WOODBRIDGE: Warm tributes were last night paid to a former history teacher who passed away while visiting The Gambia.

Gordon Parr was also a regular face at Woodbridge Rugby Club, where he was heavily involved for more than 30 years.

It is believed the 64-year-old died of a heart attack on September 14 just days after suffering a stroke while in The Gambia, in western Africa.

Mr Parr was born in Wigan and spent the early part of his life in the north before moving to Woodbridge around 30 years ago.

He was head of the history department at Deben High School in Felixstowe for several years during the 1980s and also ran the sixth form until he left in the early 1990s. He continued to teach and for a time was on a short term contract at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge.

Last night Ivan How, who was appointed by Mr Parr and is the current head of the history department at Deben High School, said: “He was one of those teachers that pupils never forget.

“He was just fantastic. Totally and utterly eccentric but the kids loved him. They will remember him for the rest of their lives.”

In 1997 he was featured in the Star when he had to escape from Sierra Leone following an uprising.

A memorial service will be held at Woodbridge Rugby Club at 11am on October 9 and everyone is invited to attend.