John Baxter (1915(?)-2003)

John Baxter, who died at the beginning of March, was one of the rapidly diminishing band of men and women who devoted almost all of their lives to Morgan Academy, first as pupils and later as teachers. Like so many others from Baxter Park Terrace, he spent all his school days at Morgan and, in 1932, he won Dux medals for French and German.

On completion of his degree course at St.Andrews University and after further research work there, he returned to Morgan in 1938 to teach French and German. Before he was into his stride, the outbreak of war took him to Arbroath High School along with many evacuated Morgan pupils. From there, he was called to the forces at the end of 1939.

After the War, he returned to the modern languages department where promotion was delayed by the number of senior teachers already there. French and German teaching was divided into two in 1966, however, and John, by then appropriately and affectionately known as “Baldy Baxter”, became head of the French department. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1979.

He took a healthy interest in many school sports, having played for the F.P.rugby team in the 1930’s. He was also Cortachy housemaster for fifteen years.

More recently, he had enjoyed occasional outings to the F.P. lunch club to meet former pupils and other retired members of staff. We shall miss his company there and send our sympathy to Mrs.Baxter and his daughter at this sad time.

Our sympathies go to his wife Beth, whom he met at St.Andrews University, and to his four children. He was such a nice man and will be greatly missed.

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