Humphrey Mark Dobinson

I knew Humphrey at Dorcan School as a senior colleague. I think of him as exceptional: a sharp thinker, kindly, supportive with a certain naive faith in life. He was very kind to me and to many others. My best wishes to his people.

Dear Dad, I can't believe its a year since we lost you. You are still in our hearts and minds every step of the way. Thank you for everything – I will never be able to convey in words how much you meant and will always mean to me. We are trying our best to do everything in your spirit, to do what you would have wanted, and to celebrate our togetherness. You have only slipped away into the next room.

Dearest Dad, thinking of you and missing you unbearably on this day, one year on. On that darkest day of the year and after a seemingly endless period of rain, the clouds parted and the sun peeped through a watery sky. This was the moment you left us, although it still seems impossible to understand

I have very fond memories of my teacher mr Dobinson
He was very kind to me and taught me a lot at dorcan school in the 80s .
I remember there was a boy in my class how used to tease me and make fun of me for being in special lessons when I told mr Dobinson he made sure the boy whet to special lessons for a week and made sure everyone in the class new about it .
I hope the books he wrote that helped my so much are still being used today .

Rest in peace sir

Humphrey
A Man I will always remember for his kindness
He taught me at Fairham in many ways, he helped me in my English and in birding and to be a good person
I would like to remember him a a FRIEND and its been a privilege to have know him as that
I was honored to had been able to come to Norway with 3 others and to have had time with Humphry and all the family
its been a honor to have known him
R.I.P. my old FRIEND and teacher

I was saddened to learn of Humphrey's death. I knew him as a wonderfully supportive colleague at Dorcan. He was such a generous, gifted and inspiring man whose work on special needs and ornithology transformed the lives of many students and was an example to many staff. He was held in great affection by both..

Mr Dobinson was such an inspiration to me at school. He introduced me to the world of bird watching and the environment that has been with me for over 40 years. Even today I am looking out of my window at the birds in the garden wondering when and where I can go for a day out bird watching following the easing of lockdown and the work I am doing at the environment agency in England on improving the environment. All this is because of Mr Dobinson and his classroom of stuffed birds at Dorcan. Thank you for all the wonderful years and the inspiration you gave me

I was so sad to learn of Humphrey's death. I knew him both as a teacher and as a neighbour. We missed you both when you left Linley Close. I send you all my love Oddrun, at this time as I am sure Humphrey will leave a big hole in your and your family's lives.

Rip mr Dobinson great man and teacher my condolences to his family and friends.

Well what can I say Mr Dobinson you helped me in so many ways at Dorcan I don't think I would've made it through school without you will be sorely missed by everyone RIP Sir a legend till the end.

Humphrey was an inspiration on a number of fronts. A kind and caring man; a wonderful teacher; an advocate for fairness for those who did not always have a voice; and a colleague who taught those who worked with him so much. It was a genuine privilege to work alongside him and to learn from him. In his life he did so much good and will have made a positive difference to the generations of young people he taught and the colleagues who learnt from him. I am sad at his passing but grateful to have met this wonderful educator and compassionate man.

I like so many pupils at Dorcan school where introduced to birding through Mr. Dobinsons passion and enthusiasm. He nurtured my interest in nature, showed me so much in the natural world and taught me even more about it. That passion for nature continues to this day. Humphrey you will ever remain an inspiration. Thank you.

Humphrey showed me the importance of demonstrating your belief in your students, and your colleagues helping them towards self-belief. It has shaped my practice, my careers, and my life. Thank you Humphrey.
Oh and thank you for never forgetting to warn me the the bird club had lodged a dead bird in our SEN store cupboard!

Humphrey, you were an inspiration to so many and it was a real joy to work with you in the 1970s on The Dorcan Reading Scheme. Thank you.

Dear Oddrun, Colin and Kristin,
It is such a loss for you all and it is fortunate that you are together to support each other.
I have fond memories of Humphrey. He was always warm and welcoming on the many times I visited you at Linley Close. My thoughts are with you,
much love
Cath.

We will always remember our long holiday with Humphrey in Norway in 1966,and our bird-ringing days together around Sutton. He was a great friend ,colleague and neighbour. R.I.P.

Varme tanker til dere.

I was one of the many pupils, Mr Dobinson introduced to birding at Dorcan School in Swindon. His passion and his enthusiasm is still with me today, as birding is the one thing that keeps me sane in this mad world. Probably the only CSE Grade One, I achieved was in Ornithology, He was an inspiration to many. Thank you Humphrey

Humphrey taught me about the importance of the individual. Moving from English teaching of pupils in large classes, to special needs pupils, one to one, Humphrey showed me so patiently that you start where the child is, not where you think he or she should be. He believed that every child matters. What an inspiration he was to us all.

I remember Humphrey from the early days of Cape Clear Bird Observatory, off the coast of south-west Ireland, that he and a few friends founded in 1959. It is still going strong. Humphrey was the driving force that made it happen. Detailed observations were kept by the many birdwatchers who subsequently populated the observatory and I remember once, when the evening log was called, Humphrey questioning a sighting. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, 'well 0bserver satisfaction comes before scientific accuracy!'. Humphrey, you did a lot to advance ornithology in those early, pioneering days.

Humphrey meant so many things to so many different people. That will give some measure of the sense of loss at this time for family, friends and colleagues. For me, he taught me that education was about more than teaching - its about relationships, trust and belief. I hope I have been able to reflect those principles in my 30+ years of teaching since Humphrey employed me as a newly qualified teacher. Thank you so much Humphrey.

Am going to miss your presence in my life so much. I have so many wonderful memories of you as a friend and a teacher. As a special needs teacher, you were unique in the way you taught your students while preserving their dignity. As a friend you gave unconditional love and was always sincere. You made my life better by giving me hope. You were professional and humble; kind and generous to others; fun and interesting to be with. Thank you for sharing your family with me.

In the few short hours I was fortunate enough to spend with you, you imparted a greater sense of mindful, intelligent and respectful caring intention than any other.
You lead by example I think, the kind of man who earns respect by the consistent and coherent quality of his actions.
Thank you Humphrey for your unique lessons. I wish I had been more attentive.

Jeg sender mine varmeste tanker til dere. Det er et
« hjertesår» å miste en så kjær ektefelle, far og bestefar.
Tross sykdom viste han hjertevarme, indre vitalitet, et sterkt intellekt og stor evne til medmenneskelighet.️

A great teacher and an inspiration to many. I will never forget the role you played in who and what I am today. RIP Sir

Rest in peace. Hum, one of the most amazing caring and loving people i have ever met, along with his amazing family, he was so loved and will be so sadly missed, our thoughts and prayers are with you all on this very sad day xxxx