GEORGE NEWS - Anthony Dingle, the beloved third headmaster of York High School, passed away on Tuesday 5 September. Tony was a giant in the George community and many Georgians have been left the poorer for his passing.
He served York High from 2006 to 2011.
As an educator, Tony was a geography teacher of some renown, and was called on by several schools once he had retired from York.
His passion for the subject and his in-depth knowledge of the Eden Karoo area meant that his learners always saw the subject as highly relevant and interesting and, as a result, achieved excellent results over the years.
Many have followed careers that stemmed from this passion.
Passion for sport
Tony was an excellent sportsman and in his personal capacity played cricket, hockey and squash for various clubs. He transferred this passion to his coaching and produced many successful provincial players.
It was this love of sport and the inherent benefits thereof that led to the establishment of the Myra Gregory Astro at York under his headmastership – a facility which has consistently served the wider George community over the years and which has also attracted many visitors to our town for festivals and the like.
Leadership
York High flourished under Tony's headmastership and more and more learners were accommodated. He was a man of the utmost integrity and believed in reaching out to other schools. It was in this capacity that he served as chairperson of the George Principals' Association.
He was known for going to his colleagues' schools and sharing experiences with them. He used to be upset in meetings where York was singled out for praise, knowing that the contextual factors were vastly different from school to school. This was also an indication of his hallmark humility.
Current head of York High, Francois Moll (left), receives a warm welcome from Anthony Dingle in November 2011, shortly before Dingle's retirement.
Father figure
Tony was a "father" to countless learners who needed a father figure who showed care but who could also be firm when needed.
He frequently got Grade 12 learners who were struggling academically to sit at his dining room table and work. Many of these learners would not have passed matric without his intervention.
He believed that one must look for the good in everyone and the testaments that have come in from all over the world talk about his encouragement, his advice and his belief in young people.
Simple mantra
Most of all, his simple mantra of "Do the right thing!" clearly resonated with the thousands of children that he had under his care over the years.
Outside school, he served the George community for many years as a committed Round Tabler and was the kind of man who would do the hard work in the background without seeking the limelight.
He is survived by Annie, his devoted wife, who was at the centre of everything he did. A memorial service will be held on 30 September in the Anglican Cathedral. Truly, York, and George has lost a giant.
Earlier this week Yorkies formed a heart on the postage stamp, a grassy area at York High, in memory of the late former headmaster, Anthony Dingle.
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