FORMER headteacher of a Bournemouth school, Ralph Cooper, has passed away aged 86.

Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1931, Ralph was the fifth of six children.

He left India on his own in 1948, aged only 17, shortly after World War Two and Indian independence as his family felt that he would find more opportunities in England.

After making the difficult three-week boat journey he managed to secure an apprenticeship in engineering in Birmingham on arrival.

A skilled craftsman, he moved to Bournemouth in 1954 as an engineer with De Havilland's, Christchurch and spent most of the next decade working on the Sea Vixen and Comet planes until the closure of the plant in 1962.

Seeking engineering work and, at that point, married and supporting two small children, he worked in Holland for Fokker for a year. It was then that he decided to pursue a completely different career and train as a teacher. He was accepted for training at St Luke's in Exeter and achieved his Diploma of Education.

His first job was teaching at Corpus Christi RC Primary School (formerly Holy Cross) and then became head of department at Winton Boys' School.

He became Headmaster of Christ the King RC Junior School where he served for more than 20 years, before retiring in 1991.

His family said that throughout this time countless young people were inspired by his kindness and enthusiasm and for the rest of his life they said he would never be in Bournemouth without someone recognising and greeting him.

In retirement, he found more time for his love of sport. Having been an accomplished county hockey player, he developed an enormous love for golf, being a member of Wareham Golf Club.

He also devoted a great deal of his time to The Samaritans and Talking Newspapers for the Blind as well as becoming president for the National Association of Head Teachers.

In recognition of his tireless good work, he and his wife, Carole, were twice invited to Buckingham Palace garden parties. In 2001 he was awarded the honour of community champion by BBC South Today.

The first time Ralph was able to telephone his family in India was Christmas 1966, 18 years after coming to Britain. He was not able to return to his country of birth for nearly 30 years by which time both of his parents had died.

Ralph was a lover of music, dance, sport, poetry and literature as well as being a family man and a devout Catholic throughout his long and fulfilled life.

He died on Sunday, February 18 supported by his closest family.

Ralph leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Carole, daughter Karen and son Glenn, as well as Lynne and Andy and granddaughters, Emily Megan, Leah and Alice and great grandson James.

Family and friends gathered to say farewell at the funeral of Ralph Joseph Cooper at St Edmund Campion Church, Castle Point on Thursday, March 1.