He brought with him a huge range of expertise from Plymouth University Business School where he had been lecturing since the mid-nineties.  His skill set was in itself invaluable but paled into insignificance with the gift of his unique personality and wonderfully warm character.

Gordon always provided an immense strength in challenge and had the ability to hold others to account, but you could not find a stronger and more dedicated supporter of Ivybridge Community College.  He applied the same approach to Ivybridge Academy Trust when he became a Trustee in 2011 until his retirement in 2016.

Gordon was never afraid to “say it as he saw it”, but he got to the core of the issue immediately.  He was a true advocate of caring about individuals and educational excellence.

Gordon stepped down as a Trustee in 2017, as he wished to spend his time with his family and beloved hobbies of sailing and fishing.

“We were all immensely sad and a special presentation was made to Gordon to reflect his commitment to the College and his hobbies; a wonderful painting by one of our students of a fisherman.  Gordon was deeply touched.  He was at his very best at the presentation, full of humour and exuberance”, said Mr Michael Saltern, Chair of Governors at Ivybridge Community College and Trustee of Westcountry Academy Trust.

“Many of the staff were privileged to have taught his wonderful children who all attended the College - Olivia, Donald and Gabrielle.  He was a relentlessly passionate advocate of comprehensive education and was extremely proud to have been a Governor and Trustee of the College”, said Gill Taylor, Deputy Principal.

“I will always remember Gordon with the greatest fondness and affection for everything that he brought to us, and I know that applies to my fellow governors, staff and students whose lives he enriched.  You will always sail on in the hearts of Ivybridge Community College - God Bless”, Michael Saltern.