Kind, intelligent, humorous and respected, Barnard Castle School governor Erland Rendall pictured with his wife Jackie
Heartfelt tributes have been flooding in for a much-loved school governor who died suddenly after being taken ill while cycling.
Popular Barnard Castle School governor Erland Rendall was found with his bike by the side of the road just two miles from his Durham home as he trained for a cycle ride to raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a charity committed to funding research to find effective treatments for motor neurone disease.
His sudden death at the age of just 54 has rocked the school community, which he first joined in 2016 when his daughter Molly began attending Barnard Castle Preparatory School and he became a governor the following year.
His wife Jackie said: “Suddenly, unexpectedly my lovely husband was taken away from us far too soon. We as a family are heartbroken, shocked and deeply saddened.
“Erland was the kindest, most thoughtful, funny and a true gentleman, he was so loved by us and by everyone who met him. He would say to me ‘your time is the greatest gift you can give to everyone’, and he spent his life living by his word.
“Sometimes it just takes a moment of simplicity to remind each other of your love. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love shown to us over these last few days. I’m thankful we enjoyed such a bustling and busy December together. We love you so much Erland.”
His daughters Molly and Rachael Longley and son Jonathan added: “Our beloved father died of a suspected heart attack while out on his bike, doing what he loved. We as a family are devastated and totally shocked by this cruel tragedy. He was so loved by us all. Erland was a kind, intelligent and incredibly hard working man who was known and respected by so many people across the globe.”
Erland was renowned as a visionary who transformed strategic insights into actionable plans that unlocked potential throughout the commercial real estate and infrastructure chain.
He worked in private ventures and public-private alliances throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and America, his key strengths including building and nurturing networks of trusted experts capable of addressing challenges and seizing opportunities at the earliest stages of project development where the most value is found.
After graduating with a BSc in Quantity Surveying from Robert Gordon’s University, Aberdeen, he began his career at Davis Langdon (now an AECOM company) in 1995. By 2002, he’d advanced to partner managing key client accounts, including Forth Ports plc and by 2004, he had earned Equity Partner status, guiding high-profile projects such as the Forth Quarter Masterplan and Scottish Gas HQ, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the National Gallery of Scotland Playfair Project.
In 2008, he was appointed the firm’s Head of Abu Dhabi, where he grew the office from a two-person team to 140 employees increasing annual revenue three-fold in two years. In 2010, he became Global Head of Thought Leadership, leading initiatives in knowledge, research and innovation.
In 2012, he founded Durham-based Atorus Consult to help clients build strategies that optimized operational and project management efficiencies.
He helped develop a revolutionary concept in construction project management which lead a new way of thinking in the world of construction, an industry that sees two thirds of projects run overbudget and late, with waste figures amounting to around £30bn a year in the UK alone.
This GluIQ programme educates, improves and reduces waste in design and construction acting as a road map to better outcomes, by reducing the amount of human input, error and corruption, to increase quality.
Erland served as a UK Government ‘Help to Grow’ business mentor and on the RGC Strategic Advisory Board, supporting online education in computer science and technology.
At Barnard Castle School, he chaired the Strategy, Development and Marketing Committee and championed the cause of all students, especially those with SEND.
Headmaster David Cresswell said: “Erland was someone of extraordinary generosity – generous with his time, but above all with his kindness. He had a rare knack for asking exactly the right question at exactly the right moment, always thinking first about others.
“He approached life with optimism and energy, and he had a way of lighting up a room simply by walking into it – whether through his distinctive dress sense, a quick-witted remark, or just his smile. I will miss him personally, and we will all miss the wisdom and humanity he brought to the Governing Body.
“We are in shock at this loss, but Erland’s legacy will be a powerful reminder to live life to the full and to influence others with the same energy and love that he so naturally shared.”
Headmistress of Barnard Castle Preparatory School Laura Turner said: “Erland was an extraordinary man, energetic, fun, deeply caring and endlessly generous with his time. He had a rare gift of making people feel seen and valued. No matter how busy he was, nothing was ever too big or too much for him.
“Personally, Erland was a loyal, incredible and wonderful support to me, always approachable, always present and always kind. You always knew when Erland was around, his quick wit and wicked sense of humour brought life and laughter wherever he went.
“I fondly recall our first meeting as if it was yesterday, with his wife Jackie and their gorgeous daughter Molly, it was a moment that perfectly reflected the warmth and love that surrounded him.
“Erland truly had a heart of gold. He touched everyone he met and his beautiful soul leaves behind a legacy of treasured memories that will live on in all of us. He will be missed more than words can ever express.”
Bursar Suzanne Metcalf said: “Erland was so bright, dynamic, energetic and such good fun. He brought a lovely humour to our meetings. He was talented and made such an impact on the whole school community. He championed our students and mentored our staff. We can’t believe what has happened; it is so very sad.”
Chair of governors Catherine Sunley said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Erland, a much-loved and highly respected member of our Barney community.
“During his time as a governor, Erland made a tangible impact not only through the considerable time he dedicated to the role, but also through his valuable professional skills and knowledge. He brought a unique energy, dynamism and sense of humour to every board meeting, qualities that can never be replaced.”
Categories: Barnard Castle School School News
