was where his educational prowess excelled, seeing him being awarded the Dux prize for History, Latin and Greek in 1954. (see more...)

Mrs. Marion Buik (née Ogilvy) 1939 – 2017

Class of 1956

Following in the footsteps of her old sister, Marion joined the High School of Dundee in 1944 where she made many lifelong friends. Whilst at the School, she actively participated in a range of activities and always spoke very fondly of her classes with her drama teacher Miss Wright. (see more...)

The Very Reverend James Weatherhead 1931 - 2017

Class of 1949

James Weatherhead, born in 1931, attended the High School of Dundee from 1936 to 1949, with the exception of one year when he was evacuated to Alyth during the war. He very much enjoyed being a member of the Rifle Club, as well as captaining the Hockey Team 2nd XI. A part of Wallace House, he was also an avid reader. Prior to National Service in the Navy, and training for the Ministry at New College, James studied law at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1954. (see more...)

Mr. Dennis F. Collins 1930 - 2017

Class of 1948

Dennis began his education at the High School of Dundee in September 1935, following in the footsteps of both his mother, Mabel Constance Crichton, and his grandfather, Alexander Black Crichton. There was never a year at the School when Dennis was not one of the prize-winners, and he was often a 'dux' in later years, up until the age of sixteen when he was struck down with tuberculosis. (see more...)

Mrs. Dorothy Moore (neé Ison) 1924 - 2017

Class Of 1943

Dorothy Moore, or Dot as she was affectionately known to relatives and close friends, passed away peacefully in January 2017, aged 92. Entering the school in 1932, and leaving in 1941, it is safe to say that Dorothy was very well equipped for her further studies at Edinburgh College of Domestic Science. (see more...)

Mrs. Alison Casey (neé Sutherland) 1949 - 2017

Class Of 1967

Upon leaving school, Alison, affectionately known as Ali to those close to her, trained as a nurse at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, achieving the 'Nurse of the Year' Award in 1968, which was presented to her by the Duke of Edinburgh. In 1970, with adventure calling (as was often the case!), Ali embarked on her travels, which included working as a nanny in Italy. (see more...)

Mrs. Jacqueline Millar 1943 - 2017

Class Of 1962

Jacqueline Frances Millar, also known as Jackie to her friends and family, passed away in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada on August 29 2017 at the age of 74. Attending the High School of Dundee from 1948 until 1962, Jackie devoted her time to participating in numerous theatre productions, as well as being a part of the school's choir. (see more...)

Mr. Richard (Dick) Sloan 1952 - 2016

Class Of 1969

On 8 October 2016, my longest-standing and dearest friend, Dick Sloan died suddenly after an illness that lasted only five hours. I was introduced to Dick on my first day at DHS in 1959. We remained firm friends for fifty-seven years, despite agreeing about very little in terms of world affairs. However, there was always great respect, and affection. (see more...)

Mrs. Nora Booth (neé Cumming) 1935 - 2016

Class Of 1953

Upon passing her entrance exam with flying colours, along with her good friend Evelyn Stormont, Nora began her education at The High School of Dundee in 1948. Having a particular passion for learning a wide variety of languages, as well as being a member of the Literary Society, Nora truly loved being a part of the School, and always spoke very fondly of her time there. (see more...)

Mrs. Anne N. Thomas (née Bowman) 1937 - 2016

Class Of 1953

Anne, also known as Annie to close friends and family, attended the High School of Dundee at the same time as her many siblings, including James, Mary, Alex, Estelle, Marjorie, and Nigel. They were following in the footsteps of a family tradition as their father Alex had also attended the school. (see more...)

Mr. George (Graham) Robertson 1947 - 2016

Class Of 1965

Upon arriving at the school, both George, known to his close friends and family as Graham, and sister Moira were following in the footsteps of their mother Jenny, a former pupil from Class Year 1928. Whilst at the school, Graham excelled at sports and in particular athletics, in which he competed at national level. (see more...)

Mr. William (Gray) Grant 1926 - 2016

Class Of 1944

Whilst at the High School of Dundee, William, affectionately known as Gray to all of those who knew him, excelled in sport. His proudest achievement was captaining the 1st XV Rugby Team. (see more...)

Mrs. Winifred (Margaret) Anton (née Tait) 1927 - 2016

Class Of 1946

Winifred, who preferred to be known as Margaret, and her time at the school were interrupted as a result of the war.  Her education began in the Junior school however, after being evacuated, she attended school at Kirriemuir for a few years before returning to finish her education at the High School of Dundee. (see more...)

Dr. Grace W. Suckling (née Brown) 1922 - 2015

Class Of 1939

Having left the High School of Dundee in 1939, Grace went on to study dentistry at the University of St. Andrews, graduating in 1943. She began to practice dentistry, and then emigrated to New Zealand in 1956, after marrying a New Zealander. (see more...)

Mrs. Kathleen M. Reid (née Currie) 1935 - 2015

Class Of 1953

Kathleen, also affectionately known as Kay, attended the High School of Dundee from 1947 until 1953.  In her final year she was awarded the Dott Memorial Medal for excellence in needlework, textiles and design; a subject she went on to study at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen. (see more...)

Mr. Neil J. Menzies 1930 - 2015

Class Of 1949

Upon leaving the High School of Dundee, Neil went on to study law at the University of St. Andrews and obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen’s College Dundee, which at that time formed part of the University of St. Andrews and went on to become the University of Dundee. (see more...)

Dr. Jean G. Bryson (née Gordon) 1922 - 2015

Class Of 1939

In 1940, Jean left the High School of Dundee to study medicine at the University of St. Andrews. It was there that she met her future husband, Bill Bryson. Bill was a New Zealander and when he returned home to become at GP, Jean followed as soon as she could. (see more...)

Mrs. Muriel M. Tait (née Low) 1929 – 2015

Class Of 1948

Upon leaving the High School of Dundee, Muriel went on to study at the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science, on Atholl Crescent.  This institution evolved to became Queen Margaret University. (see more...)