PGSA Obituary: Dr David Martin

[DAVID BILLINGTON]

OBITUARY: DR. DAVID (D G) MARTIN (HARRIS 1942-1950)

 

It is with deep regret that the Association has to announce the passing of Dr David Martin, at the age of 81, on Friday 29th November 2013. 

 

David was an active Member of the Association, and whilst living in Oxfordshire prevented him attending events, we did exchange occasional emails, and he was always pleased to receive the latest news of the Association and its Members.  Indeed, he had a very strong connection to the School, with his father, George (G W) Martin, having taught French there from 1907 through to retirement in 1943, with an extra term in 1944 (on account of the War).

 

I am indebted to David's wife, Pam, for the following words:

 

"Obituary for Dr David Martin

 

Dr David Martin was a pupil in Harris House at PGS from 1942 -1950. His father George Martin was just finishing his career as French teacher at the school when David joined Lower 3A. It was at this point that he started writing the daily diary which he continued until a few weeks before his death recording personal, national and international events. This diary, which David had been editing and annotating during his retirement, is valued by his family as a rich source of information about his life.

 

David distinguished himself academically at PGS collecting prizes for drama, mathematics and science. Coming third in the whole of Lancashire with his Higher School Certificate results he was awarded a State Scholarship to Merton College Oxford. However, having also having won a scholarship at Clare College Cambridge, he elected to take this up and read for a degree in the Natural Sciences Tripos.

 

On leaving Cambridge he took up a post as a research physicist at the Harwell Atomic Energy Research Establishment where he continued to work for 43 years. He carried his scientific interests for ten years on into his retirement as a consultant on the mathematical modelling of nuclear fuels.  During this period he also gave practical expression to his abiding concern for social justice by volunteering on the help desk of Oxfordshire Age Concern. He also completed 54 years service as a local Preacher in the Methodist Church

 

Family holidays in Bowland during his childhood and the proximity of the Lake District, gave David a lifelong love of hill walking.  He claimed to have climbed all the Lakeland peaks and walked a number of long distance paths in the UK in his later years.

 

He died peacefully on 29th November 2013, age 81, having suffered for some years from the Parkinsonism symptoms of Lewy Body disease."

 

David obviously had a long, successful and very fulfilling life.  The thoughts and best wishes of the Association go out to Pam, her family and all of David's friends and colleagues at this very sad time.

 

Charlie Billington.