Roy Patient, the dedicated and well-liked Chair of Governors at Eastbury Community School, has sadly passed away at the age of 90.
Known as ‘Mr Eastbury’, Roy Patient had worked with the school since 1969 and first joined the school’s Board of Governors over 40 years ago. His commitment to good education and support for the school’s students never wavered.
Working alongside six headteachers, hundreds of staff and tens of thousands of children, Mr Patient oversaw a period of growth, expansion and improvement at the school.
Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “Roy was a passionate and hardworking school governor whose belief in the value of a good education shone through his many years of service to Eastbury Community School.
“His passing will be a huge loss and I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to all at the school and to his family and friends.”
Sharon Gladman, Executive Headteacher, said: “Roy was a force of nature – a hard taskmaster driven by an unwavering passion for the education of our children. Yet, beneath his firm exterior lay a heart of gold, always generous with his kindness and support.
“Roy was very proud of Eastbury Community School, and he loved going into our Primary phase and speaking to some of the youngest members of our school community. May his memory continue to inspire us to uphold the values and principles he held dear.”