Nigel Robert Melen

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April 21, 2021

Tribute to Mr. Nigel

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May 4, 2020

Nigel will be sorely missed as a colleague and for his advice and wisdom in the time that I knew him while I was Head of Junior School in another Sharjah school. He was always happy to meet to discuss the way forward for the latest educational... more

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May 4, 2020

Nigel was one of the kindest people I have ever had the good fortune to meet. The very first time I met him, he greeted me like an old friend, made me feel welcome at his school and nothing was ever too much trouble. I will fondly remember Nigel's laugh... more

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May 2, 2020 · via iPhone

Mr. Nigel played a vital role in shaping United Private Schools, it’s him who introduced proper systems and the Induction Program. We will All miss him , personally, he was respected Freind that I enjoyed working and knowing- May your soul Rest In Peace.

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May 1, 2020 · via mobile

We will always remember your smile and kind heart. Mr.Nigel you are one great principal, considerate and very understanding. You were a wonderful blessing to thousand of students, colleagues, staff and parents at SIA. Our condolences to the family. May... more

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May 1, 2020

I just wanted to say thank you for putting together such a touching, wonderful tribute to celebrate Mr Nigel’s life. The Head Boy at SIA who led the memorial did such an amazing job and Mr Nigel would have surely been so proud. Well done to every... moreI just wanted to say thank you for putting together such a touching, wonderful tribute to celebrate Mr Nigel’s life. The Head Boy at SIA who led the memorial did such an amazing job and Mr Nigel would have surely been so proud. Well done to every person who spoke because I can only imagine how hard that must have been. I found myself nodding in agreement with at least one thing you all said. Most made me cry, some made me laugh but everyone who spoke made me remember an incredible man who touched and changed so many lives.

I first met Mr Nigel in 2005 when I joined Scholars as a teacher. I have so many memories that I will always cherish. I have my own experiences where he showed his true kindness to me and my family. When I left Scholars last Summer, Mr Nigel told me to send him an email to let him know how I was getting on in my new school. I’m so sad to say that life just got in the way of me doing that which really is something I will always regret. I got busy settling into my new school and life and wish I’d just let him know how I was getting on. Let’s hope that these crazy times we are living in right now remind us all to slow down and really focus on what is important.

I was only 25 when I moved to the UAE and despite previously travelling so much of the World, I was still scared of living and working away from Wales. Everything was different, new job, new friends, new home and Mr Nigel had a way of instantly making you feel at home in a new home. He really did go over and above and I know that many of my colleagues, now friends, who joined with me that year would agree. That year, Mr Nigel invited us to his home, took us on a Dhow cruise and to several restaurants. He always made sure we knew his office was open at any time for us. Mr Nigel always made a big fuss of our families when they came to visit. Once, I told him that my 80 year old Grandma was coming but was scared of lifts - and I lived on the 18th floor of our building! He kindly offered her a room in his home. During my time at SIA, Mr Nigel comforted me when I was going through difficult times and listened to me when I needed him.

I thought that this ‘We’re a family’ feeling was just what you get when you work in an International School. How wrong was I? After moving myself, and talking to so many friends who have worked in different International Schools, I have learnt it’s not really the way of International or Private schools, it was the way of Mr Nigel. I have been so lucky to move to another amazing private school in Spain and was greeted at the airport with another brilliant Head teacher who also goes over and beyond what is expected of him. However, despite this, I know there is no one else quite like Mr Nigel. He really would put you before himself. He would share his chocolates, his ice cold drinks in the fridge and so much more. He had such a big heart and I feel honoured to have been able to have met him.

When I heard of his passing, I told my family. My parents summed him up with the most perfect word… ‘special’. From only meeting him twice, that’s all it took for them to know what a special man he was. How lucky am I to have known him for 4 years and how lucky is anyone else to have known him for longer. That is what we need to remember. He touched our lives, made us be a better version of ourselves and we must be glad that we knew him.

I am sorry I never reached out to Mr Nigel again after leaving SIA but I will always have fond memories of him. I will talk about the amazing Principal who shaped so many of us. Who reminded us all to smile 20 times a day. Who made us dance in staff PDs. Who ended staff meetings by telling us to have a smashing day! Let’s all try and honour him by doing as much as we can that we can be proud of.

