Neil Farquhar (Dolman 65-70) died quietly in hospital after a short illness late on 28 December 2025, with his wife Liz beside him. He was 73 years of age.

Neil was one of three Farquhar brothers who went to Pocklington School; the others being John (Gruggen 57-64) and Andrew (Dolman 66-72). John now lives in British Columbia, Canada and Andrew near Newport in Shropshire. For Neil and the family, sport played an important part of their education at Pocklington. To commemorate this, an engraved bench sits outside the School’s Cricket Pavilion. It was presented by our grateful parents for having one or more Farquhars at Pocklington for 16 years!

Neil’s main sporting strength at Pocklington was rugby. He played back row for teams at all age levels with his last two years at School seeing him in the 1st XV. Such was his enthusiasm and skill at rugby, that he went on to play for Headingley (the forerunner of Leeds) and played in their 1st XV alongside internationals such as Ian McGeechan (Scotland and the Lions) and John Spencer (England and the Lions).

While at Pocklington, Neil was in the Army Section of the CCF. He took part in a demonstration for parents of a zip-wire descent across the assault course area. Unfortunately he fell off the wire, resulting in a broken ankle and six weeks off games! Not to be deterred by this, after school and university he continued his military service by joining the Territorial Army (now the Reserve Army). He was a very active member of the Yorkshire Volunteers and after reorganisation the Green Howards.  He retired as a major, having commanded an infantry company at Stockton Road, Middlesbrough and having been the Battalion Second-in-Command of 4/5 Green Howards. Neil was known as a professional officer, an empathetic leader and an enthusiastic trainer. Neil listened to and cared for his soldiers. He was well respected by both his subordinates and seniors alike.

Neil qualified as a Chartered Surveyor.  After a few years working for others, he decided to set-up his own business. This was very successful, based in Tadcaster, and drawing clients from across Yorkshire and as far North as the Scottish border. Later in his career, he moved to Scotland and renewed his connections with the Reserve Forces. He applied for and was selected to be the Head of Estates and Facilities Management at the Lowland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association (RFCA).  In this role, he was delighted to be able to apply his professional competence and strong work ethic to support the Army’s Cadet Movement and the Reserves, and in doing so to repay the investment these organisations had made in him.   

Neil was married twice and his second marriage to Liz opened the door to horse riding; for many years he and Liz owned two horses. Neil would never say he was completely at one on the back of a horse, nonetheless he and Liz had many happy days riding across open countryside around where they lived, south of Glasgow. Neil loved dogs and after retirement he was never far from his canine friends.

Neil was a caring, considerate and loving father, step-father and family man. He was always there for his children and step-children. He was a wise advocate and a reliable shoulder for all to lean on. A thoughtful man, with a broad understanding of life and great strength of character. Throughout his business career, the Reserve Army and then retirement, he used his wisdom, huge experience and common sense to calmly resolve any number of complex issues. Few could match his ability to just get on and make the best of things; always looking to be positive, always focused on the aim. He was quick of mind, sincere in everything he did and great fun to be with. Above all, Neil will be missed as a wonderful husband and a true gentleman.

(Andrew Farquhar, 66-72)