Former Morpeth headmaster Harry Dobson drowns during Sri Lanka holiday

Jun 27 2009 by David Black, The Journal

He and his wife have a son Robert and daughter Rachel and were popular with their neighbours in the secluded cul-de-sac where they had lived for 20 years.

Yesterday Donald Slaughter, a neighbour and close friend, said: “All we know is that Harry died on Wednesday and that it happened while he was swimming. He and Susan had been to Sri Lanka at least once before and they were due back home on Monday.

“We don't know anything about the circumstances of what happened. Harry was a great fellow who used to stop and chat to us and all the other neighbours most days.

“He didn’t have an unkind word to say about anyone.’’

Mr Slaughter’s wife Enid said: “He was loved by all the neighbours and did talks for local groups which were very well received. His books were highly acclaimed. He just loved Northumberland and as a teacher he took pupils into the county and enthused them.’’

It is understood that a post mortem examination carried out in Sri Lanka confirmed that Mr Dobson died from drowning. Funeral arrangements are currently being made by his family.