Tuesday 10 July 2012

John Passey RIP


I met him at secondary school. Central Technical School for Boys in Gloucester. A school that was staffed by a weird collection of misfits, incompetents and sadists. Most teachers had their own preferred instrument of violence (often referred to by pet names) and particular method of inflicting pain and humiliation. I recall being beaten with various sticks, a plimsoll, large books and a board compass (as well as being punched and kicked). They repeatedly told me I was useless and stupid, that my lack of learning was my own fault.

Amid this sea of educational darkness there was a shining light. He was John Passey: the English teacher. John was full of enthusiasm and encouragement. He loved poetry, particularly Gerard Manley Hopkins, and he instilled that love in me. He also encouraged his pupils to write poetry and short stories, no mean achievement for 14 year old boys who thought they were tough. And when, full of fear, we read our work out in class, he praised it highly. My adolescent poetry was, of course, dire and highly derivative. But through John, I left the school believing that, although I was stupid, I did have a story to tell.

John Passey's funeral took place in Gloucester Cathedral last Friday. He was a talented and generous man and had touched many lives. The tribute was delivered by his son, Alan. He explained that John was so very proud of the boys he taught and what they went on to achieve. And despite the limitations of that school, these achievements were many.

In his will John had asked for his coffin to be carried by us. Unfortunately, this was vetoed by the Cathedral. But as professional pall-bearers transported John's coffin through the nave of the cathedral, two long lines of 'old boys' formed a guard of honour. It was a fitting send off for the man.


Chris O'Ryan, John Taylor, Dave Ballard and myself (with Alan Passey on my back): a chance encounter with the Passey family in Weymouth.

6 comments:

  1. Thanks Paul...
    Lesley (John's daughter)

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  2. I am the youngest and only sister of three brothers who all went to Central Technical School as it was known back in their day.
    My mother Mrs (Timmy) Tarling became the school Head Cook after Mrs(Cookie) Cook retired, having worked at the school since I was seven years of age.
    As I grew up, I would help Mum and the other staff out on Speech Nights with the coffee, soft drinks for the boys and biscuits. I will never forget Mr Passey introducing himself to me on my first 'Speech Day evening' and I thought he was such a gentleman to take the time and interest. Many of the other staff could have learnt a lesson or two from him.
    He will always have a soft spot in my heart and may he rest in peace for always.
    Goodnight and God Bless Mr Passey. You were one of the best.

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  3. He told me he would leave me an orange pip in his will!

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  4. I would have loved to have spoken to him. He was In Gloucester reference library and I was researching for my m.a. He was otherwise engaged,but I remembered with fondness that he was an enlightened man and not part of a violent ,cynical regime that was the order of the day.

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  5. My recollection of the teachers at Saintbridge is that most were competent, hard working, helpful and very good at their job. Including Passey (English), Willman (English), Pibworth (chemistry), Jenkins (Physics), Hill (PE and Geography), Roberts (Biology), Holman (Headmaster) etc. There was corporal punishment but this was normal for that time and discipline was good with pupils respecting teachers. I feel proud to have attended this school.

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