Tributes have been paid to a passionate former headteacher who “inspired everyone around him”.
John Hedge, who worked at Osidge Primary School, Southgate, from 1966 to 1988 died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease this week.
Before joining Osidge, the 86-year-old also spent seven years as the headteacher at the Hyde School, in Colindale.
Determined to ensure there were enough sports facilities for children in the borough, he played a major role in building the Copthall Stadium and its first athletics track.
His daughter Penny Wallington said: “He felt very strongly about giving children opportunities to take part in sport. He believed in children and had a dream to turn Copthall into a sports complex.
“My dad was a very gentle giant, very quiet and unassuming and would never make a big drama about anything. He just got on with it and he had endless patience.
“He was interested in history and as a child, always made learning so much fun. I’ve got big shoes to fill, he inspired everyone he met.”
Mr Hedge and his wife, Peggy, lived in Great North Way, Hendon, and after retirement he became a Golders Green councillor and in 1991 was elected as the deputy mayor of Barnet.
He was also a keen member of the London Zoological Society and Mrs Wallington has fond memories of spending afternoons at Whipsnade Zoo with her father and children.
Mr Hedge also served as a magistrate on the Hendon and Harrow benches.
Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease seven years before his death, his daughter said he never complained.
She added: “He always showed so much dignity, even though he was suffering tremendously. I’m enormously proud of my father and he will be missed by everyone around him.”
His friend, Councillor John Marshall, said: “I know that John made a tremendous contribution to the life of the borough.
“He was highly regarded on all sides and was regarded as one of the best head teachers.”
The funeral will be held on Monday, November 18 at 1pm at Hendon St Mary’s, followed by a private cremation.
Donations to Parkinson’s UK can be made in his memory at www.justgiving.com/john-hedge
All four of our children went to Osidge School from 1968 to 1979 when we left to live in Israel. We have very fond memories of Mr Hedge and the school. He was always, understanding, kind and helpful in all sorts of situations and our children were all happy at Osidge. Goodbye Mr Hedge, rest in peace.
I was at Osidge from 1975 to 1979.
I always Mr Hedge a lot, he was very good with children and had interesting things to say.
He was a gentle giant, never intimidating but with an impressive personality that demanded respect.
I was glad to hear that he was a magistrate, I know he was level headed and sensible.
I remember him fondly, I was sorry to hear that he passed away.
My condolences.
Shlomo Sackstein