Obituary: John Tate

January 24th, 2018

It is with profound sadness that the Association learned of the of former BFES-SECA Association Chair and President of the NAHT, John Tate.

Despite ill health (John had fought Myeloma fro many years) he maintained a great interest in the association, instigated the popular curry lunches aat Winchester and attended functions when he couldJohn’s career with SCEA began in 1970 wwith his appointment to Sek Kong School in Hong Kong where, in 1975, he became headteacher. In 1877 John moved to the headship of Robert Browning School in Sennelager – followed by the headship of Mohne Prinmary School in Soest.  In the wake of the drawdown plans for BAOR John closed Mohne School in 1992 and then spent a further year with HQ SCS (NEW) before finally retiring in 1993.  Always interest in wildlife, after retirement he trained as an OfSTED Inspector and frequently gave talks in local schools raising awareness of all forms of birdlife.

John’s wish was for a “Forest Funeral” and this was held under clear blue skies at the Sustainability Centre in Petersfield, Hampshire on Monday 12^th February 2018.  The funeral service was a celebration of his life reflecting John’s interests and love of the outdoors.
His four children read poems and talked of the memories and thoughts of John whilst Bill Gillespie (ex-Robert Browning and deputy HT at Bishopspark School, Paderborn) gave the eulogy; his thoughtful words enable mourners to both laugh and cry at the same time.  Messages from many former colleagues in SCS were read out during the service, reflecting both how respected John was as a headteacher and how he fought on their behalf on many occasions as President of the NAHT.

Gareth Morgans, Julia Dowdswell, Bill Batton, Wil Andresws, Ralph Weeks and Audrey Ireland represented former colleagues from SCS and passed on condolences to John’s wife Marilyn.