Beloved teacher was sadly missed

David Hamilton was a popular teacher at the John Nielson Institution ... many years after studying there as a pupil.

However, when the Meikleriggs man took ill, the end came quickly and he died just days after his 72nd birthday.

Mr Hamilton, who was born and brought up in Paisley, became ill after visiting friends in West Kilbride.

For a day or two, there seemed some hope that he could recover – but that proved to be a false dawn.

Mr Hamilton was present at the JNI on the day it opened – April 5, 1852.

And, up until July 1910, he had been connected with it either as a pupil, assistant or departmental master.

In 1865, Mr Hamilton was appointed as responsible master in the school and, from that time onwards, he prepared between 50 and 100 scholars every year for the business of life.

He was a favourite with students and teachers and more than once during those years was the current of his life nearly diverted into other channels, only for the directors to persuade him to remain in the institution he loved so much.

When he retired in 1910, five years before his death, he was presented with a cabinet and easy chair from the teachers and scholars.

For many years, Mr Hamilton was also an elder in the Free High Church and, latterly, in the Martyrs United Free Church.

He was survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.

One of his sons lived in Tasmania and another on mainland Australia.

A friend of Mr Hamilton’s said of him: “David was one of the best teachers of youth in the town.

“He retained his cheerful nature in all his social engagements and his mirthful laugh will echo long in the ears of those who were in any way associated with him.

“As a churchman, his services were of great value to minister and congregation, while his love of nature showed itself in his fondness for his garden and the zest with which he retired at holidays to the sea shore.

“His loss is irreparable but he leaves a legacy of a well-spent life and much beneficent work.”