Tributes are paid to former head Trevor
A former headteacher, author and historian renowned for his knowledge of the region's past has died, aged 81.
Tributes were today paid to Trevor Genge, of Brownswall Road, Sedgley, who died peacefully on October 5. His heartbroken family paid tribute to a kind, intelligent and charming man who would be greatly missed.
He leaves behind children Jenny, David and Alison and four grandchildren. His wife, Margaret, died two years ago.
Mr Genge was born in Lanesfield and started his career at engineering firm John Thompson before training to be a teacher.
He started work at Alder Coppice Primary School in Sedgley in the late-1960s before moving to the Bramford School where he became headteacher.
He also worked at Lanesfield Primary School, again as head, before his retirement in the late-1990s.
He was a dedicated historian and in 1984 was a founding member of Sedgley Local History Society.
Mr Genge served as chairman of the group for more than two decades and was its president.
He was respected for his work recording the history of the nine villages of Sedgley Manor.
In 1995, he compiled the first of five volumes he would write for the Britain in Old Photographs series.
And in 2008, Mr Genge received the Thomas Attwood award for education at the annual Dudley Civic Awards.
Mr Genge's daughter-in-law Michelle said: "Trevor fit so much into his life. He was a very kind and intelligent man. We will all miss him very deeply."
In a statement, members of Sedgley History Society said he would be "fondly remembered and greatly missed." It said: "Trevor's legacy as a historian is assured. Moreover he will be fondly remembered by all."
His funeral was held yesterday.
