Obituaries
GEORGE ANTHONY BORTHWICK QSM, 1946 - 2024, R.I.P
OGB - Lucia King, Calcutta, Fraser
George passed away peacefully at Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington, New Zealand on 7th March 2024 , aged 77. George had been ill for sometime with cancer. We offer our deepest condolences to his family in New Zealand and in India.
George was a beneficiary of the Homes child sponsorship programme and in 2019 wrote “My time in Dr Graham’s Homes from 1946 to 1964 has been the only primary home I know or had. It has stood me in good stead, through welfare and good education, prepared me for life and success for over 70 years and it will always be my home.” Along with his school friend, the late Thuten Kesang, George, through the NZ DGH Committee, raised funds to support and sponsor children at the Homes. He was a recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for his work with the Salvation Army.
The Chairman of GO Anirban Bhattacharyya, wrote the following obituary: “George Borthwick - there are many things I can say to describe him. But there's one sentence that really encapsulates his life - 'He was a Homes Boy’. Eternally grateful for the upbringing and the education that he received at Dr Graham's Homes Kalimpong, he dedicated his life giving back to his alma mater with abundant gratitude and love. Even in his final months - he raised money and donated a huge sum to the school via GO for the repair and renovation of the Jarvie Hall. George sought out every opportunity to talk about his school and to share his stories of Kalimpong and Calcutta with the world. Thuten Kesang and George Borthwick worked tirelessly and passionately for decades through the New Zealand Committee to sponsor children so that they too received a second chance in life. With the passing of both of them - an era has come to an end. Goerge was always jovial and smiling - positive and patient - and always the voice that was heard the least and yet when it was heard, it impacted the most. He wore his heart on his sleeve and we are all going to miss him terribly. From his friends and fellow OGBs at GO Global OGB Association - we wish him a peaceful journey back home. There is no pain now, there is no worry - my friend, you leave behind your legacy of love and philanthropy... you have touched many lives and bettered them... and you leave us with your incredible memories. There’s a Māori whakatauki that says, “Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane.” Translated, this ancient proverb says, “A totara has fallen in the forest of Tane.” The New Zealand totara tree is known for its size and contribution to the forest. Growing to heights taller than most and standing for hundreds of years, Māori believe it’s a tragedy when one falls in the forest. Today, we too express the deep pain and sadness in the passing of George who was a mighty totara tree in the OGB community. Farewell George! We all will miss you and we love you!!
George was behind the GO '2020 Year of the OGBs' fund raising initiative and in a 2018/19 promotional tour, he met with several OGBs during his visit to Kalimpong and Sikkim. Here he is in discussion with the Homes Headmaster, himself an OGB. Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions the programme was cancelled but the funds raised allowed for substantial refurbishment of classrooms and infrastructure in the school campus.
Mrs Jennifer Webster R.I.P
Mrs. Jennifer Webster, the beloved wife of the Revd. John Webster and the mother of Gordon, Johnnie and Callum passed away on Tuesday 13th. June. The Websters were at the Homes from 1964-1973, when John was the school Chaplain and the Farm Manager.
The following is a message from GO Chairman Anirban Bhattacharyya: "This is to announce the sad news of the passing of Mrs Jennifer Webster, the beloved wife of Rev John Webster. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give John strength and courage to tide over this difficult time, and may He protect John with love. Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to John and members and friends of the family. "
Mr. Prakash Chibber, R.I.P.
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our legendary PT teacher, on 22nd. February, 2022. He was a much loved icon who first arrived at the Homes in the 1960's and brought modern ideas to physical education and training at the Homes.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Prakash Chibber.
The Batch of 1990 paid the following tribute to 'Chibber' in 2015.
Mr. Frederick Menzies, R.I.P.
It is with deep sadness we learned of the passing of OGB Freddy Menzies in Shillong, India. He was from the DGH batch of 1964 and, post graduation from St Edmunds College, joined Air India as a member of the flight crew. He settled in Mumbai. Freddy died of a heart attack and will be dearly missed by all his OGB friends.
We extend our deepest condolences to Freddy's family and loved ones.
OGB friends produced this moving tribute in memory of Freddy.
Tribute to late Thuten Kesang from an OGB.
