Tributes have been paid to a local hero and former Aberdeenshire teacher following his death at the age of 75.
The legacy of Douglas Samways lives on in the pupils he taught and in the Stonehaven community, where he was a friend to many and a “pioneering stalwart”.
Mr Samways, born on March 6, 1950, lived in the town with his loving wife, Elaine, and was described by his family as a devoted father and granda.
After a short illness, he died peacefully at home on April 10.
“Dad was a wonderful husband, loving father and devoted granda,” his daughter, Sarah Cameron, said.
“He gave 100% to all that he did, both personally and professionally.
“Dad was meticulous, conscientious and fastidious in his approach to all tasks.
“He had a vast general knowledge and enjoyed keeping up with politics and current affairs.
“He loved discussing world affairs with his grandson and they both relished the opportunity for a healthy debate.”
Inspiring pupils across Aberdeenshire
Many people across Aberdeenshire will remember Mr Samways from their school days.
He helped many pupils achieve their goals through his role as a “dedicated and skilled” English teacher at schools including Westhill and Kemnay.
For many years, he was the deputy rector at Inverurie Academy, where he made a “lasting impact” on pupils, staff and the wider community.
Even after his official retirement in 2010, Mr Samways continued teaching by tutoring and undertaking supply work.
Inverurie Academy headteacher Neil Hendry said: “The school community at Inverurie Academy remember Douglas Samways with deep fondness.
“He was a dedicated and compassionate teacher who always strived to ensure the very best outcomes for every young person he worked with.
“Much loved and widely respected, he made a lasting impact not only on his pupils and colleagues, but across the wider Inverurie community.
“His legacy lives on in the pupils he taught and the difference he made every single day.”
‘Never tired of sharing his knowledge’
His daughter, Sarah, added: “He was passionate about the Scots’ language and heritage, with a particular fondness for the works of Burns and Grassic Gibbon.
“He never tired of sharing his interest and knowledge, particularly with the younger generation, as he recognised harnessing and fostering their interest as being the best way to secure our language and traditions for future generations.
“One of my daughter’s fondest memories is of her granda helping her to practice a Scots poem to celebrate Robert Burns.
“He was always patient and encouraging and proud of the achievements of both his grandchildren.”
Mr Samways described as ‘pioneering stalwart’
Mr Samways was an active and dedicated member of the Stonehaven community – playing a fundamental role in a number of local projects.
Sarah said: “Dad achieved much success in all of the community groups he was involved in, including the Stonehaven Town Partnership (STP), Stonehaven (Fatherland) Burns Club, and Friends of the Open Air Pool, to name a few.”
He first joined STP as a representative of the Burns Club in September 2011, and was elected chairman just four months later.
During his four years with the group, he helped save the Tolbooth Museum, lay the foundations for the purchase of the former courthouse and establish the all-weather pitch at Mineralwell Park.
Current chairman, Jim Stephen, said Mr Samways was a “textbook chairman” who always led by example.
He continued: “Doug would never seek public acclaim, preferring to work quietly in the background.
“He was polite no matter what opinion was expressed from the floor, succinct in summing up a discussion and, most importantly, managed to keep all meetings within acceptable time limits!
“STP wish to acknowledge the immense work undertaken by Doug, a pioneering stalwart of the organisation, and send their condolences to his family.”
‘Every town needs a Douglas Samways’
“I believe that part of the reason he was so successful was that he possessed a unique ability to think all around a problem and see things from multiple points of view, not just his own,” Sarah said about her dad.
“He listened to the ideas and opinions of everyone, regardless of whether he was in agreement or not.
“Dad didn’t do anything for personal recognition, praise or self-aggrandisement.
“Instead, he was motivated by the desire to improve things for others and to give something back.
“Some people have said that every town needs a Douglas Samways. That every town would be lucky to have someone like him.
“We, his family, were just very lucky he was ours.”
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