A 'hugely influential' teacher has died after a long battle with a neurological illness.

Tom Bowen, the former head teacher at Seal Primary School, and senior teacher at Sevenoaks Preparatory School, has died aged 74.

Mr Bowen, who lived for many years in Hartley, near Longfield, inspired generations of children, not only in the classroom but also by passing on his love of the outdoors and of sport.

Born in Zimbabwe, where his father was a Methodist missionary, he grew up at a mission station with a love of the warm weather and sunshine.

His earliest memories included collecting butterflies in the bush while avoiding wandering baboons.

He decided to settle in England after finding attitudes in Rhodesia were too restrictive for his liking and it was here he met fellow teacher Helen who soon became his wife of 48 years.

By the time he reached his early 30s, Mr Bowen had become a highly-respected head teacher at Seal CEP School in Zambra Way where his two children, William and Lizzie, also attended.

"An all round kind and generous man.”

He took a short break from teaching in the 90s but later returned to the classroom as a senior teacher at Sevenoaks Prep. His 13 years there were described as the happiest of his career.

Edward Oatley, former head teacher of Sevenoaks Prep, said: “Tom was a hugely influential leader in Seal and the surrounding area for more than 25 years.

“His down to earth and common sense approach to life inspired generations of children, parents and staff.

“He had time for everybody and took a personal interest in each child as an individual and this gave them self confidence.

"One never to be forgotten memory is Tom marching his form round the playground reciting their times tables. His memory is there for us for life.”

Many tributes to Mr Bowen include one from a former pupil who said: “I have such fond memories of Mr Bowen driving myself and my friends in the minibus to and from school every day.

"He was such a character, very funny and somehow managed to keep us all in line, what a task. An all round kind and generous man.”

Mr Bowen loved sport, particularly rugby, and after retirement regularly returned to Sevenoaks Prep in Godden Green to help with coaching.

He spent his last years in Northamptonshire, where sadly he was blighted by the neurological disease, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

He is survived by his wife Helen, children Will and Lizzie, and grandchildren Alice and Harriet.

His family plan to hold a memorial service in the Sevenoaks area when the Covid restrictions allow.

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