Tributes

Mr. David A. Shepherd 1930 – 2019

Class of 1947

David Shepherd 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.

Graduating with a BSc degree in Estate Management at the University of London in 1952, David then took up a junior partnership in the chartered surveying and factoring practice J&E Shepherd, Dundee.

Taking the reins in 1970 from his late partner Fred Henderson, David opened the firm’s first sub-office in Aberdeen in 1973, at the beginning of the North Sea oil boom. By the time of his retirement in 1995, the firm had 13 partners and 40 chartered surveyors and 13 other offices across the country – from Inverness to Dumfries.

David was also Chairman of the Northern Housing Company until 1996, an independent charity which owned and managed over 400 affordable homes in Dundee and Perth. He also held a seat on the Lands Tribunal of Scotland and sat on the Tayside Building Preservation Trust.

As a Former Pupil, David was devoted to Dundee High School, serving on the Board of Governors until 2000, first as Finance Convenor, then as Chairman; a role through which he motivated both staff and pupils to uphold the ethics of the School, an interest he maintained well beyond the period of his official involvement. He was also a Justice of the Peace in Dundee around this time.

David touched many people’s lives with his warm friendship and waspish dry wit; inspiring and giving support to many in business and enterprise. He took a close and often sceptical interest in political events, right up until the end of his days.

But work and public appointments were just part of his life. A devoted husband and family man, life for David was for living, having fun and even taking the odd risk, for example completing the Cresta Run in St Moritz at age 60!

An intrepid skier in the early days at Glenshee, a determined hillwalker (with 200 Munros under his boots) he played tennis, built treehouses and hung rope swings, swam daily and water skied. Golf was also a great passion. He and his wife, Irene, played golf in clubs all over the world, travelling widely together in the Bahamas, USA, Australia and Southern Africa.

Diagnosed with terminal cancer in late summer, David passed away peacefully at Cornhill Hospice in Perth on Friday 13th December 2019. He is survived and is sorely missed by Irene, his beloved wife of over 60 years; plus their 5 children and 8 grandchildren, for whom he was always and will remain a beacon of inspiration.

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.

Enrolling at the School in 1938, in time for its 700th anniversary, Ian excelled academically finishing as Dux and being awarded the School’s Harris Gold Medal, as well as prizes for science and mathematics.

He won a Harkness Scholarship to St Andrews University, where he read Natural Philosophy (Physics), graduating with a First Class honours degree in 1955, and securing medals in Physics and Mathematics.

In 1958, he was awarded a PhD for a thesis on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Solid Hydrocarbons, supported by a Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarship as one of the first researchers in the field. From 1958 to 1960, Ian was employed in the USA as a Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Illinois, working on magnetic resonance, before securing a post in the UK National Chemical Laboratory at Teddington.

In 1961, he met Carolyn Webb, from Sydney, Australia, and they were married in 1963 in the chapel of St Andrews University, before settling down in Walton-on-Thames.

A little later in life, Ian moved to the Department of Trade and Industry in London, to act as the Technical Aide to the Chief Government Scientist and Engineer, Dr. Duncan Davies. He also became a Fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and Chairman of Euromar, a pan-European body concerned with marine technology.

In 1991, Ian was honoured with an OBE for his services to the UK Government and retired from the DTI in 1993, before taking up the post of Secretary to the Hazards Forum and becoming editor of its journal. He was later elected a life member of the Forum.

He and his wife were involved in a number of local activities in Walton, in particular the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, where he was the first Chairman. In his spare time, Ian gained an Open University BA degree in Arts, and was an enthusiastic maker of model boats.

Ian was very supportive of the activities and careers of his son, Andrew, a computer scientist and author of a series of science fiction books, and his daughter, Dr. Jane Hoyle, a geneticist.

He was predeceased by his wife in 2018 and is survived by his two children and five grandchildren – Daniel, Christopher, Benjamin, Jasmine and Max.

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.

Andrew was born in the now-closed Fernbrae Nursing Home in Dundee, on 7th November 1941 and attended Dundee High School. After that, he studied at Craibstone Agricultural College in Aberdeen.