Rest in Peace Mr Nigel. You will not be forgotten. less

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May 1, 2020

I will miss breakfasts with Nigel at conferences: a man of such great wit and wisdom, with a warm soul and the ability to befriend anyone.

To Nigel's family and the Scholars community who will feel the burden of his passing the heaviest, take pride in... more

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May 1, 2020

Nigel will be missed as a colleague and friend, his positivity, commitment and the warmth of his personality. Nigel's loss will be sadly felt by many but his generosity of spirit will stay with us.
‘In the sweetness of friendship let there be... more

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April 30, 2020

We have known Mr. Nigel for his kind-hearted and empathetic nature along with a good sense of humour that always kept the audience engaged. We are grateful for his contribution to the success and continued growth of education at Scholars International... more

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April 30, 2020

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April 30, 2020

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April 30, 2020 · via mobile

ears of conferencing thank you for your wit humour and advice. How we will miss you. Thoughts with those left behind your wake
Anne

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April 30, 2020

To me Nigel will always be synonymous with the collegiate nature of the BSME conference. He always had time for people, always said hello and had a knack of making people feel relaxed in his company. A true gentleman and a lovely person to know. He will... more

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April 30, 2020

I first met Nigel when he joined NES Kuwait in 1983 (I think), when he was appointed as French teacher. As a member of staff he distinguished himself straight away as a hardworking and entirely professional colleague respected by staff and students... moreI first met Nigel when he joined NES Kuwait in 1983 (I think), when he was appointed as French teacher. As a member of staff he distinguished himself straight away as a hardworking and entirely professional colleague respected by staff and students alike. It came as no surprise when he was later promoted to a Deputy Headship in charge of the Lower School.

When I became Head of Secondary at NES Amman in 1990 under the very able Directorship of Rina Hofayz, we were plunged into an immediate crisis with Saddam Hussein's occupation of Kuwait requiring that we immediately needed to find places for about 500 additional students and of course commensurate staffing.. Nigel stepped into the breach and proved in those dark times, a brilliant Secondary Deputy Head working alongside Siobhan Doran and Jean Chinn MBE who with other members of staff from Kuwait lent their support during the occupation.

In December 1990, contrary to advice given by the British embassy in Amman, Nigel's commitment and loyalty to the school was manifested in the way he remained in Jordan throughout the crisis, proving a rock of stability in a period of uncertainty and acute anxiety, teaming up with the late Ophelia Bishouty,Hanan Shihabi and Donna Naber.

I worked with Nigel for the next three years and got to know him very well, staying with his family on occasions in Repton, sharing the responsibilities of admin + teaching in the Senior Management Team and enjoying school and social occasions.

Nigel was an incredibly generous man. The social gatherings at his apartment were monumental in their preparation and always designed to be inclusive. He really enjoyed the comradeship of his staff, a man who worked hard and played hard! New members of staff were made to feel welcome and appreciated. His sense of humour and love of comedy always came to the fore in his acting abilities when taking part in Edwina's famous Xmas staff pantos.

As an administrator Nigel proved well able to support his staff and students. He was very demanding at the same time, expecting the highest standards from everyone. HIs advice was sound and his relationship with parents was positive.

When Nigel eventually left NES Amman he left a legacy of high standards, excellent PR and great regret from those who had worked with him.

After a spell in Spain, he returned to Arabia, firstly in Oman and later in UAE, planting seeds of academic excellence and moving on to advise and establish fledgling schools in the region.

Loyalty to his friends meant that although our lives took different paths, he maintained contact to the end. I received a phone call just three days before he sadly passed away. He was cheerful and just checking to see if I was well.

Roger Foreman less

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added 2 photo(s) to the memorial :

April 30, 2020

added 1 photo(s) to the memorial :

April 30, 2020

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April 30, 2020

It didn’t take long for Nigel to welcome you to a meeting, sit down and get straight to the coffee! He was a great individual that wanted to do so much to improve education.

