Sponsored by
Man of real integrity
Staff of 84: Leon Davies (centre) pictured with all the Longridge High School staff in the year of his retirement 1984
Many friends and former colleagues joined family at the funeral of former Longridge High School headteacher Leon Heath Jones Davies, to remember a professional and much respected man who had inspired many.
Preston Crematorium was full for the service, taken by former Vicar of Broughton the Rev Stanley Finch, following Mr Davies’s death at the age of 84.
Teachers who worked with him for many years recalled the high regard and respect everyone had for him.
Current head Jane Green said “Everyone at Longridge High School was saddened to hear of the death of Mr Leon Davies.
“He is well remembered by those who knew him as a highly professional, inspirational and greatly respected head teacher whose reputation lives on.”
Mr Davies was born in Porthcawl, South Wales, where he grew up and was educated at its primary and high schools where he was head boy and captain of cricket and rugby.
He completed National Services in the navy and he then studied French and Italian at Cardiff University, spending a year after graduating in the French town of Brive, where he was the local team’s rugby fullback.
He returned to England to his first job teaching French and Italian at Prescot Grammar School.
His love of sport saw him taking the boys’ hockey team, playing rugby for St Helens and cricket for Prescot.
Through joining Liverpool’s Little Theatre Group, he met his wife Doreen The couple married in 1956 and had children Sian and Gareth.
In 1960, Mr Davies joined Ruffhwood Comprehensive School, in Merseyside, as a house master, being head of house until 1964 when he took the headship of Longridge High School, succeeding John Cox.
“He loved the school, helped to nurture so many pupils lives and they had the greatest respect for him,” said Mrs Davies.
After his retirement in 1984, the couple continued their enjoyment of caravanning at home and abroad.
He suppported Preston North End and loved attending the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s concerts. Mr Davies was also an assistant warden at St John’s Church, in Broughton.
Former head of Longridge High’s Lower School Harry Basterfield was appointed to the school in 1965, the same time as Mr Davies.
He served 19 years with him and recalled, “he quickly gained the respect of staff, pupils and parents, was seen always as a gentleman, treated everyone with courtesy and never lost his composure.
“He was always fair in dealing with pupls and the school enjoyed an excellent reputation under his leadership. He was always supported by his wife Doreen, also a teacher,
“Leon was a man of integrity who will be missed by all who knew him, and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. I was fortunate to have known him as a headmaster and a friend.”
David Smith, appointed by Mr Davies in 1967 as head of boys PE, said “throughout the years I worked with Leon I always addressed him as ‘Mr Davies’, a measure of the respect that I had for him.
“He gave full support and advice to his staff and instilled confidence in parents and pupils alike. He was keen on all sports and a great help to me in the PE department.
“Quick to volunteer his services, as referee, umpire or track judge, events or weekends, His refereeing of the staff/pupils annual football match was the highlight of the season - we never disagreed with his decision.
“I feel privileged to have known him for 17 years.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Longridge
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
