Jonathan Anthony Genton (S, 1977)

Jonathan Genton died suddenly on 4 December 2025, aged 65.

The following tribute combines details provided by Jonathan’s family and edited excerpts from eulogies read at Jonathan’s memorial service held at Marlborough College Chapel.

Jonathan was found to be extremely bright whilst at kindergarten in Cheltenham. He was fortunate to be awarded a full scholarship to attend College. His cricket was exceptional; he played in the 1st XI at College, as he did at Magdalen College Oxford when he attended to study Nuclear and Particle Physics, where he obtained a first-class degree. After leaving Oxford, Jonathan first taught at Cranbrook School, as a Physics teacher, before transferring to Marlborough College in September 1987.

He carried out many roles over his 38 years at Marlborough, including teacher of Astronomy, Head of Physics and Head of Science (or as he regularly called it, Head of Ignorance). Above all, Jonathan was an outstanding teacher – passionate about his subject and generously dedicated to sharing that passion. He was immensely knowledgeable, but what mattered most to him was teaching and sharing that knowledge with others.

In 2010 he took a well-earned, year-long sabbatical, travelling the world and evidently reflecting on his future. On his return, he took on the role of Academic Administrator, masterminding the timetable. More recently, he became what was essentially the ‘College Oracle’ – basically if you needed an opinion on anything to do with Marlborough College, Jonathan was your man. He maintained contact with pupils – stretching the brightest, helping them prepare for university interviews, inspiring them to take their next giant leap. He also kept his hand in with teaching through the Summer School, where he tutored courses such as ‘Fun with Fundamental Physics.’ He was a great proponent of ‘lifelong learning’ and never stopped learning himself. 

Jonathan’s enthusiasm for physics and astronomy was infectious; you couldn’t help but lean in and listen. The wonderful thing was that Jonathan was as much at home discussing the virial theorem that dominates the dispersion of open clusters as he was discussing the weekend’s lacklustre performance of his beloved Cheltenham Town Football Club. 

He loved wordplay, alliteration, acronyms, crossword clues and anything that made you think for a moment more. He had a great love of wine, loved to travel, enjoyed a good game of cricket, was always keen to don his black tie for a smart dinner, appreciated music and had a great singing voice, taking every opportunity to join choirs and the choral society. He truly enjoyed life.

Losing Jonathan so suddenly has been shocking and hard for all of us. Let us not dwell on the end but rejoice in all that Jonathan brought to our lives – his warmth, his wit, his wisdom. We will always remember and be inspired by Mr Genton, JAG, Genters, Mr G, Jonathan.