John Wilkinson was head teacher at Dromore High School for 19 years and was proud to be born and bred in Dromore
Tributes have been paid to a former head teacher of a Northern Irish school who died suddenly while returning home from holiday with his wife.
John Wilkinson, who was the head teacher of Dromore High School for 19 years before his retirement in 2015, passed away on Monday, July 28, as he was returning from Germany with his beloved wife Hazel.
The school has paid tribute to Mr Wilkinson saying that he was “held in the highest of esteem by all those who worked with him” and will be sadly missed by former students and staff.
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Dromore High School posted a tribute on social media saying: “It was with deep sadness that we came to hear of the passing of our previous Headmaster Mr John Wilkinson. Mr Wilkinson passed away on Monday 28th July in Germany as he was returning home from a holiday with his beloved wife Mrs Hazel Wilkinson.
“The entire Dromore High school family is both shocked and greatly saddened to hear this news and the Board of Governors, staff and pupils express their most sincere sympathy to Mrs Wilkinson, Mrs Joanna Kerr (member of staff and daughter of John) Mrs Paula Wilkinson (member of staff and daughter-in-law of John) and to the rest of the family circle.
“Mr Wilkinson is held in the highest of esteem by all those who worked with him in Dromore High during his time as a teacher, Vice Principal and Principal, a position he held for 19 years before his retirement in 2015. He was also recognised and highly regarded by many across the wider Northern Ireland education sector for his breadth of knowledge, his considerable experience and his forward-thinking approach to educating young people.
“During his time as Principal and as a result of his leadership, Dromore High embraced a number of significant and pioneering initiatives which have brought lasting benefit to the school and it’s pupils including the achievement of Specialist school for Science. Through his drive and determination, Dromore High was able to establish a Sixth Form in 2011.
“This has proved transformational to the school and indeed the town and surrounding catchment area and will be remembered as one of John’s greatest achievements. During his tenure, John fought constantly for a much-needed new school building and the fact that we have now been approved for this process owes much to his determination and persistence in this matter.
“Many thousands of pupils benefitted from John’s teaching and leadership over the years of his outstanding service, and he is fondly remembered by many of them. He was known as ‘Wilkie’ but this was not used disrespectfully, indeed it was and is an affectionate and endearing title.
“Past pupils recall John’s sense of humour, strength of character, his love of and involvement in school productions and how he ended his assemblies with the phrase ‘have a good day’ to which pupils responded, ‘at no one else’s expense’, wise advice indeed. Important to John was his innate sense of right and wrong, which arose from the firm Christian principles he applied to his own life and from his faith in Jesus Christ. John was always forthright in expressing his view that the Christian faith was the best roadmap for life.
“Throughout his life John was known as a ‘born and bred’ Dromore man, not just in school but in many other aspects of town life including rugby and church (First Dromore Presbyterian). His love for the pupils of the area was clearly evident in his approach to school life and in his dealings with pupils and staff.
“It is undoubtedly true that John left a legacy in Dromore High which persists to this day. His positive impact on the lives of many young people is unquestionable. They will remember him not only as an outstanding Principal but also as a fair, decent and outstanding man.
“John’s family will be much in our prayers over the forthcoming days. ‘The memory of the righteous is blessed,’ Proverb 10 v 7.
“We encourage everyone to respect the family’s request for privacy. A Book of Condolence will soon be opened in school where past and present pupils and staff, and any member of the school community can leave their expressions of sympathy and reflections on Mr Wilkinson. A message will be posted on our social media once the book is available for messages.”
Education Minister Paul Givan also paid tribute to Mr Wilkinson for his impact on young people over the course of four decades.
He said: “John Wilkinson was a remarkable educational leader who dedicated his life to serving others and shaping the lives of young people across Northern Ireland.
“Throughout his long and distinguished career, John embodied the very best of our education system — professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to excellence. He approached every role with humility, wisdom, and a quiet strength that earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, pupils, and the wider community.
“In recognition of his outstanding contribution to education, John was awarded an OBE in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours List — a richly deserved honour that reflected the esteem in which he was held.
“John’s legacy is one of quiet but profound influence — a legacy that will be felt for generations. A devout Christian who served as Clerk of Session in First Dromore Presbyterian he will be remembered not only for his many achievements, but for the values he lived by and inspired in others.
“My thoughts are with his family and all who knew and respected him at this difficult time, especially Hazel, Jonathan and Joanna. Psalm 116 v 15: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.’’
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