Alex Sutton 1940 – 2021

It is with deep regret that we share the news of the passing of Alex Sutton.

Alex taught at Hymers for 40 years (1962 – 2002), 34 years as Head of Chemistry. 

Enthusiastic and dedicated he was the epitomy of the classic school master.

As well as running an immensely successful department with outstanding examination results, Alex was involved in countless activities within the school, from taking sports teams, to house management of school drama productions and school trips abroad. He also wrote part of the history of Hymers, ‘Hymers College – the first hundred years’, for the centenary in 1993, and played a huge part in the Botanic Sidings appeal at the turn of the century. He sung in the staff choir, played squash (very well) in the staff team, helped run charity appeals and senior citizen lunches and acted in school plays.

He had served as staff representative on the Old Hymerians Council for many years and had the wonderful ability to remember names and faces of all the pupils that he had taught, a talent that served him well when he took on the role as membership secretary of the Old Hymerians Association when he retired. He was also, in 1994, the only non-Hymerian to serve as President of the Association!

He was quiet, unassuming and caring and as John Morris, Headmaster at Hymers when Alex retired in 2002, described in assembly, “Good schools need within them members of staff who pass on from one generation to another the ethos, the spirit of the school, people who safeguard all the best traditions that make the school what it is, but who at the same time are open to change, improvement and development. This is what Mr Sutton has been at Hymers.”

Alex died on 23rd January 2021 aged 80.  We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Barbara and daughter Sarah.

Some of the thoughtful messages we have received...

"How sad. I have particularly fond memories of him. Like me he used to live in Brough. My mother was concerned about my maths so she arranged for him to give me extra tuition. There developed a bond and he inspired me as a pupil in his chemistry class to gain extravagant - for me - results. 

He also came on a 5 week school trip around Greece with Gerald Thompson. An unforgettable experience."
Peter Wildsmith

"Alex and Doc Emerson managed to get your idle servant an A in his subject at A level which surprised them and me.  Many fond memories of his lessons and A level revision classes.
He was a very quiet, calm but determined type of teacher for whom I have lasting good memories.
He very much loved Hymers and all its works, he will be sadly missed."
Bill Gore

"I remember Mr Sutton as a fantastic chemistry teacher and I remember Alex as a thoroughly nice chap and a great supporter of the OHA and the school in his retirement."
Jamie Wheldon