John (“Jim”) Duddell (1920-2010)
John was only on the staff of KEGS as Head of Maths from 1959 to 1964 but he was well respected by all his students. Bob Elliot, the Headmaster, described him as “the driving force of Lancastrian House and the administrative mainspring of all school functions” (how apt for he was a native of the NW).
He was an old County Grammar Schoolboy (his father had moved to Bury to work on the railway) and he joined KEGS having taught in Chelmsford and at Portsmouth Grammar School (to which he returned when he left Bury, staying there until his retirement). He was a housemaster, then Head of the Middle School, commander of the Signals Platoon in the CCF and an inspirational rugby and cricket coach. A talented but modest athlete, during a rugby match between the Staff and the School 1st XV, he out-paced the School’s wing ¾ (who was then the record holder for the 100 yards!). Later he became the School Archivist. As a teacher, he always made himself available to those who found maths difficult, explaining any concept with patience and understanding.
Referring to the text of his son Steve’s eulogy, he mentions his Dad’s keenness on bursts of speed, attributed to his desire to “catch up” on his twin sister, born twenty minutes before him! Thus he was a brilliant sprinter in his youth. He had a love of sailing (building a dinghy from a kit) and canoeing. Later in life he developed an interest in wood carving and turning. He is survived by his two sons Steve and Philip. He lost his first wife Jean in 1994 and his second wife Betty in 2009.