Gordon's daughter Kathy Gardens writes:
Remembering Gordon Smith (BCJS 1943-46, Br. 1946-52, CR 1959-67, Housemaster Aldrich 1963-67, Headmaster BCJS 1970-80.)
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Old Brightonian and former Headmaster of BCJS Gordon Smith died on 16th June 2026, a few days shy of his 93rd birthday.
Brighton College was central to Gordon’s life. Firstly as a pupil from the age of 10 at BCJS and then at the College where he went on to be Captain of Rugby, Captain of Fives and Head of School. In an interview for the July 2016 “Old Brightonian of the month” feature he reports how valuable these experiences of learning about man-management and administration were in his future career.
After a period in the RAF with National Service, he returned in 1959 first as a teacher of English and then becoming Housemaster of Aldrich. The 1960s were a time of great social change and Gordon spoke of the challenges of maintaining traditional disciplines as a Housemaster during this period. Much as when children compare different parenting of their siblings, there was similar discussion between pupils on how the different Houses were run.
After a brief spell teaching on the Isle of Man, Gordon then took up the role of Headmaster at Brighton College Junior School. Initially this was at the site on the other side of Eastern Road and as a family we remember the time here very fondly as Gordon’s children grew up in a boarding school with access to friends and facilities, but with the benefit of going home each night. However, we also remember how odd the Headmaster’s accommodation was as a main school corridor went through the middle of it.
In 1972 Gordon oversaw the huge challenge of relocating the whole school across the road to Walpole Lodge. One of his proud memories of this time was the setting up of an agreement with a French school for exchange visits that lasted a month each time and gave the pupils from both schools the opportunity to integrate fully.
In 1980 Gordon took up the headship at Belmont School, the junior school to Mill Hill, where he continued his role within the prep schools community. He was very honoured to be appointed chairman of the IAPS in 1986 and referred to this as his proudest moment. Throughout these various Housemaster and Headmaster roles Gordon was incredibly well supported by his wife Susan and I know at these establishments they are very much remembered as a couple.
Gordon retired from teaching in 1980, but with roles on IAPS committees, a governor at several schools including Haileybury, writing a history of the school for the newly founded Old Belmontian Association, the term 'retirement' could be applied very loosely and he remained an active Old Brightonian throughout his life.
In retirement he threw himself into life at Saffron Walden and in particular the church and music groups which gave him much happiness. He and Susan also took the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe, often combining this with their shared love of music by taking in concerts in amazing venues.
Sadly Susan passed away in August 2020 and Gordon was bereft without her. Shortly after this he was diagnosed with dementia and moved into Mills Meadow care home in Framlingham for his final years. Despite the dementia it has to be said that once a Headmaster always a Headmaster. Gordon had always endeavoured to know the name of every pupil and every employee in whatever role and it was amazing that at 92 he retained this skill and could recall the names of all the carers in the home, much to their surprise. He passed away peacefully on 16th June 2026 with his family by his side.
In the 2016 interview for the Old Brightonian article, in response to the question “How would you like to be remembered”, he replied “I would like to be thought of as someone who tried his best to serve his fellow-creatures and to make them happy”.
The funeral of Gordon Smith will be held on Friday 17th July 12.30pm at St Michael’s Church Framlingham in Suffolk followed by refreshments at The Old Mill House, Saxtead with everyone welcome.