POPULAR Arnewood School teacher David Jones died peacefully after a long illness on March 4, aged 70.
A former history teacher, head of humanities and assistant head teacher, Mr Jones worked at the New Milton school for more than 40 years.
He joined Arnewood back in 1972 as a history teacher before finally becoming assistant head teacher at the school he never left.
When he retired from teaching in 2007 he stayed on at the school he loved as an exams officer.
Working at Arnewood was very much a family affair for Mr Jones, who was joined at the school by his wife and fellow teacher Claire. Their son Richard was also a student there in the 1980s.
Executive head teacher Chris Hummerstone said: “David had been a very loyal and dedicated colleague at Arnewood for over 40 years. He was hugely admired and respected by generations of students, staff and parents as well as many other people who have been associated with the school over the years. “David was that rare combination: a gentle man and a gentleman and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and condolences are with David’s family.”
The school, whose flag is at half-mast in tribute to David, has been inundated with messages from staff and students, both past and present.
He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and colleagues at The Arnewood School.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 18, at 10.30am, at Bournemouth Crematorium.
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