Tribute: Duncan Alexander, supporter of the Cally Rally near Loch Ness
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Duncan Alexander, a former deputy rector of Elgin Academy, is fondly remembered as a fair and helpful teacher.
Generous with both his time and energy, and always ready to communicate with anyone, he was involved with a wide range of organisations.
Duncan was born in Banchory on March 15, 1938.
A quiet, clever child, he became Dux at Banchory Academy before studying chemistry at Aberdeen University.
Having trained as a teacher he then taught at Mackie Academy in Stonehaven and Lochaber High School in Fort William, finally moving to Elgin Academy in 1973.
Unless specifically asked, Duncan was far too modest to talk about everything he did, but helping others was the theme of his life.
A tie or lapel badge would often proudly demonstrate his support for one or other of his passions, which included science, teaching, the church, the environment and the scouting movement.
The last of these began in 1947 when he enrolled as a wolf cub in Banchory.
Eventually he rose to become the movement's assistant chief commissioner for Scotland, and, in 1991, was presented with the Silver Wolf, its highest award for an adult.
He was committed to reinforcing Baden Powell’s dream of encouraging peace and understanding between young people.
This saw him attending many jamborees around the globe, as well as helping to organise an event at Blair Atholl attended by 300 scouts from Scotland and 300 more from overseas.
On a more local level, he was also a great supporter of the Cally Rally, which takes place near Loch Ness.
As well as working at Elgin Academy, Duncan was a church elder in the town for many years, often visiting those who needed a listening ear.
Meanwhile his passion for saving the planet meant he was a member of the eco-congregation and active in promoting recycling.
He was also a keen supporter of the church’s contacts in the Middle East, helping children caught up in the various wars over the years.
In addition, Duncan organised the annual Souper Sundays, raising funds for HIV/Aids sufferers, and was a collector for Christian Aid.
At the age of 16 Duncan's much-travelled aunts had taken him to Paris on his first visit abroad.
This was the start of his lifelong love of travel and he had hundreds of photos from all over the world – from Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.
In his later years he thoroughly enjoyed cruises with long-term friends.
He travelled to New Zealand for his nephew’s wedding in Wellington, proudly sporting his trademark red kilt, which he also wore at his niece Jenny’s wedding in Inverness.
Duncan enjoyed family gatherings, the last being a birthday dinner in Edinburgh during December.
Long after his retirement from teaching he kept up with science, particularly the latest developments in chemistry, regularly attending talks in Aberdeen, across the UK, and more recently on Zoom.
He enjoyed organising and going to meetings of the various organisations he was involved with, such as Aberdeen University, the Association for Science Education and the National Trust for Scotland.
Although very fit, Duncan died on February 16, following a short illness.
A large contingent of former colleagues attended the funeral.
Dorothy Kinloch OBE, vice president and former chief commissioner of Scouts Scotland, gave a comprehensive address about Duncan's contribution of over 60 years to the movement.
Duncan Alexander is survived by his two sisters, Liz and Rosemary, his brother-in-law Neil and nephew Michael, who came over from Sydney for the funeral.
He's also survived by his two nieces, Jenny from Edinburgh and Suzanne from Aberdeen, as well as several cousins and wider family members.