Upon returning to the farm, he produced dairy for a number of years. Following this, he went into pedigree Charolais cattle herding and he was well known for walking the bulls down roads whilst in training for local shows.

Years later, Andrew started a new venture in soft fruit. He had a keen eye for detail and supplied to supermarket chains both locally and nationally. He met Anne Grant in 1966 and the couple married in Broughty Ferry shortly after.

The couple had two sons, Andrew and Russell. Following his retirement in 2002, Andrew enjoyed many past times. He even designed a new home in the paddock at Flocklones and created an impressive garden. He was an avid reader of history and other subjects. He also had an interest in art and was a fundraiser for charities close to his heart.

Andrew is survived by his wife Anne, two sons and four grandchildren — Angus, Fergus, Cosmo and India.

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.

Mr Paton read law at Dundee University. He qualified as a solicitor at Shiell & Small in Dundee before joining J&J Scrimgeour.

In the early 1980’s he joined the Fiscal Service, initially in Perth, before becoming Depute Procurator Fiscal for Dundee.

Remaining in his post until 1988, he then joined Shield & Kyd as a Partner, managing the Arbroath office for 25 years until the merger with Lindsays LLP.

His career took him to the Dundee office on Bank Street and he retired as a Partner in 2013-14, remaining as a Consultant until December 2017 in their new Seabraes office.

His military experience saw him rise to become Acting Major in the 51st Highland Volunteers A Company (Black Watch).

He held the role of Session Clerk at Roseangle Ryehill Church (now Dundee West) on Perth Road for 40 years, retiring in December 2019. He was also in the church choir for 55 years, was Vice President of Dundee Choral Union for just under 20 years and a member of the choir for 50 years.

He was a past-Chairman of both the Dundee Tayside Round Table and the High School of Dundee Old Boys’ Club, as well as a member of Dundee Rotary Club and former Chairman of the Tayside Solicitors Property Centre.

Predeceased by his first wife Glenys (DHS Class of 1969) in 2011, whom he married in 1979, he is survived by children David (Class of 1998) and Susie (Class of 2004), and three grandchildren. His second son, Andrew (Class of 2002), died in 1997 aged 13.

Mr Paton leaves behind second wife Kate whom he married in 2018.

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. After leaving school, he joined the army before becoming part of the Hong Kong Police Force for four years.

A spell in the construction business followed upon his return to Dundee before he bought the Dunlaw House Hotel. After retiring from his role at the guest house, Douglas sought a quiet life away from the city and had only recently moved to his dream home by the sea after he and his wife, Barbara, had bought a new cottage in Montrose.

Described as a wild and fun-loving man who was a larger than life character, he will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Since his passing, his family have begun fundraising to continue to aid research into preventing cancer.

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. Mark was Dad of ‘Dad’s Army’ team, who played in an annual hockey tournament in Scarborough. He moved north to Inverness and played for Highland HC and subsequently umpired for many years.

After graduating from Aberdeen with an MA, Mark started his career in the Personnel Department (now known as Human Resources) with Tayside Health Board at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. He also worked at Dundee Royal Infirmary, Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, the Royal Northern Infirmary in Inverness and several other hospitals in the Highlands, finishing his career in Dingwall. He retired at the age of 62 after 42 years service with the NHS, of which he was immensely proud.

Mark was a lifelong suffering but dedicated fan of Dundee Football Club. He even helped to form ‘The Highland Dark Blues Supporter’s Club’ of which he was Chairman and Secretary.

He was very much a family man. He married Catriona in 1981 and together they had a daughter, Rachel, in 1986 and a son, Robert, in 1989. The family moved to Inverness in 1992 when Mark got promotion and they enjoyed all that the Highlands has to offer.

Mark had fond memories of his time at Dundee High and attended several school reunions, reminiscing and rekindling old friendships.

After retiring, Mark and Catriona enjoyed two wonderful trips to New Zealand where their daughter, Rachel, now lives and works.

He continued to keep fit by swimming most days, weekly walks in the highlands, golf – he was a member of Inverness Golf Club – and playing football on a Friday, putting many of the younger ones to shame.

