Bryan Hurl, who died on November 3 aged 77, arrived at Cranleigh in 1965 as part of David Emms’ move to introduce young blood into the Common Room. It was one of his best appointments, as Bryan threw himself into a variety of areas aside from his teaching of geography and economics.

When he left Stephen Winkley (MCR 1969-1985) wrote of his keen Northern rigour and that for him doing was always more important than saying. “Despite his formidable and rigorous teaching of economics, it is likely that Bryan will be most remembered for his work as careers officer … he systematised our whole approach to careers advice, keeping in close touch with housemasters and with organisations…. as in his work with the Library, he left nothing to chance.”

Bryan moved to Haileybury in 1978 and then on to Harrow in 1980, remaining there until he retired in 2001, and where between 1984 and 1995 he was joint head of economics.

At his funeral a colleague said that “he was celebrated as a man of knowledge, of culture and numerous interests that stretched from steam trains to Mozart to gardening. He had a great capacity for enjoyment that was infectious and enviable. He always remembered his Cranleigh era with affection, particularly the then head, David Emms.”