I think I first met Craig in the toilets in St Dunstans on our first day as newly qualified teachers. He was impressed with my Belstaff suit and the fact that I travelled 30 odd miles over the Mendips on an MZ 125 each day .  He spared my feelings and showed his extensive knowledge of classic bikes - inferring it would the MZ would be one in the future. We instantly hit it off and I had 4 great years teaching - in large part because of the friendship that developed between us and our wives  Mandy and Cath. 

Above all else Craig was a great teacher and was in it for the kids. His relationships were from the heart and he liked nothing else better than to share his pride in the progress of his students or the things they did, which enriched his sense of humanity. His  meticulous planning and humorous delivery resulted in lessons the pupils loved.  Sometimes backfired - as in the case of him picking his nose as part of a demonstration - HMI walked in. He got away with it and we laughed for years at this recollection.   

Possibly my most vivid recollection was watching him choreograph his first tutor assembly which he designed in the style of The Generation Game. I can still see the beautiful conveyor belt of prizes made of string and pegs travel across the stage and the sing and dance finale which involved him putting his fist through the cherished tambourine of a deputy head as a result of sheer exuberance.  it was one of the funniest moments of any career. 

Of course his love of a practical joke requires a mention of which there were many. Of note being the occasion he sent the Ag Science teacher into orbit by submitting a false order for Christmas pig and turkeys or when he phoned the staff room repeatedly asking for Hugh(e) Arse ( with an accent). Perhaps his biggest 'faux pas' was his call to the head of art from the HSE, querying the safety of  the "underwater" display she created out of coloured cellophane which lined the reception windows. The combination of that and her exhaustive efforts led to a strident response which he smoothed over with in a moderate panic.

Working alongside him was  fun in a way that I never experienced again and I am really thankful for that. I often wished in later jobs that I had colleagues like him - authentic, philosophical and funny. I miss him. My own career journey I saw alongside his and now still in the job miss the fact that he isn't.  In his absence he still has lessons for me in my memories  which give a steer to whats really important in life. Thank you Craig.