During a long and distinguished career, David Eastwood dedicated himself to the education of others. As well as being a former lecturer at the University where countless students benefitted from his wisdom and outstanding skills as an educator, he was also a much-loved head teacher and worked with the newly formed Aberdeen City Council as Assistant Director of Education. When he passed away in 2022, he left a significant gift in his will to the University for medical research, creating impact that extends from individual lives to wider societal wellbeing.
David started his career teaching Physics at Fettes College before moving to Gordonstoun, where he is said to have taught members of the royal family. Wanting to return to the state sector, he became Rector of Bankhead Academy in Aberdeen where he encouraged the development of music and sport and explored multidisciplinary approaches to science teaching.
A move to Stranraer Academy in 1989 was followed by a return to Aberdeen in 1992 to become Head Teacher at Northfield Academy, during which time the school became the first in Scotland to use a computerised integrated learning system for English and Maths. David continuously championed disadvantaged pupils and students and was constantly seeking innovations that reduced stress for young people.
Appointed Assistant Director of Education in Aberdeen City Council in 1996, he became known as an inspiring and supportive colleague, always questioning yet always trusting others’ expertise. After retiring from the Council in 2006, he continued working for the University of Aberdeen, where colleagues remember him as a great character, often wearing a kilt or plus fours to work with great flair – and the students loved him. Above all, he cared about young people, teasing out their strengths and encouraging them to stretch their intellectual potential.
Beyond education, David played a major role in the arts in Aberdeenshire, especially through Aboyne Arts and Aboyne Cinema. He worked as a sound engineer for Scotland the What?, and later The Flying Pigs, and during Scotland the What?’s Freedom of Aberdeen speech in 2008, they paid special tribute to his meticulous sound work. For decades ‘Old Dave’ was central to Aberdeen University Canoe Club and left his extensive canoe equipment to the Club in his will.
David was a long-standing member of Deeside Thistle Cycling Club, and he passed away suddenly after returning from a bike ride on 1 March 2022, a pastime he enjoyed most. He is remembered by those who knew him for his innovation, kindness, intellect, and deep commitment to others.
While being committed to education throughout his life, David left the gift in his will for medical research here at the University. Such a gift provides the flexibility that enables our wonderful researchers to generate new insights in medicine and can provide crucial seed funding for early-stage research, proof-of-concept, and pilot projects that act as catalysts to transform preliminary, innovative ideas into robust, investable projects.
