Tributes pour in for "outstanding" Gloucester teacher Tony Chesson
TRIBUTES are pouring in for a teacher whose hard work, talent and commitment shaped thousands of young lives.
Tony Chesson gave his whole career to St Peter's RC High School, Tuffley, where he got science students off to a flying start for university.
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Tony Chesson, a teacher from Cheltenham died
And he will be deeply missed at Old Cryptians RFC, where he made a record 688 appearances and scored 4,160 points until he hung up his boots at the age of 50.
He was 61-years-old when he collapsed outside his Cheltenham home on Monday morning, said St Peter's headteacher Larry Montagu.
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"He was an absolutely outstanding teacher and a close friend," said Mr Montagu. "So many former pupils who were taught biology and went on to study medicine or sciences at university told us how easy they found their work because of his teaching.
"He was a total professional with immense ability. He was third in charge of the school for many years and last year he wanted to finish off by stepping down to part-time teaching his beloved year 12s and 13s. We were delighted he was staying and so were the kids."
After attending The Crypt School, he trained as a teacher then worked at St Peter's. He vied for school team kicking duties with Gloucester legend Peter Butler and represented Old Cryptians for 34 years, mostly in the first XV.
"He was a great guy and really committed to Old Cryptians," said Mr Butler. "He steered many talented St Peter's boys to the club."
Old Cryptians chairman Alan Roberts said: "He was very committed to the rugby club and to the old boys club. He was never negative and always had a smile."
ASTAM architects managing director Roger Boucher watched Gloucester beat Mont de Marsan with Mr Chesson on Saturday.
"We watched Gloucester together for many years, but he would only come on an away trip if it didn't interfere with his school work," he said. "He was a very good friend."
Mr Chesson leaves his wife Pam, two daughters, step children and grandchildren.
Mr Montagu broke the news to pupils on Monday.
Sixth former Isobella Price, 17 said: "He saw potential in every student and highlighted everyone's strengths. He made time for anyone who needed help, and always encouraged everyone to fulfil their potential. He wasn't just seen as a teacher, more as an inspiration to everyone."
Georgia Councell, 17, said: "He was so lovely, he had his own little sense of humour. My thoughts are with the family."
4 Comments
by missphyzics
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 1:03PM
“ive just heard!! so sad, he was my teacher and later a work colleague in the science dept at st.peters high, RIP Tony...helen radford (kolo) somerset.”
by BexMO
Saturday, January 26 2013, 4:59AM
“It is with great sadness that I hear this news in Qatar. Toni was my mentor during my teacher training and he taught me all about what it meant to be a catholic teacher and to see this as my vocation. He was an inspiration and we shared many a giggle about the profession, starting a family and he always knew how to set me upon the right path.
I will miss him so much and my prayers go with his family and the St. Peter's community.
All my love,
Madam Olewicz - Grubb xxxxxxxxxx”
by UrsulaA
Thursday, January 24 2013, 1:01AM
“Mr Chesson was not only a fabulous teacher who everybody listened to intently and respected, but a very well thought of and dedicated senior staff member at St. Peter's, a very funny gentle-man who enjoyed the finer things in life, his golfing, rugby (playing & watching) a glass of red and most of all his gorgeous family.
....Your pupils, and former pupils, are devastated and will remember you as a hugely influential part of the reason why we loved being at St. Peter's so much. Our time in 7J to year 13 couldn't have been more enjoyable ..... and you were a huge part of that.
Your class is the only class where i can remember long & detailed discussions; about various topics...... you made our learning about the loop of henle, photosynthesis, kidney functions & dissections so much more interesting :-)
You will be so so sorely missed.
Many of your ex pupils thought that you were a true legend..... & you really are.
Lots of love Ursula
(aged 33 & 3/4 !)
x”
by pdl383glos
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 4:28PM
“RIP Tony. You were an outstanding teacher who will be sorely missed.”