Richard Whitham (Image: Ysgol John Bright)
Last Updated: 2 minutes ago
Ysgol John Bright has spoken of losing “a great teacher” and “a dear friend and colleague” following the death of Richard Whitham this week.
Mr Whitham, 47, a father of one, joined the Llandudno school in 2005 and spent his entire teaching career there – more than two decades in the same community.
Geography and the humanities
He could turn his hand to a range of subjects, but geography and the humanities were where his real passion lay. He led the entry level Humanities course for many years, work the school credits with helping generations of pupils leave with qualifications that matched their abilities and interests. Staff singled out in particular his commitment to young people who found school hard or struggled with learning.
Behind the scenes at YJB
Away from the classroom, Mr Whitham ran the backstage crew and props department for the school’s shows. The school said that role summed him up – a man who had no interest in being centre stage and who preferred to help wherever he could, away from the limelight.
The school’s statement in full
“As a school community we mourn the untimely death of Mr Richard Whitham earlier this week.
“Mr Whitham had worked at Ysgol John Bright since 2005, spending his whole teaching career serving the community of Llandudno. He was able to turn his hand to many subjects with Geography and the humanities as his passion.
“Mr Whitham was a champion of all students, especially those who find school difficult or struggle to learn. His leadership of the entry level Humanities course and similar throughout the years was exemplary, ensuing generations of young people left Ysgol John Bright with qualifications that reflected their abilities and interests.
“The school shows at YJB are legendary; none would be so without Mr Whitham leading the backstage crew and props department. It also served as a true reflection of Mr Whitham’s character – he never wanted to be centre stage, but wanted to serve and help as much as he could, out of the limelight.
“As a school we have lost a great teacher; as a staff we have lost a dear friend and colleague. We send our deepest condolences to Mrs Whitham, their daughter Sarah and Mr Whitham’s wider family at this time.”
“Incredibly sad news”
Senedd member Janet Finch-Saunders added: “Incredibly sad news. Thinking of his close family and friends during such a difficult time.”
