A HEREFORD school has paid tribute to a much-loved former teacher after his death.

Alan Egerton Parker, known as Ege, a teacher and house master at Hereford Cathedral School from 1970 to 1997, died on November 24.

Mr Parker was fondly remembered by former headmaster, Dr Howard Tomlinson.

"Ege Parker was one of the most distinguished and dedicated schoolmasters I have known," Dr Tomlinson said.

"As a teacher, his enthusiasm for and knowledge of history shone through his lessons, whether he was teaching juniors or 19th-century British history - Disraeli being his political hero - to 'A'-level students.

"Outside the classroom, the pastoral care of his charges as the first house-master of No 1 and form-master of 1P, was legendary. He became a favourite 'uncle' figure to generations of HCS pupils, many of whom made considerable efforts to keep up with him after they had left the school.

"On a personal level, I have every reason to be grateful to my former colleague and close friend. He took over as Head of History at an anxious time; he introduced me to Gladstone's Library at Hawarden, and was a great help in my writing of the school's history. He generously and spontaneously endowed our son Edward's memorial in Hereford Cathedral, and was a steadfast chairman of Coningsby Hospital.

"In retirement he also raised well over £100,000 towards the No 1 Fund for former choristers, which was transferred to the Old Herefordian Trust during my term as president of the club. It was the greatest benefaction given to the fund since that of Zimmerman himself."

"Alan Egerton Parker, who found out in later life that he was a Yorkshireman, rather than a Lancastrian, by birth - another reason for endearment - will be mourned by many in the school, cathedral and local community. He influenced thousands of lives. This gifted, amiable, gregarious, generous and faithful man has left numerous legacies."

Current headmaster Dr Michael Gray also paid tribute to the long-serving former teacher.

"Ege represented all that is outstanding within education," he said.

"He was loyal, kind and servant-hearted. Ege was such a force for good in the lives of countless Old Herefordians and his passing has been felt throughout our community.

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"As a school, we remember Ege’s life and contribution to the school with great fondness. Former pupils from around the world have expressed their sorrow at Ege’s passing and how transformative a role he played in their lives. We can say with tremendous confidence that his legacy will live on in the lives of future generations."

Mr Parker’s funeral will take place on at 1pm on December 19, 2022, in Hereford Cathedral.

All are welcome. The wake will be from 3.30pm at the Masonic Hall, 3 Kyrle St, Hereford, HR1 2UE.

No flowers please, but donations are welcome to St Michael’s Hospice, Bartestree. Visit www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/donate/#inmemory for more information.

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