OGB George Borthwick knew Thuten for some 50+ years since they both left the Homes in the 60's and emigrated to New Zealand. They were both sponsored students and have given much back to the Homes. With Thuten La, George managed the NZ International Committee and following Thuten's passing has taken over as Chair of the NZ Committee for DGH. George was invited to say a few words at Thuten La's funeral and this was his tribute to his dear friend.
Among OGBs in attendance at the funeral were Lionel Landale (1940s), Paddy Mackay, Ivan Holland (Sydney), Tashi Hishey, Parvathi Erikson, Mabel Afele (Macey) and Denise Wadforth (Ferdinand).
Mr. THUTEN KESANG, 1944 - 2021, R.I.P.
It is with deep sadness we learned of the passing of OGB and GO Management Committee member Thuten La. He passed away on 23rd May in Auckland, NZ surrounded by family and friends. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Gwen and daughters Tsering and Elizabeth.
Thutenla's funeral is on the 28th of May at 2pm, NZ time. The memorial service will be held at Memorial Park, 235 Schnapper Rock Rd Auckland, Auckland Council, Auckland, 0632
In a foreward to Thuten's autobiography, published in 2017, His Holiness The Dalai Lama gave us a glimpse of Thuten La's amazing life and achievements.
GO Chairman Anirban Bhattacharyya has written the following eulogy for Thuten La.
Click here for a collection of images in memory of Thuten.
Mr Thumbudorai - R.I.P
It is with deep sadness we learned of the passing of former DGH teacher Mr Thumbudorai, on Saturday 30th. January, 2021. He was a great mathematician and a breath of fresh air in the class room for many who struggled with the subject! A former pupil acknowledged his time as a pupil of "Thumbu" thus: "Mr. Thumbudorai, who taught us that maths is all about using the head and that even thumbs have no use much less the calculators on which we now depend."
GO offer their deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Mr Lowen Lama - R.I.P.
It is with deep sadness we learned of the passing of former DGH teacher, Headmaster and NCC Captain Lowen Lama. Following ill health, over a number days, he passed away at the Neotia Hospital, Siliguri, in the early hours of 25th. January, 2021. GO offers its deepest condolences to the family and friends off Mr Lama.
An obituary by Abhijit Pradhan, OGB (Batch of 1990).
Most Homes students who knew Mr. Lama and had the privilege of sharing a classroom with him knew exactly where every city in the world was geographically located - except Ulan Bator, you got us there, Sir!
Mr. Lama was the Headmaster of the school at the time, but more than that, he was a geography teacher for the batch of 1990 - and a darned good one at that - and for severely distracted eighth graders, his class was the one we all looked forward to.
As a Headmaster, it probably would not have been easy to put on a teacher’s shoe, but Mr. Lama did it effortlessly. He was a favourite of many students, simply because of the way he taught and the way he engaged the class and brought geography to life. As a testament to his methods, even today, some of us can easily (ish) read a contour map, identify the shape of clouds and distinguish between a stalactite and stalagmite.
Mr. Lama was strict, and many in the batch of 1990 felt his wrath, but that came with the job. The Headmaster’s post was definitely not an easy office to hold, especially during the dramatic political turmoil the engulfed the Darjeeling hills during his tenure. Managing the DGH ecosystem in the face of chaos required diplomacy, and more importantly, an iron will to persevere, and Mr. Lama had that in him.
Mr. Lama was multidimensional person and among the few teachers who made us see the world a little differently, encouraged us to be bold, be a little daring - all within reasonable parameters of course. Inside or outside the class, he was always approachable, and for a day scholar prefect in the time of political uncertainty like me, his guidance was invaluable.
He always showed students that hard work always pays off, and that we should never give up. It was evident in the general attitude of Dr. Grahams Homes back when he was the Headmaster. We see the school now, and we remember what it was when we were there.
A person of great integrity, with a strong belief in himself and a nurturing attitude, Mr. Lama was truly one of the great leaders of the school and a champion for us students. He lives in our hearts and minds not only as a storyteller, but also as someone who always saw and tried to bring out the best in us - ‘‘practice, put in a little hard work, understand what you are studying, you will go far’’. How true, Sir. The batch of 1990 is extremely privileged to have learnt so much from you. You are remembered across every city we travel, and among the clouds that we dream of. A sincere thank you for what you taught us and helped us become today.
