The family of the man who oversaw the move of Seaton Primary School from its Fore Street site to its present location have paid tribute to him, following his death.

The family of the man who oversaw the move of Seaton Primary School from its Fore Street site to its present location have paid tribute to him, following his death.

John Morrish was the headteacher of Seaton Primary School from 1974 to 1982 and was instrumental in organising its move in 1981.

He was born in June, 1924, in Eastacombe, near Barnstaple.

He attended the parish church school and then Ashleigh Road junior school, followed by Barnstaple Grammar School.

He then started training to become a pharmacist until he was called up to the Royal Navy in 1942 and served on river class frigate, HMS Bann, in various parts of the world during World War Two.

On leaving the Royal Navy in 1946, he trained as a teacher at St. Luke’s College, Exeter.

During this period, he met his future wife, Joyce (Joy) Stranks.

They were married in April, 1949, and had two children, Paul and Lynn.

After training, he started teaching at Geneva School and then Westcroft Junior School in Bideford.

In 1959, he was appointed headmaster of Tedburn St Mary Community Primary School.

The family enjoyed 15 happy years living in the School House, until April,1974, when John was appointed headmaster of Seaton Community Primary School.

While in Seaton, he oversaw the move of the school from the old site in Fore Street, to the new building in Valley View.

He worked extensively with the architects and had a key influence on the final design.

During his time at the school, he was President of the East Devon National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).

He retired in December 1982. He was very active in St Michaels Church, Axmouth, becoming a Lay Reader.

He will be immensely missed by Paul, Lynn, Tim, James and Naomi and the rest of his family and many friends.