Tom Dunsmore (OW 1975)

30 June 1957 – January 2026

The Waynflete Office has been informed of the death of Tom Dunsmore at the age of 68. We are grateful to his widow Helen for sharing the following words:

Tom was born in 1957 in Kingston and moved with his family to Oxford in the early 1960s. He attended South Oxford Primary School before joining Magdalen College School, where he brought energy, humour and independence to everything he did, along with a distinctive dry wit that was already well-developed in his schooldays.

Sport played a central role in Tom’s time at MCS, particularly rowing, where his talent, determination and commitment truly shone. Under the guidance of inspirational teachers, including Andrew Crisp, Tom developed into an accomplished and respected rower. The discipline, teamwork and quiet determination he learned on the river became key elements of his life thereafter, always displaying the values of perseverance, humility and mutual support.

After leaving school, Tom went on to university in Newcastle before beginning a career with the police. His strong sense of fairness and concern for others were evident in this choice, and although the role challenged his naturally questioning and independent nature, it shaped his outlook and reinforced his values.

He later retrained in computer programming, embarking on a successful and varied professional life that took him across the UK and abroad, including Australia, Jersey, Gothenburg and Berlin. In every place he lived, Tom was known for his warmth, intelligence and ability to connect easily with others.

Tom always remained deeply committed to his family. He was a devoted uncle, taking genuine interest in the lives of his nieces and nephews and offering steady support and encouragement. Through his marriage to Kay, he became stepfather to Finola and step-grandfather to Lexi and Jay, roles he embraced with joy and wholehearted dedication.

After Kay’s death, Tom showed remarkable resilience and selflessness, focusing on the wellbeing of his family. Later, he found great happiness with Helen, with whom he shared a rich life filled with travel, music, theatre and long walks.

In facing terminal illness, Tom displayed extraordinary courage, clarity and kindness, remaining true to himself and sustained by Helen’s love. His humour never deserted him.