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Death Notice

John Gibbons

Published on 10/02/2016

John Gibbons

JOHN GIBBONS 20 July 1922 – 13 September 2015 The death has occurred at the age of 93, in Leicestershire of John Gibbons who will be known to many who attended St Hugh’s Secondary School during the years 1949 to 1966. Before moving to Germany in 1966, he was a member of the English Department and he will be remembered for establishing the tradition of annual Shakespeare productions that enhanced the school’s reputation over a wide area. He also took a keen interest in soccer, coaching various teams at St Hugh’s and from 1960 he managed the Birkenhead Schoolboys’ XI. He also managed the Cheshire Boys’ XI on their tour to Germany in 1964. His interest in drama extended to producing and acting with the Liverpool Shakespeare Society and Liverpool Little Theatre between 1950 and 1965. After seven years as a Housemaster at Cornwall School in Dortmund, W Germany, he was appointed Head of English at St. Thomas More School, Nuneaton from where he retired in 1987. He is survived by his wife, daughter and his three grandchildren. The prayers of the many pupils who will remember him would be greatly appreciated.


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Phil Jones March 22nd, 2016
Very sorry to hear of John's passing, I remember him fondly as a strict but passionate teacher. I often speak to others about what wonderful English lessons we had, and the literature and plays were extra special.

I was lucky enough to be in the last couple of plays that he produced, and I believe Macbeth was the last at St Hughs.

I know that the final Macbeth production was filmed - and I've asked around a lot to know if anyone had that film - would love to see again if any of his family have it. Please let me know.

Phil
philjandkimj@btinter
net.com
Christopher Lodwig March 19th, 2016
I was truly saddened to hear of John's passing he was my housemaster and English teacher , while at boarding school in Germany,he was a truly very good and kind man to whom I will be forever greatful, thank you. My sincere condolences to your family.
pbreen1947 February 12th, 2016
I remember Mr Gibbons as my English teacher with great affection. He was a very firm man, but always got good results from his pupils. i had the good fortune to be in some of his school productions at St.Hugh's in Birkenhead albeit not very big parts as I was hard of hearing. But he introduced me to smell of theatre make-up, which I later introduced in to the group I was in at that time called The Klubs. It created such a stir at that time, it was well before glam rock etc. A great guy, sadly missed.
As a small note to the family, I don't suppose there any of his many photographs of his productions still around, if so, would dearly love to reflect on them as they were exciting times for us boys.
Paddy.

again, sorry your sad loss.
Billmcdonnell65 February 11th, 2016
By a strange coincidence tuoday I was telling my theatre srudents at Sheffield University about my first Shakespeare role as a cup bearer in Hamlet at St Hugh's under John Gibbon's direction. I remember him with gratitude and profound respect. An inspirational teacher in every way.
billiveson February 11th, 2016
I remember John Gibbons with great affection. For a short period in 1948-9 he taught at Holy Cross Primary School, Birkenhead. Along with five other pupils, Sheila Evans, Pat Aston, Rhona McGlory John Little and Vincent Noonan ,I was treated to a day out in Chester. I still have two photos that Mr Gibbons took that day.
Yes, fond memories of an inspirational teacher. RIP