The Headmaster pays tribute to Latin and Classics Teacher, Dr Gottfried Mader, who passed away on the 21st June after a recent illness. Friends and colleagues add their tributes and comments below
Everyone at Harrodian was extremely sad to hear of the passing of Dr Gottfried Mader on 21st June. Our thoughts are with his wife Chona, friends and family at this difficult time.
Gottfried joined Harrodian during the 2011/2012 academic year as our Acting Head of Classics (Maternity) and taught Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History to Harrodians from Lower Prep to Sixth Form.
Gottfried was a multilinguist – he spoke eight modern languages fluently – but the ancient world and its languages were the focus of his life. A classical scholar of rare distinction, he began his teaching career at university level. Raised and educated to PhD level in South Africa, he worked as a lecturer at universities, including the University of South Africa, Pretoria and at Birkbeck and Royal Holloway Colleges, University of London. His output of academic research was as broad as it was prolific, with well over 50 publications ranging across Classical topics from Hellenistic poetry to Decadence and writers from Demosthenes to Seneca.
Dr Mader taught me Classics for my A Levels and was a brilliant, brilliant teacher who believed in all his students. Even those he didn't teach. I have never forgotten him.
Ines Cross, Harrodian alumna
When he embarked on Secondary teaching, Gottfried’s commitment was just as professional and dependable. His enthusiasm for his subject was infectious and Harrodian pupils of all ages loved his classes and enjoyed his wry sense of humour. A good number were inspired to pursue their interest in classical studies to A and University level. Those who did found him kind, energetic and unfailingly generous with his devotion of time, energy and dedication to their learning as he worked alongside his departmental colleagues to achieve excellent results at GCSE/A Levels.
His enthusiasm for his subject was infectious and Harrodian pupils of all ages loved his classes and enjoyed his wry sense of humour.
James Hooke, Headmaster
Gottfried was also popular among his Harrodian colleagues who enjoyed his loyal, friendly company and colourful stories. He loved the peace and tranquility of our Senior Study room where he would lose himself in literature from the classical world but also enjoyed Lunch and Break time catch-ups with colleagues and always had a good word for everyone.
Dr Mader was a modest man but one with hidden depths. Thank you to the many parents and pupils (see top quotation) who have written in to say how sad they are to hear the news of his passing. In the autumn, teachers, parents and pupils will have the chance to pay their respects at the memorial event we are currently planning. In the meantime, we have gathered together some tributes to Dr Mader and shared them below.
Staff tributes
Dr Mader – Gottfried – was a dear friend. He was an accomplished academic who was responsible for scores of published articles and papers on classical civilisation. Indeed, he is still read by university undergraduates and considered as the last word on Seneca and a variety of esoteric subjects. I have seen his notes and they fill a storage unit after a lifetime of dedication and deep study. For all his talents and achievements Gottfried was extraordinarily modest. Fluent in eight modern languages, he had had also mastered another more universal one - the lingua franca that is music.
Fluent in eight modern languages, he had had also mastered another more universal one - the lingua franca that is music. Remarkably he rarely spoke about his guitar skills to colleagues or students
Kash Ashraff, Maths Teacher
When he wasn’t delving into the distant past he was wedded to his classical guitar. He played to a virtuoso level and practised for hours every single day. Remarkably he rarely spoke about his guitar skills to colleagues or students, yet he was constantly striving to learn more and be the best version of himself. I view his humility and warmth towards his students and colleagues as a testament to a life well lived. We enjoyed coffee together in a small group each break time and he was able to pass his wisdom and joy to us each day. I will miss him very much.
Kash Ashraff, Maths Teacher
Gottfried once told me his twin passions were Classics and Classical guitar and we bonded over this as my husband also loves Spanish guitar music. On quiet mornings he would play some guitar pieces on the computer so we both could have a good start to the day. His favourite composer was the 18th Century master, Fernando Sor and he would say things like 'today is Sor's Birthday, it is going to be a good day'.
Gottfried once told me his twin passions were Classics and Classical guitar...His favourite was the 18th Century composer Fernando Sor and he would say things like 'today is Sor's Birthday, it is going to be a good day'.
Lili Callon, Senior Librarian
He was admired and well loved by his pupils that who came to the library in search of him with cards and presents and sometimes their homework. I had pupils coming to ask about him to give their good wishes until the very end.
Dr Mader loved the Library study room and sometimes took some duties upon himself, such as locking the doors, opening the windows when it was hot and ensuring they were closed before he left. He was a reassuring and comforting presence, a very good colleague and a gentleman.
Lili Callon, Senior Librarian
We will be in touch with further news of our plans for a memorial event for Dr Mader in the Autumn Term