Death of “inspirational” teacher

Mar 16 2011 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

THE TEACHING and art communities have been shocked following the tragic death while abroad on holiday of highly respected artist and former teacher Bill Alston (right).

Bill, who was 73, died of a heart attack last week while snorkelling in Cuba.

He was there with his wife Pat, also a retired art teacher, to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

This week, as news of the tragedy spread, tributes were paid to the man described as “an inspirational teacher” and “man of the people”.

Among those paying tribute was former colleague and fellow artist Andy Edgar.

He said: “Bill will be remembered by generations of school students as an inspirational art teacher.

“His enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile for his young charges will never be forgotten by many. Indeed, a significant number of Bill’s former pupils took up the gauntlet of art teaching because of the love of art engendered in them by him.

“Bill’s untimely death is all the more tragic given that he was at last gaining the wider recognition his superbly executed, keenly observed, naturalistic paintings deserved.”

Originally from Larkhall, Bill, a former pupil of Hamilton Academy, continued his studies at Glasgow School of Art before going on to teach at Hamilton Academy, Lesmahagow High School and Strathaven Academy.

He took early retirement in 1997. He and his wife continued to live in Strathaven where he played a significant role in the local community. Indeed one of his murals still decorates a gable end there.

Just last year Bill had highly acclaimed exhibitions at Glasgow Art Club and the Kelly Gallery in Glasgow.

Bill also ran jazz clubs, assisted with drama groups and was a keen hill climber and cyclist.

Head teacher Mrs Elspeth Banks said that, although Bill retired before she took up her post, she was well aware of the high esteem in which he was held.

She said: “The school and local community are extremely saddened to hear of his death. Bill was very well liked by staff and pupils in his care.”

Retired assistant head teacher at Strathaven, Sandy Grant, described Bill as “an inspirational teacher” who would, he said, be “sadly missed”. He had also been “a man of the people”, who played a significant role in the community.

His words were echoed by former principal teacher of art at Strathaven, Hugh Miller and former colleague Ed Williams.

Bill is survived by his wife, Pat, and their two daughters and two sons, who are awaiting the return of his body to Scotland.