It was with great sadness that the School learned of the passing of former pupil Gavin Garden, Class of 1965, who has died aged 78.
Born on 7 December 1946, Gavin attended the High School of Dundee where his enthusiasm for sport first flourished. Even as a pupil, he showed the loyalty and quiet dedication that would characterise his lifelong service to the School and its sporting community. While still at Mayfield, Gavin made his first appearances for the senior 2nd XI of the Dundee High FP Cricket Club – an early sign of the deep connection he would maintain with the School’s athletics and alumni network throughout his life.
After leaving school, Gavin embarked on a professional career with NCR, where he worked as a Supply Line Manager and later as a Professional Services Production Manager. Yet, alongside his working life, his heart always remained with the High School of Dundee’s sporting family.
From the 1960s onwards, Gavin was a constant and devoted presence at Dundee High FP Cricket Club, playing alongside his brothers Howard and Atholl and serving the club in numerous capacities. Beyond his success on the field, he contributed tirelessly off it — as Secretary, Treasurer, and as one of the dedicated few who could always be found maintaining the grounds and equipment at Dalnacraig. His hands-on care and sense of responsibility left an enduring mark on the club and its community.
Equally, Gavin was a stalwart of Dundee High FP Rugby Club, with which he shared over 50 years of service. As both player and administrator, he was a cornerstone of the club’s growth and success. His long tenure as Club Secretary was marked by steady leadership, and he was part of the committee that guided Dundee Rugby from the 7th Division to the 1st Division of Scottish rugby — a remarkable achievement reflecting his vision and perseverance.
Gavin’s influence extended well beyond the FP clubs. He served on committees for the Strathmore and Perthshire Cricket Union, the Scottish Cricket Union, and the Scottish Rugby Union, contributing his experience and passion to the wider sporting community.
At the heart of all this was Gavin’s profound devotion to the High School of Dundee Athletics Union, where he held the roles of Secretary and Treasurer. He was a tireless supporter of sporting life at Mayfield, ever-present at fixtures, always ready to lend a hand with clubhouse repairs, bar management, or simply to share a friendly chat over a pint or a G&T. To many, he was quite literally part of the fabric of Mayfield — dependable, cheerful, and wholly committed to the life and spirit of the School he loved.
Gavin will be deeply missed by all who knew him — his family, friends, and the many generations of pupils and players whose lives he touched. Our thoughts are with his wife, Jacqui, at this sad time.