THE former principal of Sir John Deane's College Doug Lucas has died, aged 91.

The widower had enjoyed a very active life until recently.

His son Paul said: "My dad moved to the William Wilberforce Care Home in Pocklington in January. He was struggling to live independently and had had a number of falls. It made sense for him to move to a care home near my sister, Sarah, who visited him daily.

"He settled well but his health started to deteriorate. He had already developed vascular dementia but now other associated problems emerged.

"His last few days were extremely peaceful and he died in his sleep on March 25.

"We would like to send our enormous thanks to all the staff at the care home who looked after him, and us, with compassion and kindness."

Doug became headmaster when the college was still a boy's grammar school in 1973 and played a pivotal role overseeing its transition to a sixth form college, one of the first in the country.

The dad-of-three retired in 1990 and went on to serve as clerk to the foundation governors for a further 20 years.

He continued to work as a supply teacher in various secondary schools in Northwich and was formerly headmaster of Crewe Grammar School for Boys.

Paul added:"Thousands of people in Northwich will know him. He was at the college for 17 years and was involved in lots of things in the community and used to judge competitions."

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Doug, who lived in Nantwich, was an active member of Northwich Rotary Club until a couple of years ago and served as president.

He met his late wife Joan whilst they were both students at Hull University.

The couple were married for 55 years when Joan sadly died in 2012.

Doug taught French before he became a headteacher.

His funeral will take place next week at Octon Cematorium near Pocklington in Yorkshire. Only his immediate family will be able to attend due to the coronavirus restrictions.

A memorial service will be held later in the summer in Nantwich for all family and friends.

Doug leaves three children Paul, Sarah and John and eight grandchildren.