Robert (Bob) Ruthven, teacher; born April 2, 1917, died May 5, 1998
Born into a West of Scotland farming family, Robert (Bob) Ruthven decided that a life on the land was not for him. Some prominent people have cause to be grateful for that decision as it enabled him to play, in his preferred career as an English teacher, an important role in their formative years.
Among his pupils were Scottish Office Minister of State Henry McLeish, world-famous folk singer Jean Redpath, Professor Ian Campbell, whose expertise in the field of diabetes research and treatment is recognised worldwide, and John
Wallace, who played the trumpet at the wedding of Prince Charles in 1981.
Born in Jamestown, Dunbartonshire, where his family had the Ring Farm, Bob Ruthven was educated at Vale of Leven Academy and Glasgow University, where he gained an MA Honours degree in English, history, and classics in 1939.
The outbreak of war meant he did not have a chance to go into teacher training but was drafted into the Intelligence Corps. For most of the campaign he served in the Indian war theatre, which for the rest of his life provided him with a fund of amusing stories.
Bob married his wife Ruby in 1944 and, after completing his teacher training following his demobilisation, he taught at Bearsden Academy before moving to Glenrothes in 1954 and taking up a post at the original Buckhaven High School.
In the mid-sixties, by which time the school had moved to its present site, he was appointed principal teacher of English, but also taught classics and history.
A well-read man of many talents, Bob Ruthven had particular interests in poetry and Shakespeare as well as an
enthusiasm for all aspects of Scots writing. He contributed greatly to the wider life of the school by involving himself in a variety of drama productions, and also imparted his skills to local groups.
Away from the classroom he let his sparkling sense of humour and sharp wit shine through his usual serious and professional manner. His calm sensibility, decency, and duty of care, are well remembered by present-day staff and former pupils, and his death is regarded as the passing of an era.
A devoted family man, he is survived by Ruby, their daughter Elaine - a second daughter Velma died - and two grandsons.
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