Staffordshire school's former head dies at 63
A former headteacher of 16 years who worked in both Staffordshire and the Black Country has died aged 63.
Tributes have been paid to John Hall, who was in charge of Hagley Park Secondary School in Rugeley from 1992 until 2008.
He was later a consultant to headteachers in Walsall. He died at St Giles Hospice on Sunday after suffering from pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Angela, son Mark, daughter Jo, and granddaughter Lilly. Mrs Hall said her husband was a keen sportsman and was 'devoted' to his family.
He represented England at fencing, played golf and was a keen rugby and hockey player.
She said: "He was much-loved by everybody who knew him because of his integrity and willingness to listen anyone who had a problem. He was such an open and genuine person and was a devoted family man.
"He was interested in people and wanted to help anyone he could.
"He loved his garden and did lots of DIY and loved to keep busy."
Mr Hall lived in Stowe-by-Chartley, near Stafford, having first moved to Staffordshire to take up the headship of Hagley in 1992. He was born in Putney and met his wife at teacher training college in Cheltenham. He worked in Northamptonshire before moving to Staffordshire.
Ex-chair of governors at Hagley Park, Martin Reed, also paid tribute to Mr Hall, saying he would be greatly missed.
He said:?"All those who knew him during his long spell at the school will readily acknowledge his professional skills as a leader and educational pioneer, but will especially recall his caring nature and genuine concern for, and interest in the students, parents, teachers and families with whom he came into contact." A celebration of Mr Hall's life will take place at Stafford Crematorium at 1pm on Monday.
