Tributes to ‘brilliant teacher’

Mike Malone

TRIBUTES has been paid to Oldham Sixth Form College’s “wonderful” head of science, who has died of an aggressive cancer.

Mike Malone (57), described as a “truly brilliant teacher”, was still taking classes weeks before he passed away on March 1. The father-of-three played a key role in opening the college’s £2.7 million regional science centre in 2011.

A former amateur rugby union player, Mr Malone taught biology at Park High School and Birkenhead Sixth Form College, both Merseyside, before joining Oldham Sixth Form College seven years ago.

His wife Louise said: “He was a born teacher. So many pupils have said he was an inspiration. He was one of those teachers who stick in your mind because he has made an impression on your life. The one thing he said before he died was he might have made a difference. He was lovely. He was the calm one, the peacemaker and a diplomat.”

Mr Malone was first treated two and a half years ago and found out that it had spread 10 days before he died. He leaves three children, Matthew (28), Gabriella (17) and Alexander (13).

His funeral is at Stockport Cemetery on Monday, with a memorial event at the college the same say.

Principal Jayne Clarke said: “We were all devastated to learn Mike had passed away. He was an amazing teacher, a wonderful head of science and a true gentleman, highly respected by everyone who knew him.

“Mike played a key role in the establishment of the regional science centre and his impact both there and throughout the college has been huge. He was incredibly proud of his students, colleagues and the college and will be enormously missed, but never forgotten.”