Joao Da Ponte who was in my year has apparently passed away. I have only just discovered how important a figure his father Bruno was, this obit is where I learned that Joao had died – https://www.counterfire.org/articles/opinion/20064-obituary-bruno-da-ponte-1932-2018
Joao and I went to see Status Quo in about 1972 at the Empire theatre, walked home to Morningside to fried eggs at 3am. He was laid back and a really good friend who kept me honest. He had a younger brother Jose who also attended the school.
From John Burns
Editors note – The brothers attended the Royal High School between 1970 and 1974 then returned to Portugal as described in the linked obituary.
Hi John,
Thank you for the post about Joao Da Ponte he was part of our A4 stream in the 1970 intake. Gavin Salton was in touch with Joao through social media up to 2015/16 when contact stopped and now it’s obvious why. We’ve made sure a group of our year about (40+ in total) are now aware of Joao’s passing including a few that enjoyed the Da Ponte hospitality in Morningside/Craighouse,
Thanks again for the posting and your other article on the site,
Robert Dickson
1970 – 1975 (a4)