David C Palmar
1950-2024
Class of 1968

David Palmar (23rd June 1950 – 14th December 2024) entered HSOG in 1955 and so was in one of the last Primary 1 classes. He remained at HSOG until June 1968. At school, he was known for his fascination with and love for Geography. This was undoubtedly inspired by his father, who for 35 years was the Curator of the Natural History Section of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. He introduced David from a young age to recognise the features of the landscape and all that therein lived. And this was reinforced in the Senior School by his Geography teacher, Robin McSkimming, who became a lifelong mentor and friend.

Many FPs become distinguished figures in their profession and some of these may also become leading figures in a sport, hobby or voluntary activity. David deserves to be remembered for his outstanding contributions to at least three different areas – teaching, conservation of the natural world and photography. After graduating with an MA in Geography and Geology from Glasgow University, David completed his teacher training at Jordanhill College of Education. He quickly became Head of Geography at Jordanhill School. About 15 years later, he was among the very first teachers to be captivated by the potential of computing. He took appropriate training and that led to his designing the computing curriculum at Jordanhill School. For a while, he was both Head of Geography and Head of Computing. In fact, he spent his entire teaching career – 37 years! – at Jordanhill School, and retired in 2010. This meant that he taught three generations of some families and became so well-known that he was often stopped by ex-pupils on the streets of Glasgow for a quick chat.

David married Janet, who survives him, in 1974, and they had two daughters. Over time, David and Janet became closely involved in multiple societies dedicated to the conservation of flora and fauna all over the UK and that included David becoming a conservation photographer who contributed to surveys conducted by these societies; to his editing the Newsletter of the Glasgow Natural History Society; and to his creating a website (http://www.photoscot.co.uk) containing around 15,000 photos of flora and fauna and including 600 of his father’s. The site serves as a resource for research, surveys and talks and in effect is David’s legacy to communities dedicated to conserving the natural world in Scotland and the rest of the UK.  

Despite all his teaching responsibilities and many interests, David was very much a family man. This also included indulging himself in what he and his family called fun fascinations. Namely, he played the accordion; he learned and loved speaking German; he built a model of the West Highland railway line in his loft; he travelled with Janet at least once a year on the paddle-steamer, the Waverley; and they were enthusiastic supporters of the allotment movement. The family still takes full advantage of their plot. In sum, David was a polymath with antennae that sought out the green sustenance of joyful being. He leaves behind memories and records which will be long cherished.

Tribute written by David’s former classmate, Roddy Kay (Class of 1968).