Bob was an inspiration to his pupils

AN inspiration to pupils . . . Robert Winterbottom

A FORMER head teacher who inspired hundreds of pupils has died aged 73.

Robert Winterbottom, who was known as Bob, initially worked in textiles and then trained as a teacher after completing his National Service.

His first job was at Yew Tree, Chadderton, before moving around two miles to take the deputy head post at Mills Hill.

A job in Ashton followed before he became head at Derker School and then Yew Tree, where he met his wife, Kath, who was a teacher.

They married in 1961 had two children, Richard (47) and Alison (45), and had six grandchildren.

Mr Winterbottom, who lived in Delph, was also involved with the National Association of Head Teachers, serving as president of the local branch.

He later worked on a training programme for potential head teachers and at the centre for educational leadership at Manchester University.

A keen classical music and jazz fan, he was a supporter of the Halle Orchestra and also enjoyed gardening on his allotment.

Mr Winterbottom was diagnosed with prostate cancer four years ago and his wife said: “He loved teaching and was a flipping good teacher as well, inspiring a lot of children.

“With all this, he was also a family man and he was proud of his children and grandchildren.”

The funeral will be held at Delph Methodist Church at noon tomorrow followed by committal at Oldham Crematorium at 1.30pm.