Dr Gaston left a mark on everyone he taught, including me. Of all the classes I had at Belfast High I remember his the most. He was a marvellous storyteller, an eccentric and a genius. This made his classes so exciting to be in. There’s no question that he greatly influenced my decision to follow the degree that I chose. I will always look back at my time at Belfast High and remember him most fondly.
Friday 01 May 2026
Ryan McKay, Belfast
We are so very sad to hear that John is no longer with us and we offer our sincere condolences to all of his family and to his dear friend, Eileen.
John was a visionary Chemistry teacher who inspired many of his pupils to follow their dreams from his classroom to Cambridge University. Several of those pupils are now amongst the most senior medical consultants in Northern Ireland and acknowledge the contribution he made to their success.
Without doubt, he was the most intellectually gifted person I have ever met. Most importantly, he was a good human being and the world is a lesser place without him.
Thursday 30 April 2026
Gráinne, Stephen and Ana