Donald
was
born at Culloden, Jarrow-on-Tyne in 1898, was educated at Jarrow Secondary
School and commissioned in the Scots Rifles on his eighteenth birthday before
seeing active service. He returned to Edinburgh University to complete his M.A.
in 1921, in which year he came to K.C.
He was Senior Mathematics Master as well as a history teacher, Housemaster of Neville and form-master of the Vth. He was editor of the magazine for fifteen years and his versatility was seen in his ability in cricket and football. His active part in debates and lectures remained vivid memories to his pupils, as even more did his exciting and novel teaching methods, but what above all aroused great affection were his innumerable acts of kindness and thoughtfulness surreptitiously carried out – a true indication of the nature of the man. His influence will always be particularly remembered and treasured by the VA of the late 1920’s: their exuberant and often unruly natures were channelled and disciplined so that their title of ‘The Virginians’, proudly borne, was synonymous with loyalty, respect and service.
He had begun the K.C. Jubilee History when he died of pneumonia in January 1937.