TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'universally adored' former primary school head teacher known for his warmth, kindness, and the care he showed for his pupils.
David Coulbeck, who served as headmaster at Moulton Primary School for 28 years, sadly died at Warrington Hospital on December 4, aged 76.
The grandfather-of-four started at Moulton in 1981 before retiring in 2009, shortly after securing the school an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating.
Tom Coulbeck, one of David's two sons, led the tributes to his dad, who has left an 'amazing legacy' as a passionate educator and rugby coach.
He said: "He truly was a gift; a lovely, kind man who had an immeasurable impact on our local community and society in general. He will be so missed by many.
"Being a teacher through the 80s and 90s was a particularly hard, stressful and pressurised task, not only enduring significant reform in the education sector, but doing so while being woefully underpaid in comparison to today’s improved standards.
"Yet, he was universally adored and respected for his warmth and kindness in service to others.
"He remembered every single pupil by name and cared deeply about their wellbeing and their potential.
"He cared about their families too. We have been absolutely inundated with messages from former pupils, colleagues and parents, all sharing their own personal stories about the ways Dad helped them.
"It is remarkable that a man in such a stressful job, could be so consistent for so many people over such a long period of time."
David his survived by wife Joy, whom he met through their mutual love of guitars and art, which they embraced in their retirement running an art club in Cuddington and attending folk clubs.
The couple had two sons, Tom and Ben, to whom David passed his love of rugby.
Tom, who this year completed all 214 of Wainwrights fells - something David had wished to do himself, added: "I will dearly miss calling him on my return from every walk to share in the tales, the views and the moments.
"Dad was an all rounder, with a passion for music, art, English, history, and nature - there was barely a subject he was not interested in and knew about.
"Sport however was a main focus for much of his life. He excelled at finding sporting opportunities for his pupils.
"His greatest passion though was rugby, and his was one of the first primary schools in the country to start playing rugby.
"He saw it as a sport that best reflected his own values of respect and sportsmanship, of facing adversity with humility and humour.
"Consequently many players progressed to Winnington Park RFC and enjoyed stellar onward careers which he would track.
"Before the internet, this was done using the Courage and Rothmans books, and he would always try and attend club and county games where his former pupils were in the team.
"Myself and my brother Ben, followed suit. Ben in particular representing and twice winning the County Championship with Cheshire at Twickenham, playing Championship rugby for Manchester and Rotherham; and going on to represent England Counties in the 2008 tour of USA and Canada.
"In retirement Dad was team manager of Cheshire U16s and can count current internationals Tom and Ben Curry, Alex Mitchell, Cameron Redpath, Gus Warr, and many others who passed through that team during his tenure."
The latest generation of David's family also now play for Winnington Park, where grandsons William and Jim are coached by dad Tom.
David coached Ben’s junior team with current club president, Brian Concannon.
The grandsons also play cricket for Winnington Park CC, where David is held in high regards.
His other two grandsons, George and James, will follow suit at Lindow CC.
David will be greatly missed by his family - wife Joy; sons Ben and Tom; grandsons William, Jim, George, and James; and daughters-in-law Kym and Sophie - and many others.
The funeral will take place from 11.30am at St John's Church, Sandiway, on Monday, December 22, with a wake to follow in the church hall.
Any donations are requested for the British Heart Foundation.
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