The School Mourns the Death of Harry Zachariah

19 March 2009

The School Mourns the Death of Harry Zachariah

The School Community was saddened to hear of the death of Harry Zachariah last Sunday evening.

Harry has been an icon of the School.  He joined the staff in 1942, when Mr Green was Headmaster.  During that year Mr Green finished his very short term as Headmaster, and Canon Wilson was appointed Headmaster.  Brighton Grammar School was a very different school in those days, and in reality, went through some tough times. It was through Canon Wilson’s leadership, ably supported by dedicated members of staff such as Harry Zachariah, that the School survived.  Harry was a highly regarded teacher of English and Geography. He had a great love of literature, which he instilled in his boys.

Harry’s contribution to the wider life of the School was unparalleled. He served as Sports Master, Coach of the 1st XI Cricket Team, and the 1st XVIII Football Team.  In 1953 he took on the role of Headmaster of Hamilton College, where he served for seven years, returning to BGS in 1960 as Assistant to the Headmaster.  In 1961 he was appointed Senior Master, and in 1972 he was appointed Vice Principal, a role he filled until his retirement in 1988.  After his retirement Harry continued his association with the School, serving as Honorary Archivist.  As recently as early February Harry was at school for the Top Enders luncheon, on the day the 1st XI defeated Haileybury College, much to Harry’s pleasure!

Our thoughts and prayers are with Harry’s children, Jane, Richard, and Amanda, other family members and friends.

You might have seen the School notice in the papers yesterday. To quote: ‘The School is so much richer for his dedication and hard work…”His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world – This was a Man”.