A FAMILY has paid tribute to a former headteacher who spent 37 years of his life educating children.

The Comet: The family of Trevor Speight has paid tribute to the former Stevenage headteacherThe family of Trevor Speight has paid tribute to the former Stevenage headteacher (Image: Archant)

The funeral of Trevor Speight was due to be held this afternoon (Wednesday), following his death on July 31 at the age of 83.

Mr Speight moved to Stevenage in 1955 to take a job at the newly opened Peartree Spring Infant and Junior School in Hydean Way.

After becoming deputy headteacher at Peartree, he moved to another new school – Ashtree Primary School and Nursery in Chertsey Rise – in 1961 to become the school’s first head.

Mr Speight remained in the post until his retirement at the age of 62 in 1992.

He was an active member of Stevenage Probus Club and regularly attended The Granby pub in North Road for quiz nights.

Mr Speight lived in Stevenage throughout his teaching career and into retirement, spending the last nine years of his life in Herne Road.

Although he had not been in the best of health, his family said his death was unexpected.

Speaking on behalf his two sisters Caroline and Annabel, Mr Speight’s son Matt said: “We’ve been incredibly touched by the wishes, thoughts and comments that we’ve had. When anybody talks to us about dad they always say he was a gentleman.

“He was a wonderful man. He always wanted us to grow up with open minds, to be independent and to understand the value of family and friendship. That is what dad wanted for us and what he gave us.

“He was many things to many different people – whether that’s a friend, a teacher, or a companion. But for us what he was best at was just being our dad and he was a wonderful, wonderful father.”

Mr Speight’s funeral was expected to take place at Harwood Park Crematorium in Stevenage with a collection for Herts Air Ambulance, a charity he regularly supported.

He is survived by daughters Caroline and Annabel, son Matt and four grandchildren.