David Griffiths
27th June 1936 - 23rd March 2022
David was an undergraduate at Queens’ from 1957-60 where he read History under Peter Mathias. After teacher training in Cardiff, and following posts at schools in Hampshire and Yorkshire, David joined the staff of Haberdashers’ Boys School in Elstree in 1968. He stayed at Haberdashers for the next 28 years becoming Head of History and latterly Head of the Sixth Form. He was very happy there, teaching and nurturing students who were invariably stimulating and engaging.
Acknowledging his long service, the Haberdashers’ Company made him a Freeman of the Company which also bestowed upon him the Freedom of the City of London. In retirement, David was a volunteer guide in St Albans Abbey and took an active part in the life of the Cathedral. He was also a volunteer bookseller at Oxfam for which he earned a 10 years long-service medal.
David was an accomplished pianist and his love of music, including writing numerous songs, was a great joy in his life. Along with his wife Flora of over 60 years, he travelled widely and led several school expeditions. They had two children and four grandchildren of whom David was greatly proud.
In his last years, David was living with prostate cancer, but died from injuries following a severe fall at home. His funeral, held at St Albans Abbey on 22nd April, was attended by over two hundred family, friends, former colleagues and pupils, one of whom made it the subject of Pause for Thought the following week on the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.
Flora Griffiths
July 2022
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