Tributes flood in for much-loved teacher

FORMER Saddleworth School teacher John Atack

TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved former teacher who taught generations of children at Saddleworth School.

Donations have flooded in for a memorial to John Atack who taught science at the Uppermill secondary for nearly 30 years until the mid-1990s. He was also head of Year 11 for many years, a deputy head who was renowned for his pastoral work with pupils.

An appeal by the Saddleworth School Friends group on Facebook raised £2,000 in just a few days to commission a bench in memory of Mr Atack at the school. Lots of tributes have also been posted online by former pupils describing him as an "inspiration" and a "legend"

The grandfather of five, who lived in Holmfirth, retired from Saddleworth school after suffering a heart attack. Married to Pamela, they had two daughters - Christine and Susan - and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year.

But Mr Atack, 85, had experienced heart problems in recent months and he died on March 11.

Daughter Christine Vucak said the family had been overwhelmed by the tributes paid to him, adding: "He really loved his job. He was proud to be a teacher and it dominated his life.

"He had a great sense of humour and at home and at school he was always very firm but very fair, but you never doubted that he loved you.

"All the tributes have taken us by surprise; it's 20 years since he retired and my mum was convinced no one would remember him. To know that other people appreciated him is absolutely fantastic and it has given us such comfort."

Affection

Former Saddleworth School headteacher John Hodgkinson, who retired in 2002, said: "John will be remembered with affection by many ex-pupils, their parents and staff.

"He touched the lives of a lot of pupils and he was one of those teachers who are genuinely concerned about pupil welfare."

Former colleague Richard Halstead said Mr Atack had been a mentor: "He was fantastic. He never gave up on any pupil and I think he was the best teacher ever."

The funeral is at 9am tomorrow at Huddersfield Crematorium.