NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Eyewitness News can confirm that Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) Principal Dr. David Mindorff died suddenly Thursday morning.
“Dr. Mindorff has served LCIS for some 15 years and has been a huge part of the institution’s advancement. This is a huge loss and he will miss him greatly,” O’Niel Bain, LCIS Marketing, Advancement & Communications Director said.
Dr. Mindorff’s wife is a faculty member at LCIS and his children also attended the institution, Bain shared.
“He is engrained in our way of life here at LCIS and has contributed so much to the student population. Whether it might have been helping students with their essays, Junior Junkanoo, or GGYA. He was deeply involved,” Bain reminisced.
Dr. Mindorff reportedly died around 9:00 a.m. Thursday. Classes at LCIS were dismissed early today at 2:00 p.m.
LCIS senior faculty has confirmed to EWN that grief counseling will be made available for its students and staff.
The sudden death of Dr David Mindorff has come as a tremendous shock to those who worked with and under his guidance during his time as Director of the International Baccalaureate programme at the International School in Aberdeen, Scotland.
David’s remit was to make a success of introducing the teaching of the International Baccalaureate, and he set about doing so with enormous energy and commitment. His recruitment drive attracted to the School a talented team of specialist teachers who, under his inspired leadership, rapidly formed a group which went on to demonstrate just how worthwhile an IB programme could be.
David was an ideal choice of IB Director, for he himself had a breadth of knowledge, understanding and insights that enabled him to win the confidence and respect of all the teachers in his charge, irrespective of their subject specialisms.
A first class teacher himself in his own specialist areas, he was someone whom all those involved in what was initially a big challenge could turn to for advice, help and support with complete confidence.
Working alongside him was highly rewarding, and the IB students held him in high esteem.
It was evident to all that a distinguished career lay ahead of him, and so it proved.
In the twenty years or so that have passed since his teaching stint in Scotland came to an end, the friendships he formed in those days have remained intact. He will be much missed, and greatly mourned.
Erudite, articulate, respectful of others, he was a gem of a person who ensured that his time at ISA Aberdeen remains for many of those who had the privilege and pleasure of working alongside him a golden time in our own teaching lives.
Robert Wilson, Aberdeen, Scotland.
What a sad loss. David was an exceptional educator and one of the most caring individuals I have had the privilege of working with. To add to what Robert Wilson said I found my time with David at ISA also a pleasure. He was an inspirational leader who skilfully and determinedly established an IB programme in a small school from scratch. David was always dedicated to the success of students. He took on extra classes, mentored teachers, met with all members of the community and especially worked with students to ensure learning was positive and rewarding for everyone. It’s not surprising to see what an incredible career he’s had. Jane and I send our deepest sympathies to Michelle and their sons.
I’m so very sorry to hear this news. David was such a lovely kind and gentle man with a great sense of humour. When he was at ISA he used to drop Nicholas off at the preschool and he always had time to chat and make sure he was up to date with what was happening with his son. He was never in a rush and always had time for everyone. Deepest sympathy to Michelle and the boys.
I had the privilege of working with David at Leman IS in Chengdu PRC. He was a true gentleman and a genuinely kind man.
He will be remembered by so many around the world for his dedication to education and making people better.
Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
This is terrible news. I worked for David in Léman Chengdu, and a more caring , compassionate or genuine man it would be impossible to meet. A hugely intelligent man, he wore his genius lightly and carried himself with great humility. David did not care your position in life or the school but treated all with kindness and humanity. A gifted educator, it was a pleasure to get the opportunity to see him teach Theory of Education to students and watch them enthralled by his understanding and simple explanations of complex themes. I will always remember his shy smile and be grateful for his help to me. My condolences to his wonderful family especially Michèle, Ben and Johnny who were in Chengdu with us. His passing is far too soon, but his legacy will endure longer than most.
A polymath, a gentleman, a leader by example, David was an inspirational and greatly respected colleague at ISA. It was a privilege to work with him on the IB programme and to call him a friend.
Sending hugs and love to Michele and their beautiful family to whom.David was devoted and of whom he was immensely and justifiably proud.
Our family is devaststed at this loss of an incredible leader, educator, father and husband. David worked ewith my girls at Branksome Hall in Toronto begore he took the bahamas position. Our love snd strength to his family
I wish to extend our deepest sympathy at the loss of a wonderful person and friend. We were privileged to have worked alongside David for 2 years during which time we laughed and dedicated ourselves to his leadership, vision and passion. He was kind, gentle and an extremely caring person who thought deeply about how he could grow our capacity as leaders. Our thoughts also go out to Michelle and the family, thankyou for sharing your dad and husband with us, we will always remember David with the deepest
Fondness and Love.
Richard, Maude and Zion Wilkinson
What a sad day for so many who knew this fine educational leader. I send my heartfelt condolences to his wife and children and all of his colleagues and students at the school