Lets keep him alive in our hearts!

J. Calafato

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April 29, 2020

We began as colleagues in 1990, we became firm family friends, Nigel becoming a 'surrogate Uncle to my daughters,a brother I never had and pal to my husband.
Be it in Jordan,Repton or touring UK Universities with our girls or storing their luggage... more

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April 29, 2020

Nigel was one of the kindest most generous people I was ever privileged to meet. I shall always remember the meals and trips we shared in Jordan. Saudi and Oman. I shall misss him and his smile.

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April 29, 2020

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April 29, 2020 · via mobile

Till we meet again Mr. Nigel. We love you so much.

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April 29, 2020 · via iPhone

Proud Sister

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April 29, 2020 · via iPhone

Proud Sister

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added 1 photo(s) to the memorial :

April 29, 2020

added 1 photo(s) to the memorial :

April 29, 2020

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April 29, 2020

Mr. Nigel. He was the face, invaluable brand and backbone of SIA. We met him during early 2013 for our son Admission inquiries and our search for his school ends there ( we were confused about Indian School and British Curriculum ). We do meet him... more

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April 29, 2020 · via iPhone

He has been a great principal among all the schools I attended and he has been like a family member of ours. I am unable to use ‘had’ bcoz I still feel he is around.
He will always be remembered as a very kind and witty person.❤️💜💜❤️❤️💜
Shiromi Nadarajah 3C

He has been a great principal among all the schools I attended and he has been like a family member of ours. I am unable to use ‘had’ bcoz I still feel he is around.
He will always be remembered as a very kind and witty... more

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April 29, 2020

Final version of Painted Hand Cast Sculpture of Mr. Nigel's Hand as requested by him.

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April 28, 2020

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April 28, 2020

Rehna Afaq Mr. Nigel's hand cast sculpture created by me on the occasion of UAE National Day Celebrations 2018.
- April 28, 2020

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April 28, 2020

added 1 photo(s) to the memorial :

April 28, 2020

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April 28, 2020 · via iPhone

Nigel at school - very photogenic.

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Nikki Bendall and Mohammed Shanto reacted on this.

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April 28, 2020 · via iPhone

Graduation day.

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April 28, 2020 · via iPhone

Our lovely family

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added 2 photo(s) to the memorial :

April 28, 2020

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April 28, 2020 · via iPhone

Nigel sitting in front of his beloved mother.

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April 28, 2020 · via iPhone

Nigel, A great family man. Here with his godson, Dominic.

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April 28, 2020 · via iPhone

The three amigos

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Nikki Bendall and Mohammed Shanto reacted on this.

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April 28, 2020

I am very sorry to hear about Nigel Melen. We spent so many years together at NES(1984-1990) where he was a teacher of French and the deputy head for the lower school. I remember how much the children loved him, always smiling, firm but kind.

It is... more

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April 28, 2020

Nigel, through soft-spoken kindness created a beautiful atmosphere at SIA. He was a pleasure to work with and will be greatly missed. Even though I am no longer st SIA, I have many fond memories of Nigel from my time there.

Nigel will be remembered for... more

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April 28, 2020

Mr Nigel was always considerate when interviewing newly qualified teachers who were sometimes nervous. After interviews, I would generally receive an email from the teacher telling me they wanted to go and work for him. He also showed great kindness in... more

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April 28, 2020 · via mobile

When a mentor dies all of a sudden, there is a unique kind of loss and heartbreak.

We lose the future lessons we will not get to learn from them. We lose the person who saw in us the potential for more than we could see in ourselves. We lose a trusted... more

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Sheri Lennon reacted on this.

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April 28, 2020 · via iPhone

Death can never take a good man away, for, in the hearts of the people he inspired, the legacy remains and continues throughout generations. He was pleasant, same time he was a great principal and leader. Surely kids at SIA will miss the presence of... more

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Sheri Lennon reacted on this.

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April 27, 2020 · via mobile

Thank you Mr.Nigel for the love and care. We will never forget you. You will always be in our hearts. Thank you for treating little Nigel as your grandson. We love you so much ( Rogel, Noime and baby Nigel)