Head teacher Ernie had ‘love of learning’

FAMILY ties . . . Andrew when he became head teacher in 1998 with his father, Ernie, and daughter’s Emily, Katherine and Rachael

A FORMER head teacher whose son followed in his footsteps at the same school has died aged 81.

Well-known Ernest Dickinson led St Joseph’s Primary School, Shaw, from 1982 to 1988.

His son Andy (46) has been head there since 1998 — taking up the post 10 years to the day after his father retired.

And the successful school has proved a family affair for three generations of the Dickinson family.

Andy and his two brothers were taught by their father there while Andy’s three daughters, Emily, Katherine and Rachael, were also pupils.

Ernest, who was known as Ernie, even returned as a supply teacher after his retirement when his grand-daughters were at the school.

Father and son both started their teaching careers at St Anne’s School, Greenacres.

Ernie, of Duchess Park Close, Shaw, was then deputy head at St Joseph’s for 13 years before becoming head teacher at Corpus Christi, Chadderton, and returning to St Joseph’s.

A former president of Oldham Catenian Association, his extensive charitable work also included helping at the Cornerstone homeless project in Manchester.

He was diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer four weeks ago and died in Springhill Hospice, Rochdale, on Thursday.

He leaves his wife Joan, children Ann, Eric, Philip and Andy, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Andy said pupils always wanted to be taught by his father and explained: “He had a love of learning and a knack of making children feel special about themselves. He also had a fantastic sense of humour.

“People have described him as a true gentleman and a very humble man. Very full of compassion, he was the sort of person who did things for others without bragging.”

Following in his father’s footsteps was a coincidence for Andy who did not plan to become a teacher.

But he added: “He was extremely proud, especially when I got the headship. He described me as poacher tuned game keeper.

“He still popped into the school. It used to make him feel so proud and I loved having him in.”

The funeral will be held at St Joseph’s Church, Shaw, at 10.30am on Thursday. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Springhill Hospice.