Remembering Peter Dickinson
Former Head of Mathematics and Housemaster of Thornton House
It is with great sadness that we record the passing of Peter Dickinson, a much-admired and long-serving member of staff whose association with the School spanned more than three decades, from 1964 to 1997, and whose connection to the community endured well beyond his formal retirement.
Peter joined the staff in September 1964, one of a remarkable cohort of six newcomers in this period, alongside Bryan Richards, Nick Swarbrick and others who together went on to contribute an extraordinary 104 years of service to the school. From the outset, Peter established himself as a dedicated teacher of Mathematics. He later became Head of Mathematics and was instrumental in overhauling the mathematics curriculum in the 1980s, introducing the new ideas that were emerging in mathematics education. His influence extended far beyond the classroom. He was a long-time member of the choir and supported all events in Chapel especially as a server at Holy Communion in support of the Rev'd David Hamer.
For many years Peter served as Examinations Officer and took responsibility for the timetable, a demanding and often thankless task which he executed with characteristic precision. He also played a central role in the pastoral life of the School: as a long-standing tutor of OH, and as Housemaster of Thornton House under its various guises over the decades, he guided, supported, and encouraged generations of pupils.
Peter was also instrumental in developing Cross Country as a recognised and valued sport within the School. His commitment to outdoor physical challenge and participation reflected his belief that character was formed not only through academic learning, but through shared endurance, resilience, and camaraderie.
In retirement, Peter remained an active and loyal supporter of the Old Blundellian Club, attending Winter Lunches with great regularity. These gatherings meant a great deal to him, sustaining friendships and memories across many years. The arrival of the Covid pandemic, with its necessary isolation and disruption, affected him deeply, and he was sadly never quite able to reclaim the old rhythms of his life afterwards.
Peter will be remembered with affection and gratitude by former colleagues, pupils, and members of the wider School community. His legacy is found not only in the generations he taught, but in the quiet stability and decency he modelled every day.
He gave much, and he will be much missed.
The Requiem Eucharist for Peter will take place on 26th November at 12 noon at St Andrew's Church. There will be refreshments at the Tiverton Hotel after the service. The cremation will follow at the Exeter and Devon Crematorium at 2 pm.
