As Tricia's 'latest' boyfriend, but not quite 'future husband' I was a little anxious when I first met Geoff. Having barely a foothold in my chosen career, my Comprehensive School education, or at least my own perception of it, was holding me back. Surely the Headmaster of Bedstone School no less with his wisdom and acquired acumen would see right through this 27 year-old 'Johnny-come-lately'?
 
Not a bit of it. 
 
Right from the very start, my father and mother-in-law made me feel completely welcome and at ease, something I soon realised was just one of their many attributes. In the 34 years I was lucky enough to know Geoff, we shared a lot of interests and not surprisingly, as a teacher, I learnt a lot from him. Regardless of where we were as a family, whether in France, Spain or the wilds of Scotland, Geoff would always have a historical fact or fresh perspective related to that location. Happily, we also enjoyed attending many a rugby match, sinking the odd pint and generally putting the world to rights - such was our connection. But what impressed me about Geoff was his ability in providing the glue that got people talking and simply 'getting on'. 
 
One such example came after the inaugural nationwide Comic Relief TV fund raiser in 1988. Tricia and I had spent another wonderful weekend at Bedstone and the whole family had followed the various Comic Relief events with Geoff and Margaret. Before leaving for London on that Sunday afternoon, our relationship had developed to an extent where I felt confident enough to make him a wager. Outrageously I suggested that if he as headmaster were brave enough to wear a red nose into morning assembly on the following Monday morning, I would donate a further £20 to the Comic Relief cause. Of course the following evening I inevitably found myself £20 lighter. But apart from wishing to support such charitable causes, Geoff’s genius was always realising opportunities where he could make people feel relaxed and at ease – even if it meant involving his own self-deprecation in front of his own pupils. And they certainly weren’t the only ones who respected him for it. 
 
Geoff will be sorely missed but will be remembered, amongst many things, for his enabling charm.