Pfeuti, Paul

Music teacher from September 1970 until closure

Date of Death: 28/12/2008

These are extracts from The Gazette No.49. 

At Ottershaw, we were so fortunate to have Paul Pfeuti for ten years right up to the closure of the school. He came with his love of music and his ability to generate his enthusiasm in those he taught. He played a major part in all the Musical Drama, not forgetting especially his and Linda's production of The Pirates of Penzance and Jonathan Hughes's Oh What a Lovely War. It was his ability to relate to boys that made Allan recognise that he and Linda would have a great deal to offer running a boarding house and we were delighted when they took over West House.

There must be many Old Boys who valued their help and understanding during those years. Entering into the full life of the school, he also became an officer in the Army Section of the CCF. Elizabeth was born at Ottershaw and has a special place in our memories. We were so sad to hear of Paul's death and have great sympathy for Linda and Elizabeth at this time.
Allan and Mary Dodds

 

Paul Pfeuti joined I think when I did in 1972 and ultimately stayed until the closure of the school having been Housemaster of West House.  After leaving Ottershaw he and his wife Linda and their daughter Elizabeth moved to Kendal in Cumbria. He had retired from full time teaching except for teaching piano at Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Because I enjoyed music I admired the way he instilled the thought of music everywhere he went and he modernised the singing of hymns and carols, improved and encouraged the choir. He was involved with and produced several musical productions, including The Mikado, HMS Pinafore and Pirates of Penzance and end of term and year musical performances. There was always a joyful noise about him. I had emailed him this message before Christmas and was hoping for latest news.

"Can't believe there are millions of Paul Pfeuti's in the world, married to Linda. You must have been the one who kindly "mentored" me at Ottershaw. Please accept my good wishes and thanks for all your help and inspiration. I remember in "our" first couple of weeks at the school - we joined at the same time, I think - you asked if anyone in assembly could sign a line of music and I put my hand up. I was badly beaten up afterwards for being a teacher's pet and told never to volunteer to do anything to help a teacher in future. And then I ran a 40 minute short cross country run which should have been completed in 20 minutes, because I ran halfway to the village before a passer by told me I was on the wrong road. Got beaten again. 

But we did go on and have some fun - singing the made up school day set to a psalm at an entertainments evening, christmas carols, Pinafore, Penzance, choir performances - how the memories flood back on a wet Sunday afternoon!  Can't remember why Linda always sang an Irish jig when I came to your house.....?

Hope all is well with you and yours. You've cheered me up just by remembering past times."
Paul Deacon OTT 59