Mr MB Pradhan - R.I.P
It is with sadness we inform all OGBS of the passing of former DGH teacher Mr MB Pradhan in New Delhi on 30th. December, 2020. He was a popular teacher, a wonderful raconteur, and a scholar with an incredible sense of humour.
We offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
We reproduce here a eulogy to Mr Pradhan, originally published in 2015 in the Batch of 1990 Silver jubilee commemorative book.
Archie Tollin - RIP.
It is with deep sadness we learn of the passing of Archie Tollin, aged 92. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. of Archie.
OGB Vanda Campbell, a close friend of the family who invited Archie and his daughter Christine to join the 670 miles, 6 day Bike Bengal 2010 cycle ride, writes: “In February 2010, Archie aged 82, cycled from Kolkata to Kalimpong to raise funds for child sponsorship at the Homes. His daughter Christine cycled with him and their family and wide network gave generously. A friend said to Archie – “when I grow up, I want to be like you”! Archie’s response, with typical humility was, “man, have you no ambition”! Archie gave generously to all the fundraising events for DGH. Thanks Archie!
We would also like to thank Vanda for her generous £100 donation to GO in memory of Archie Tollin
George Harrop - R.I.P
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of George Harrop, an OGB George was a Homes boarder (Scottish Canadian) who, following his education at the Homes, joined the Homes staff as a Cashier and later with his OGB wife Rosie, looked after the boys at Elliott and Heathland cottages. He died of chest pains as he was rushed to the hospital. George was 55 years old and leaves behind his wife Rosalind and elder sisters Jean and Florence. GO offers its deepest condolences to his family.
Below are a few words written by his friends:
"The one cottage that I visited regularly was Heathland. You walked in and you'd hear Aunty Rosie screaming at Uncle George about some chore that he forgot to do. He'd smile and laugh it off and then proceed to welcome you. He always rolled his own cigarette and started his 8:00 PM and 7:00 pm (If you know you know). He called all the Healthland boys Blinking Blighters, sang to them his own rendition of raindrops keep falling on my head and ALWAYS bailed everyone out of trouble. No matter what part of the day or night I visited Healthland, I was always given a full meal to eat and was looked after well. When I first went back after I graduated, he hugged me and said "chalo now you're old enough, have a beer with me". We opened a Budweiser each, said cheers and drank. Aunty Rosie was laughing away because she couldn't believe that I was now drinking with Uncle George. He always had a smile on his face, he remembered everything about you. And they both called me their Heathland Girl! I hope you're at peace wherever you are. Raindrops will never be the same. And like you'd say, they'll always fall on my nut!" - Nicole Urvi, Batch of 2011.
"George came into DGH as a little child. I met up with him in the year 1974 in Scottish Canadian Cottage. He was such a gentle soul and one of the only guys who never bullied a single child in Scottish. Thereafter he went of to Fraser Hostel. He left the Homes and pursued his higher education. He returned back to the Homes as a bachelor and joined the main office as an assistant cashier. He then married Rosalind, an OGB, in the year 1991, took over Elliott cottage and thereafter took over Heathland Cottage where he stayed for almost 18 odd years. He spent his whole life in the Homes. His loss is devastating for all those Elliott and Heathland boys that came under his wings. God bless his soul." - Shane Saviel, his cottage mate
Rinchin Bhutia - R.I.P
Rinchin passed away on 7th. August at the young age of 51. He was much loved at the Homes and was a familiar face on the campus. He was the eldest son of the famous Loshay from Tibet, a fierce khamba warrior who helped an Australian family escape from Tibet during the Chinese occupation. Later he settled in Dr.Grahams Homes and worked in the bakery until his retirement. GO offer their deepest condolences to his family.
Rinchen Bhutia was the eldest of 10 siblings. Jovial in nature, Rinchin studied at the SUMI school and later joined Dr. Grahams Homes like his father and served in the capacity of security supervisor. He loved the Homes dearly and the school kids in particular and assisted parents, often providing assurance on their child's well being. He is survived by one son Sonam Bhutia.
Below is a drawing by Class 2 student Shinjini Mallick when she heard about his passing. The photo is also of her with the late Rinchen. GO offer its deepest condolences to his family.
