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Obituaries
George Dobie
A Tribute by John King
George Dobie was born in Rosewell, near Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 6th 1912.
The son of a Farm Manager, he was brought up in the countryside.
I quote from a recent letter to the headmaster sent by George Gray who came to
Clayesmore from Craigend.
“For many years George Dobie was a regular visitor to his parents, when his father
was the grieve (foreman) at Ewford , Dunbar, one of the best farms in East Lothian. When
there on holiday he usually called at Smeaton for a walk round my property.
He told me then that he had been born at Gortonlee, Lasswade, a farm occupied by my son
Quentin Gray.
I write to ask if you will be kind enough to advise members of his family that if they are
visiting the Lothians and would like to visit Gortonlee I will meet them and show them the
farm.”
As a twenty three year old bachelor, George came to Clayesmore in the summer of 1935.
For this we have to thank the
Edinburgh Constabulary for their
foolishness in not employing him, and the foresight of my father, who did. So George and
my father started at Clayesmore together. It was the understanding that George was there
for a six month trial period, and if he did not like it, he’d return to Scotland at
Christmas. Fortunately George and my father became firm friends.
It is fitting that Thanksgiving Services for both of them should have been held here. On behalf of both families, I record our gratitude to Tony Chew, the Chaplain, David Beeby, the Headmaster, and to the Council of Clayesmore School.
This friendship between George Dobie and Evelyn King, was the more remarkable because they came from totally different backgrounds and the opposite ends of Great Britain. I do not believe that George ever aspired to be a Headmaster or Member of Parliament, nor did my father aspire to do George’s work. Both were dedicated to their chosen jobs, did them to the best of their ability, earning mutual respect and high regard for each other.
In that summer of 1935, extra accommodation was urgently needed at Clayesmore. With his usual commitment, George rose to the occasion, working all hours during the holidays, to convert the Stable Block into what is now Gate House. It was ready for the start of the Autumn Term.
My father was not the only lifelong friend George made at Clayesmore. In 1938, George met and married Ivy. They both continued to work at Clayesmore throughout their working lives. I recall the War Years, when my late mother was cooking and catering for Clayesmore, almost single handed, Ivy was always there to help. Ivy also had the onerous task of looking after me in my most formative, and probably, most difficult years. She could be firm; but usually spoiled me rotten. I loved her dearly; as did so many others. George and Ivy were the most caring and loving Parents to David, Andy, and Janet.
In 1940 George’s call to arms saw him in the RAF. He was
once put on a charge of ‘gross negligence”. George had his human failings too.
He hadn’t tightened the screws sufficiently on the flaps of an aeroplane. As the
‘plane taxied towards the runway, both screws, and flaps fell off! No harm resulted,
except perhaps to George’s pride in his work. So far as we know, that was the only
blemish in five years of loyal service to his country. Leading Aircraftman Dobie saw
service in Malta, Italy, and North Africa. He was demobbed in 1945 and returned to
Clayesmore.
Shortly after this, George was helping to build the first floor to the new Annex Wing
by the cannon. I was playing nearby and managed to put an upturned nail through my foot.
No transport was available. The ever resourceful George dealt with it.
George the practical, George the unflappable, with that lovely soft Scottish lilt to his
voice. George was there to drive my mother to hospital the day I was born. He was there on
so many occasions thereafter, when I needed his help, or advice. As indeed he was for all
at Clayesmore. Gordon Chubb, in his recent letter to the Old Clayesmorian Society, refers
to George as, “Friend and Sage”. Surrogate Uncle George, I miss you, and so do
many generations of Clayesmorians.
After I left Dorset, many is the time I’d bump into George at some Point to Point course around Southern England. He always had some inside information about a horse, or rider. Win, or lose, an encounter with him enriched the day’s sport. But I have to add that George’s company was usually more rewarding than his racing tips!
In later years, George continued to derive much pleasure from watching the racing on television. Yes; he was lonely, and Ivy was much missed. But he got on with his life and enjoyed it. My wife Chris and I visited him at Glebe Court, shortly before he died. He had not been well, but was quick to point out the enormous help and support he received from his family. David, Andy, and Janet. You brought great joy to your father, and he spoke with such pride of you and your families.
George enjoyed Cricket and Football. He represented Iwerne Minster, playing in both teams with his usual enthusiasm. I think he would have regarded this as the height of an international sporting career; so great was his love of his adopted village. Remember, he only came for six months! We give thanks that George was able to attend the opening of Iwerne’s new Cricket Pavilion. He died, I think with some contentment, two days later.
He was 85, and visited Clayesmore regularly right up to the end. These regular visits, after his retirement, were an important part of George’s life, continuing his close association with Clayesmore.
I know that Clayesmorians; staff and pupils alike, were always delighted to see him. He was proud to have been made an Honorary Old Clayesmorian.
He worked for the schools for fifty years until his retirement at 65; and then came back to do another five years part time at Devines. Loyalty, adaptability, and perseverance shone through all that he did.
He was involved in the building of not one, but two chapels at Clayesmore. First the wooden one that used to be by the squash court, and later, this fine building. If Clayesmore goes on for another thousand years, as I am certain it will, I doubt if anyone will equal George’s record of service. A handsome plaque, bearing his name, and those who worked with him, rests on the wall in the entrance to this chapel. David Spinney, in his book “Clayesmore, A School History”, makes reference to (and I quote) “the faithful George Dobie, who looked after the painting and electrical fittings” in the construction of this Chapel. George took particular pride in the ceiling. He was disappointed when it was redecorated.
George Dobie was on hand when I came into this world. It is a privilege to be here to
help say good-bye to him. In this Thanksgiving for his life, we also profoundly thank God
for George’s influence on our lives, on Clayesmore, and on Iwerne.
George, you touched our lives. We are all the better for it. You deserve to rest in peace.
My friend, our friend, Farewell and thank you.
