TRIBUTES have been paid to a man that dedicated his life to education and the community.

John Glazier OBE sadly passed away at the age of 92, on Saturday in Hadleigh.

Mr Glazier was the founding principal of Seevic College in Benfleet which he opened in September 1972 having previously been the headteacher of the Gilberd school in Colchester.

He retired in 1989 and was awarded the OBE for services to Sixth Form colleges by the then Secretary of State for Education, John MacGregor.

Mr Glazier’s eldest son Jerry said “Throughout his long retirement dad maintained a sharp interest in education, sport and politics.

“He was particularly keen to keep up to date on what was happening in education.

“He had a big family, including ten grandchildren who were always very important to him. He was always concerned about his children and grandchildren and showed a deep interest in all of our lives, including our life and career choices.

“He always kept in contact with us all, even though we are spread across the world.”

Mr Glazier was also a magistrate until 1994 and chairman of the Southend bench. In retirement Mr Glazier took a pivotal interest in revitalising the local charity Crossroads - dedicated to the support of increasing numbers of young careers.

He also enjoyed watching his lifelong sporting interests of cricket and rugby.

Jerry added: “I was brought up in a house with two academics, we used to talk about the issues of the day – it was always a good challenge.

"My dad was an English teacher and passionate about language and I am eternally grateful because he gave me an intuitive understanding of the English language.

"He used to challenge me with words and what they meant and teach me new ones.

Following the death of his first wife June in 2004 he married Jean, who was instrumental in ensuring his later years were happy and comfortable.

Mr Glazier is survived by two other sons, Jeffery and Jonathan and ten grandchildren living in the UK, Canada and South Africa.

A memorial service will be held next month for everyone who knew him to remember him, but no date has been set yet.