Former Great Yarmouth headteacher Gordon Mason dies, aged 88
Gordon Mason, who died on July 8 at the James Paget University Hospital. - Credit: Archant
The former headmaster of a Great Yarmouth school has died at the age of 88.
Gordon Frederick William Mason, a father-of-three, died on July 8 at the James Paget University Hospital after a long illness.
He was born in October 1929, the oldest of five.
Mr Mason grew up in the village of Barton Bendish, and it was from here that he won a scholarship to attend the local grammar school in Downham Market, the first child in the village to do so.
Mr Mason’s teacher training took place in London, where he specialised in science and mathematics.
His teaching career began in the capital but he soon returned to his Norfolk roots where he accepted posts in Cambridgeshire, Swaffham and Great Yarmouth. He joined Greenacre School and he became headmaster.
On reorganisation in 1981 he took up the post of deputy head at Great Yarmouth High School, where he remained until his early retirement in 1988.
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He was a keen footballer and then gradually took over as coach to various school football teams and attended Norwich City games.
He took up badminton and continued to play in the local league until well into his sixties.
Gardening gave him much pleasure and he tended an allotment in later years.
On retirement he became a full time father to son Andrew and kept links with teaching as a school governor at Homefield and then Woodlands schools.
A family statement said: “His main interests centred around the news. He regularly watched it twice a day and kept on top of local news through the EDP.
“He had a keen interest in current affairs and would always relish a good debate when the opportunity arose. He did crosswords and sudoku and played a variety of card games.
“Gordon was the beloved husband of Ann, devoted father to Paul, David and Andrew and grandad to Claire, Fiona, Adam, Scott, Michael, George and Daniella. He was well respected by those who knew him and will be sorely missed.”
The funeral service is at Gorleston Crematorium on Tuesday, July 31 at 10.45am. Family flowers only.
Donations to the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Memory Club c/o A. Jary and Sons Ltd, 137 Beccles Road. Bradwell.
