Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Nigel D. Turton - A true gentleman

Nigel D. Turton

You will be greatly missed.

Nigel D. Turton was a respected senior lecturer at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. He left Brunei a couple of years ago to retire and return to his birth place, Leeds.

A passionate Leeds United Fan and a heavy smoker, his real passion was Syntax - English Grammar. I googled him but could not find a picture of him but the above is just one of the many books that he got published.

During lectures, he was witty and there was never a dull moment in class with his 'British-Brunei' one liners. Most of the times many would not get his jokes but would laugh anyways.

Nigel was a good friend and we talked a plenty about the stock market to relationships to football. He gave good advice. He was a real gentleman.

I read about his demise on Ms Maurina's blog and read the full story on Alistair's multiply journal.

I owe Nigel alot and our secret is safe with me. He is the sole reason why I am, where I am, what I am and who I am today. The three short years I knew him were enough to influence me and I am indebted to him.

This is what I would say If ever I had the opportunity to pay my respects -

Nigel,
I have quit smoking and I hope you did as well.
I miss the football rivalry and the slurring we used to have.
I miss the intellectual conversations we used to have and the books you would recommend me to read.
I thank you for believeing in me when I wanted to quit.
Thank you for all the advice.
Thank you for being patient.
Thank you for being a wonderful friend.
You will be missed.

From your student and friend,
(Insert real name here)

7 comments:

Reza Faizal said...

Interesting.... what course did you took and when did you graduate?

Zul-Fadly said...

I hold a B.A Ed TESL Major from UBD.

Graduated in 2003. Started working in 2004 till now as an English teacher hehehehe.

And what is your profession RF?

Zainal Haji Ahmad said...

He was my lecturer back then. Yeah... agree with u. He was a definition of a FUN TEACHER ....

Reza Faizal said...

me... I'm full-time sales, work in private sector for 6+ years already. Before that work with JTB for 3+ years.

Graduated 1997. Hmmm...tua sudah.

Tulip said...

I heard abt him last Monday but didn't believe it coz no one seemed to blog abt it.

I finally believed the news when I read Jill's blog. So sad ah Nigel. So young.

Anonymous said...

I loved and looked after my brother before and after we both went to Alleyns School. I didn't see enough of him, he was always abroad and a good friend, Cathy is still out there somewhere. Last known address Singapore.
He was not born in Leeds but London, 146 Bedford Road, Clapham. SW4
I sang with my sister, December 14th one of the Christmas carols when he was born. I miss him dearly, Gerry

Unknown said...

can I have email address please?? I want to take rights of his book. naresh@laxmipublications.com