The Scotsman - Obituaries - John Barry, Head of history at Glenalmond

Honestly, as far as I can tell no one writes obituaries like the folks at The Scotsman. I read them for history and wit as well as to see who's gone. They are such an art the writer gets a byline. (Or perhaps they are enough of a legal threat that the writer is forced to use a byline...)

For instance:

John Barry, Head of history at Glenalmond
ALASDAIR STEVEN
Born: 7 April, 1924, in Hexham, Northumberland.
Died: 15 February, 2005, in Gilmerton, Perth and Kinross, aged 80.

FAR more than a gifted teacher, John Barry, who was head of history at Trinity College, Glenalmond for almost 30 years, was a quiet and resolute man who encouraged his pupils to think for themselves. He kept his lessons factual and constructive, though he indulged himself and his pupils by regularly comparing current affairs with events of the past. He was also the housemaster of Goodacres for more than a decade in the 1970s: an appointment he fulfilled with typical energy and enthusiasm.

John Campbell Barry was the youngest son of a Methodist minister and from Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, he won an open scholarship to read history at Cambridge. But it was 1942 and Barry volunteered for the Royal Navy, doing his initial training on HMS Howe at Rosyth. After seeing service at the invasion of Sicily, he was promoted to first officer in Coastal Services for the D-Day Landings. He successfully landed the Canadian Armoured Brigade at Juno Beach....

In the late 1950s Barry and some of the young masters decided to enter the realms of business. They bought the lease of a nearby pub, the Chapelhill Inn: no-one ever knew if Warden Barlow was kept in touch with the financial arrangements, but Barry and his colleagues enjoyed themselves hugely, although little profit was made.

As head of history, Barry was also in charge of the Gladstone Society (named after the school’s founder). Learned papers were delivered and discussed - in the Barrys’ sitting room - and much cider cup was partaken. Since his retirement cider cup was no more.

Barry retired in 1982 and moved to the nearby Perthshire village of Gilmerton. He was active in charity work and a passionate and unquestioning supporter of St Johnstone Football Club....