John Gould

We sadly share the news of the death of former teacher, John Gould, following a tragic car accident.

John will be missed by all who have known him , and especially by those who are close to him, for his kindness, his sincerity, his commitment to social justice and the protection of the environment. Unassuming and self-effacing by nature, John took a sensitive interest in other people, sharing their news, listening and counselling on so many matters. He espoused Quaker values and lived a life that was in harmony with Quaker testimonies.

John gave unstinting, loyal service to Leighton Park. For twenty of his thirty years on the teaching staff he was Head of Modern Languages, teaching Russian and French. He also had pastoral roles in Reckitt, School and finally Grove, where he was Housemaster and Elisabeth, his wife, was in charge of what was then Grove House girls’ hostel.

He was a gifted all-rounder who gave generously of his time and talents in numerous areas of school life. A fine cricketer and hockey player, he coached hockey at a high level for many years. As a very enthusiastic ornithologist, he shared his expertise with countless pupils and colleagues who were members of the Bird Group. John loved music: he played bassoon in the school orchestra and sang in local  choirs.

Coming out of retirement in 2004, John worked hard to help ‘relaunch’ Old Leightonian communications and events when a number of factors had resulted in a loss of these important contacts. It was typical of him that he maintained many personal contacts with former students and colleagues, as well as a strong interest in the ongoing development of the school.

It feels bitterly ironic to be writing these words on the day that hostile action has begun in Ukraine.It was John who, with the encouragement of John Ounsted, introduced Russian to the LP curriculum. He taught the Russian language and culture enthusiastically until the subject was dropped in the mid-eighties. I have very good memories of being with him in the Soviet Union with a party of students, as indeed I have of so many other ventures we embarked on together as linguists, as Leightonians, and as very good friends. John was a man of peace who would have been greatly distressed by today’s news.

Our thoughts are with Elisabeth, his wife, and Clare, Helen and Harriet (John’s step-daughters), their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

To write to John’s family, contact the Alumni office.

John Allinson

Former MFL teacher and Archivist