Tony Turnbull, who taught Chemistry at Mill Hill School from 1947-1978, will be remembered above all as Housemaster of Collinson from 1960-1974. He will be remembered for his many contributions to the life of the School, whether as a Housemaster, or as a teacher and Head of Chemistry, or on the sports field. He had a distinguished war service with the Royal Artillery and contributed significantly as an officer in the CCF. For 20 years he ran the boxing but he also turned his hand to badminton, cricket, hockey, rugby and, of course his great love, golf, for which he was instrumental in establishing it as a serious sport at the School. His teaching both inside and outside the classroom will be remembered for his endless patience and commitment and many Collinsonians will be grateful for the happiness and security he inculcated in the boarding house, and he was always capably supported by his wife Peggy.

A man of great passion, integrity, charm and unrelenting enthusiasm, he will be remembered with great fondness and gratitude by so many in the Mill Hill community. He died peacefully in a nursing home in Angus, Scotland, in November, 2011, and is survived by his wife widow, Peggy, his three sons, Ian, Alistair and Andy –all OMs – and a daughter Alison and 9 grandchildren.

Tim Corbett