Lieutenant Colonel Denis Naulty, a prominent figure in educational, cultural, religious and charitable circles in Dundee, has died at the age of 88.
In a life rich in adventure, achievement, travel and experiences, he forged a successful career in the army before settling in Dundee where he made significant contributions in many areas.
Born in Dundee from a Scots/Irish family background, Denis Michael Naulty was educated at Lawside Academy and then St Andrews University.
He served as an officer in the Royal Scots in Egypt and Palestine in the Second World War and returned to teach in St John’s Junior Secondary then St Mary’s and Forebank boys’ schools in his home city.
In 1953 and married to Joyce with daughter Denise, he rejoined the army to serve a further 21 years commissioned service in the Royal Army Educational Corps.
Having ‘followed the drum’ for 18 years the family, who now also consisted of second daughter Clare and sons Michael and Timothy, made their home at Kingsway in 1968.
After a final appointment as lieutenant colonel commandant of the resettlement centre at Catterick in Yorkshire, he retired from the army in 1974.
He then took up a second career in further education as a lecturer in Kingsway Technical College, now Dundee College, and retired in 1988.
After retirement he joined the graduates’ council of Dundee University and was assessor in University Court for 12 years; became chairman of Carolina House Trust for disadvantaged children, and chairman of Dundee Pre-retirement Council.
He was also a life member and honorary vice-president of Dundee Civic Trust; Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and many other societies and organisations benefited from his knowledge.
His religion was always important in his life. He was co-ordinator of RENEW, an initiative for people to re-pledge their Christian commitment, in the Roman Catholic parish of St Columba’s in Dundee, and he also studied for the award of the certificate in pastoral ministry by the Dunkeld Diocese in 1997.
His wife died just over two years ago, and in addition to his two sons and two daughters, Lt Col Naulty is survived by three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.