Former teacher leaves immense legacy
ON March 15, in his 65th year, Ferdinand Adrian Middleton finally gave up the fight.
He had been battling cancer for more than four years.
His was an extraordinary life and his legacy is immense.
Middleton, after completion of matric at Paterson High School, enrolled for a BSc degree at the University of the Western Cape, graduating in 1974.
He started at Bethelsdorp High School as a biology teacher in 1975 and immediately enrolled for a Higher Education Diploma at Unisa.
Later he completed a BEd degree at the University of Port Elizabeth, passing cum laude.
He was to become the youngest head of department under the late Raymond Uren.
After a stint of 13 years teaching high school, he joined Dower College of Education as a lecturer in education.
In 1996, he was appointed hostel superintendent at Dower College.
It was as hostel superintendent that he was a pioneer in education transformation.
He opened up the hostels to Xhosaspeaking students and facilitated social interaction through regular social functions for the students.
He played a significant role in transforming Dower into a true community college.
The college was turned into a job-generating machine with needy students employed to assist with community activity.
When Dower College closed in 2000, he was transferred to the education department as subject adviser in biology.
When I was cut down by a stroke this man, my life-long friend, took the trouble to visit me in St George’s Hospital, frail as he was, cancer-ridden and weak.
What a gentleman, friend and hero!
Samuel Snayer, former rector of Dower College of Education and former education district director: Port Elizabeth