The High School of Dundee has been deeply saddened to learn that our former respected Depute Rector, Gordon C. Stewart, M.A. (Honours), Dip. Ed., passed away, aged 90 years, on Thursday 3rd April 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
When the time comes for the history of the High School of Dundee in the second half of the 20th century to be written, the name of G.C. Stewart will figure prominently. He served the school with distinction in different roles from 1959 when he first joined the staff as a young teacher becoming Head of History in 1965, Assistant Rector in 1972 and Depute Rector in 1975, a position he held for 23 years until his retirement in 1998.
Born in 1935 in Cupar, he attended Bell Baxter High School where he was Head Boy and Rugby Captain before going up to St. Andrews University in 1953 where he gained an MA (Hons) in Modern History & Geography. His prowess as a rugby player continued at university where he was awarded a “blue” and was captain of St. Andrews University Rugby XV in 1957/58. He was also captain of Scottish Universities XV in the same year. After his university days, he played for the Howe of Fife RFC, captaining them in the season 1960/61.
His commitment to the High School extended well beyond the classroom – rugby and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) benefitted from Gordon’s enthusiasm and expertise for many years, as well as setting up the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme within the school. He pioneered and established a strong link between the school and Oxford and Cambridge Universities and was particularly proud of each and every one of the 97 pupils who won entry.
For every generation of pupils and parents, he was an approachable and committed man whose door was always open. While standing no nonsense in his classroom, he nevertheless combined firmness with humour and an abiding sense of fairness which won the respect and affection of generations of pupils. The warmth of the welcome accorded to “G.C.” at the Old Boys’ Dinners in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London is indicative of their gratitude. In 1984, he was elected President of the Old Boys’ Club, a unique honour for someone who was not a former pupil.
Gordon was devoted to the High School and maintained his close links with an interest in the school throughout his retirement, always keen to be up to date with all aspects of school life.
He was essentially a family man supported by his wife, Maureen, and they had a long and happy marriage for over 65 years. During his retirement, he enjoyed fishing, walking, bridge, art and frequent family holidays.
He is survived by Maureen and his two daughters, Heather and Lorna who are former pupils of the school, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
His funeral service will take place on Tuesday 22nd April at 12.30pm in Dundee Parish Church (St. Mary’s), Nethergate, Dundee, to which all friends are respectfully invited, followed by a private cremation. The church service will be livestreamed. Please go to www.thomasbrownandsons.co.uk and in announcements under Stewart Gordon C, you will find the direct link for the livestream.
