TRIBUTES are being paid to former Gravesham head teacher Simon Harrison, who has passed away.

Simon Harrison MBE, former head teacher of Ifield School, in Cedar Avenue, died peacefully at his home, on Sunday morning. He was 55.

Described by close friends and family as an “inspirational and charismatic man”, Mr Harrison was forced to retire five years ago after being diagnosed with multiple systems atrophy – a rare terminal neurological disorder.

Determined not to be defeated by illness, Mr Harrison, who did not take a day off sick in 30 years, continued to do great things for Ifield School and the community.

Influence

Son Luke, 26, said: “Even after he retired he stayed very involved in the school. One of the things he used to say was education is about confidence, and confidence is about self-esteem.

“We are very proud of him. He never put himself first in any situation. He helped to make a lot of people proud of themselves. He had no anger, regret or negative emotions despite everything. He inspired a lot of people.”

Mr Harrison’s influence has been so prominent, a building at Ifield School and another at Furness School in Rowhill Road, Hextable, have been named after him.

Ifield School chairman of governors Peter Read said: “There have been so many tears at Ifield. People just loved Simon and he loved and cared for the children. He was charismatic and inspirational. Education has lost an important and irreplaceable figure.”

And in a final message to family and friends, Mr Harrison wrote a few words to be read at his funeral, because in the head teacher’s own words he ‘could not resist having the last word’.

He wrote: “What remains for me to say is a big thank you to everyone who had put up with me for so long. Have good lives, be happy and do your best. You can’t do any more than that.”

Simon Harrison leaves behind his wife of 33 years Paula, 54, and his two children Luke, 26, and Anna, 23.