A touching tribute has been made to a "gentle" former teacher of a high school just outside Merseyside.
John Barnes served Tarleton High School between 1998 and 2008 before he retired as deputy headteacher at the school after four years in the position. John is said to have been "deeply loved and respected" in the tight-knit community just north of Southport.
The tribute from the school said: "It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Mr Barnes who passed away peacefully on the 26th August. John was the deputy head at Tarleton until his retirement in 2008. He was deeply loved and respected by generations of families in the community.
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"John was synonymous with Tarleton High School, the name of our school before we became an academy. His gentle, professional presence pervaded both the school and village communities where he will be remembered with fondness. His obvious skill as a leader was acknowledged in the Teaching Awards in 2004.
"He also contributed much to several educational initiatives across Lancashire leading him to be held in high regard, in particular at Runshaw College and with the Eric Wright vocational provision. Despite his busy role as deputy head, he was an integral member of the English department sharing a love of language and literature through his own unique teaching style.
"John had time for absolutely everyone regardless of their position within the school. He was an excellent listener, empathetic and caring. He nurtured students, taking an interest in their lives outside of the classroom. Many continued to enjoy conversations with him long after their high school years.
"He was a gentleman who commanded respect, who set high standards but who rarely had to raise his voice. John visited our school after his retirement and his deep love of the staff, the students and the whole community was clearly evident during his visits.
"His assemblies were memorable, always ending with the same prayer: 'Today I shall be very busy. I may forget you. Please Lord, do not forget me.' Tarleton will certainly not forget John."
Following the post on social media, people flooded the comments with their own tributes to the highly respected teacher. Sally Maddock said: "A true gentleman in every sense of the word. My Barnes taught me at Worden before he moved to Tarleton and was my favourite teacher.
"He had time for everyone, he treated everyone with respect, had a very gentle and kind nature and a wicked sense of humour. You were very lucky to have him. He will be missed."
Mike Dignam wrote: "He was a great man, had time for everyone and always saw the best in each student! In my opinion, he was ahead of his years in terms of noticing that not all pupils learn the same way and 'intelligence' isn’t always the grade on a piece of paper. RIP sir."
Hannah Fowler commented: "R.I.P Mr Barnes, a beautifully written tribute. He was a great teacher who really cared about everyone he saw, lucky to have many great memories of him. A big loss to the Tarleton High and teaching community."
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