Sadly, Mark passed away on 7 February 2020, aged 65 in the caring arms of the Highland Hospice in Inverness after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in September 2019. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, daughter-in-law Heather, sisters and brother.

Taken far too soon, he is greatly missed by his family, his many friends and all who knew him.

Mrs. Gail Murray (née Jamieson) 1937 – 2019

Staff Member 1971 – 1997

Gail passed away on 25th November 2019, in her 83rd year, at Seaton Grove Care Home in Arbroath after a long illness, bravely borne.

Educated at Morgan Academy in Dundee, Gail graduated from Dundee College of Education in 1957. Her first teaching post was in Clepington School where she gained valuable experience in the Upper Primary School. Family commitments took Gail to England, where she taught for a short time before returning to Wormit.

In 1971, Gail was appointed as a part-time teacher in the Preparatory Department of the Junior School at the High School of Dundee. When a vacancy arose in L2 in 1978, she became a permanent member of our staff until her retirement in June 1997.

Throughout her teaching career across L2 and L3 classes, Gail was committed to fully developing the true potential of each and every pupil, thus promoting a feeling of self-worth along with a keen desire to learn.

Her love of the English Language was infectious and indeed enhanced the experiences of her pupils and colleagues alike. Gail’s happy disposition and generous nature endeared her to all those who had the pleasure of working alongside her.

Gail was a much-loved teacher, with her firm yet fair approach and her genuine caring and compassionate attitude towards all pupils. Alluding to her warm personality, a visitor to her classroom once remarked “Do you call every pupil ‘darling’ Mrs. Murray?”.

Throughout her retirement, Gail was able to devote more of her time to what she enjoyed most in life – reading, travelling and of course her family. She often combined all three.

Gail relished family holidays, particularly to the USA, and to spending time with her daughters, Carys and Wendy, both Former Pupils of the School, and their families.

Carys now lives in Lancashire and Wendy in North Berwick, where Gail was a frequent visitor. Her four grandchildren, Lucy, Jonathan, Charlie and Alfie, loved her kindness, her generosity and her infectious sense of fun.

One of her final outings was to her eldest grandchild’s graduation ceremony at Lancaster University in July 2019. As she had always loved helping Lucy with her History and English homework, Gail (despite being in a wheelchair) was thrilled to witness her granddaughter receive her First Class Degree and prize for being an outstanding student.

For her family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing her, Gail’s absence is like the sky, spread over everything.

Mr. David F. Preston 1969 – 2020

Staff Member 2007 – 2020

The High School of Dundee was stunned and saddened by the death of teacher Dave Preston, very suddenly at home on 31st July 2020.

Dave joined the school in 2007, initially teaching Graphic Communication and then Technology, Engineering Science and latterly also Physics.

He was a hugely dedicated member of the School’s Combined Cadet Force and was a crucial member of staff on numerous camps, exercises, parades and weekly training. Dave brought a calm good sense and pragmatism, combined with a kindness and compassion which ensured excellent pastoral care at all times.

Our Rector Lise Hudson has said, “Dave was such a warm-hearted and genuine colleague. His quiet manner belied his deep intellect and passion for teaching and engaging with the young people in his care. He was beloved by his pupils and was a teacher who thought deeply about how to bring out the best in every individual.

“Dave always took particular time to check in that all was going well. He frequently popped his head round office and classroom doors or stopped in the corridor to ask how everything was going. We will always remember his kind words of encouragement at difficult times. He was totally committed to HSD and passionate about the opportunities that the School provided for young people.”

Our CCF Contingent Commander, Colin McAdam, also paid tribute to Dave saying, “From the outset, he showed himself to be passionately committed to the development of the unit as well as to the enhancement of the cadet experience for all the cadets he interacted with.

“I greatly valued his loyalty and diplomacy as well as his selfless commitment and respected the pride he had in wearing the uniform and serving as an officer in the Dundee High School CCF.”

Lise Hudson also highlighted, “Most importantly Dave was a devoted father and husband who understood the importance of family life to all that he met professionally and personally. Dave is going to be hugely missed by us all.”