Tribute To Dave Jeffers

This tribute to the late Dave Jeffers, former Head of Mathematics and Reid’s Housemaster, has been written by Mike Jeffers (no relation), our current Head of Mathematics. 

Dave Jeffers was appointed Head of Mathematics at Glenalmond by Warden Ian Templeton in September 1996.

Professionally, he quickly established himself at the helm of the Mathematics Department and provided it with much-needed leadership, structure and direction. Socially, he and his wife Helen made a similarly powerful impact and were at the heart of a vibrant staff social scene along with Charlie and Ros Schiffner.

He appointed me in September 1998 and it should be noted that all accusations of nepotism are unfounded as we are not related! Dave was a fantastic mentor and role model early in my career, which for a period followed an identical trajectory.

Having quickly proved themselves as very safe pairs of hands, Dave and Helen were appointed to take over Reid's House in January 1999. Dave continued as both Housemaster and Head of Maths for the remainder of that academic year before handing over as Head of Mathematics to me in September 2000 to focus on Reid's. By nature, Dave was always keen to take on new challenges and this drew him to Clayesmore School in September 2002 in a Senior Management role there as Director of Studies. Dave and Helen's "pedigree" as parents was firmly established during this time as both their sons, Andrew and Mark, went on to be Head Boys at Clayesmore. 

Dave's loss leaves a huge hole. There are so many stories about Dave and Helen that choosing just one is an extremely difficult task. The one that springs to mind for me took place at one of Dave and Helen's infamous "Back to School" parties just before the start of the Michaelmas Term in the extensive Reid's Housemaster's Flat.

We had appointed a new member of the Maths Department who had been working overseas and for this reason, he had been appointed "remotely" well before the days of video calls and the like. In order to get to know him, Dave had generously invited him to his "Back to School" party which would be his first opportunity to meet any of the staff. I remember watching he and Dave in conversation over the other side of the room. 

Dave was, in fairness, trying to have a serious conversation about Mathematics but his guest's clearly nervous demeanour was no doubt due to Dave's attire of fishnet stockings, mini skirt, cropped shirt, and peroxide blond wig. After he had left, I asked Dave how the conversation went, to which Dave replied "Funny bloke, didn't seem very relaxed".

Our thoughts are with Mrs Jeffers and all of Dave's friends and family, to whom we send love from Glenalmond.

A Memorial Service/Celebration of Dave's life will be held on Thursday 2nd December at 1.30pm:

Axbridge Town Hall

The Square 

Axbridge

Somerset

BS26 2AY

Old Glenalmond Ralph Kerr (Patchell's) will play the bagpipes.