Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of former Dromore High School Principal, Mr John Wilkinson OBE.
Mr Wilkinson – known as ‘Wilkie’ to friends and, on occasion, ‘The Wilk’ to past pupils – has been widely hailed as a “gentleman” and a “sweetheart”, whose loss will be deeply felt within the close-knit Dromore community and far beyond.
Aside from his duties as Principal, Mr Wilkinson shared his passion for the world and its composition through his chosen discipline, Geography.
Those who had the fortune to be taught by him regarded him as a “brilliant teacher and an even better Headmaster”.
He retired from Dromore High in 2015, with his Year 14 class gifting him their “Class of 2015 leavers’ hoodie” as a treasured memento.
Mr Wilkinson had also previously taught at Rathfriland High School and Ballynahinch County Intermediate – leaving his indelible mark on each.
And – in testament to his lasting impression – Mr Wilkinson’s past pupils have been leading tributes to that one teacher you never forget.
Sharing fond memories of Mr Wilkinson, one person said: “I recall one day when he was a student taking our class, I said on the way out, ‘Bye Mr Wilkinson.’ He called me back and said, ‘Listen, we are related. It’s John to you!’ That was the gentleman he was. Condolences to Hazel and family.”
Another added: “I’m sorry to hear this – condolences to his family. I remember meeting him when he was Principal; he took time to know you as a person. He taught my cousins in Rathfriland.
“I was doing work with their computer installs. He said I was the only one he had met who delivered bad news with a smile! A real gentleman – I enjoyed hearing his plans for retirement and how he wanted to stay involved in education.
It was a pleasure to meet him.”
A death notice described him as the dearly loved and devoted husband of Hazel, loving father of Jonathan and Joanna, father-in-law of Paula and Gareth, and dear granda of Oscar, Darcie, Maisie and Kasie.
The home is private as per his family’s request, with funeral details to follow.
