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Desmond Cole Obituary

COLE --Desmond on January 6. Director of the United Nations International School from 1964-1974 where he was a pioneer in the development of the International Baccalaureate and oversaw the relocation of the school to its permanent headquarters on F.D.R. Drive. Headmaster of the Allen-Stevenson School from 1974-1990. Desmond's refusal to close the school during the blizzard of 1978 was a defining moment in his tenure. Desmond was dearly loved by his family, friends and students for his compassion and humor and admired for his principles and fortitude. Born in London, Desmond served in the Royal Navy in World War II, and earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees at Oxford, which he attended on a merit scholarship. Headmaster of the British School and American School of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Well into his 50s, Desmond ran two New York City Marathons and completed two Outward Bound courses. He is survived by his wife, Charity, and their children, Tom, Peter and Sally; his son, Thomas Winsnes; brother Oswald; sister Annette; and six grandchildren. The family warmly welcomes all who knew Desmond to share their stories with us at desmond cole.lifequarters.com. Memorial service is Sunday, March 16th, 11am at the Doris Duke Center, The Sarah Duke Gardens, 426 Anderson St, Durham, North Carolina. Donations may be made to the Desmond Cole Memorial, The Sarah Duke Gardens, PO Box 90626, Durham, NC 27708, or to the Allen-Stevenson School, Desmond Cole Fortiter et Recte Award, 132 East 78th Street, NY, NY 10075.

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 13, 2008.

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Louise Arias

January 22, 2008

Mr. Cole's kindness and devotion to our son and family extended well after the 9 years that my son attended the Allen-Stevenson School. A golf game in Scarsdale, New York, rather than being a frustrating moment for Desmond, a far superior golfer, became an opportunity for him to help us play better, with patient coaching skills gently offered.
My son, too, received a lovely picture frame as an engagement gift, in the recent past. Our devotion to Mr. Cole's memory and our profound sympathy to Charity, Sally and all the family from the Arias family of NYC.

Peter Bock

January 19, 2008

Mr. Cole interviewed me as a nervous 8th grader in 1972 with my parents.He must have seen something good as I was accepted and will forever be grateful for having had the opportunity to be at UNIS. It greatly effected my life as well as many others. Mr. Cole was an excellent director as shown by the teachers he hired, the studies he provided and the students he enrolled. He was a great leader.

Marc Milkin

January 17, 2008

At UNIS, Mr. Cole stood as an awesome figure to school children and doubtless to his colleagues as well. His take-control demeanor enhanced his postion as a role model in our young lives, and later on we realized that he was also kind and benevolent. He was a good, powerful influence.

Steven Ekstract

January 17, 2008

Mr Cole did an admirable job as Director of UNIS. The teachers and curriculum he directed, provided us as students, with the ability to receive the highest education. While I was not the best student then, I have benefitted greatly from my days at UNIS and therefore will always be grateful to Mr Cole.

Sheldon & Sandy Gerber

January 15, 2008

As a next door neighbor in Scarsdale,NY we will always remember The Easter egg hunts, Christmas with the Cole family and the fun at Halloween.

Steve Tobolsky

January 14, 2008

Desmond hired me as a 5th grader teacher at Allen-Stevenson for my first teaching job in 1976. Unfortunately, due to a girlfriend relocation, I only remained at Allen-Stevenson for one year. Somehow during this time he managed to sign me up to be the faculty sponsor for the Outing Club. I also coached several sports, some more successfully than others. Currently I am Head of the Chestnut Hill School in Massachusetts. My memories of Desmond are quite positive.

Hugh Riddleberger

January 14, 2008

As a young school head--he was an inspiration to me and I appreciated his wisdom and sense of humor.

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