Forbes Wastie 1938–2024
We are very sad to announce that Forbes Wastie died on 7 November 2024, aged 86. For many OEs, staff and parents, Forbes represented the best of Eastbourne College and will be greatly missed. As a teacher, head of department, housemaster, CCF commander, second master and Foundation director, his association with the College spanned some 44 years. In retirement, he continued to be a firm supporter of the College.
He joined the staff as a teacher of biology in 1961, becoming head of department in 1965, a position he held until 1983 and then again from 1985 to 1988. He was head of science 1971–73 and contingent commander of the CCF 1968–73. In 1991 he was awarded the MBE for his 30 years’ service with the CCF.
Many Blackwater boys appreciated his guidance and leadership as their housemaster from 1972 to 1983. He then became second master, a position he held until 1998, when he retired from teaching. A tribute to him in that year’s Eastbournian was headlined: ‘The one and only Forbes Wastie: What a hard act to follow.’ Headmaster Charlie Bush said: ‘Forbes Wastie has probably done more than anyone else to promote the good that exists here at Eastbourne College. He has been a tower of strength and a guiding beacon throughout an outstanding career.’
But Forbes had not finished with Eastbourne College, and returned the following year to act as chairman for the fundraising appeal for the new science block which opened in 2002. From 2002 to 2005 he was the College’s first Foundation director, and founded the College’s legacy club (the Devonshire Society) which has continued to flourish to this day. Forbes maintained his support for the College, taking part in the annual fundraising Foundation Golf Day, and was a regular visitor to the Eastbournian Society office where his advice and wisdom were much appreciated.
Our thoughts are with his wife Di and sons Jeremy, Jonathan and William.
Many of you have indicated that you would like to write to the family. Please send any letters of condolence for Di, Jeremy, Jonathan and William c/o Emma Garrett, Development Director, Eastbourne College, Old Wish Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN12 8XY. We will ensure these are passed on to the family.
The family have asked that any donations in Forbes’ memory should be made to the Eastbourne College Bursaries Fund: account number 59839060, sort code 3O-92-86 or online here.
Forbes was passionate about fundraising for bursaries to ensure that children from all walks of life have access to an Eastbourne College education and the transformational opportunities that this would bring.
Many Eastbournians have much to thank him for.
We will be sharing funeral arrangements once they have been finalised.
