Norman Walker Porteous

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Norman Walker Porteous (September 9, 1898 – September 3, 2003) was a noted theologian and writer on Old Testament issues, and the last surviving officer of the First World War.[1][2] He was one of the panel of translators of the New English Bible[3] and latterly Dean of the University of Edinburgh, where he was also Senior Professor Emeritus;[3] he may also have been its oldest graduate.

Porteous entered the University of Edinburgh as first bursar in 1916, but his studies were interrupted by World War I service in France, where he served in the 13th Royal Scots Fusiliers.[3]

He graduated from the University with first class honours in Classics in 1922.[3] After time spent studying and teaching in Oxford, St Andrews and Germany,[3] he rejoined the University in 1935 when he was appointed to the Chair of Old Testament Language, Literature and Theology.[3]

In 1937 he was appointed to the Chair of Hebrew and Semitic Languages.[3] He was Principal of New College and also Dean of the Faculty[1] from 1964 until his retirement in 1968.[3] He was commissioned into the Edinburgh University Officers' Training Corps in 1941, but resigned his commission as a Lieutenant in 1945.

Porteous died, having achieved centenarian status, at almost 105.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Obituary, The Independent, September 12, 2003
  2. ^ Online obituary, The Independent
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Obituary, The Scotsman, September 9, 2003

[edit] See also

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