Alan Gregg (OS 1977-2003)
The School is sad to report that Mr Alan Gregg, former Head of Biology and Middle School at Stockport Grammar School, has passed away.
The School received the following notice from Mr Gregg’s sons, Andy and Gareth Gregg:
‘Alan died on Tuesday 20th June. He has enjoyed a fantastic retirement in New Zealand. He loved the house building projects, the lovely warm climate on the North East coast of NZ, and the secluded rural location. He had a lot of fun as secretary of the local vets golf society, and playing his golf. It has been great for him seeing his grandchildren growing up in NZ. He died peacefully in his sleep.
His funeral was held on Monday 26th June, in NZ. He had previously requested not to have flowers sent to the funeral, but instead if anybody wants, send donations to Waipuna hospice where he worked as a volunteer until recently. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alan-gregg.’
Andy & Gareth Gregg (Alan’s sons – Old Stops 1977-1988 & 1977-1990)
An Obituary by Peter Grant, Head of Biology, Stockport Grammar School
Alan Gregg was one of the School’s longest serving and best loved teachers having worked at the school for 26 years. In 1976 Alan was working at the Didsbury College of Education as a Senior Lecturer in Science Education. His first contact with SGS was when he entered his sons Andy, 6 and Gareth, 4 for the entrance exam. Part of the entrance process at that time required him to be interviewed by the Headmaster. From that interview came Alan’s post as Head of Biology and a new chapter in his life.
For most of his time at SGS Alan’s primary role was as Head of Biology. He was an excellent biologist and a highly successful Head of Biology. As a schoolmaster in the widest sense of the word he also contributed hugely to the wider life of the school. He took over the organisation of the Wasdale summer camps in the Lake District soon after his arrival, helped to organise the school’s ski trips and the sailing trip to Salcombe in Devon. He was also House Master of Arden House from 1979-90. For most of his years at school he was also involved in the coaching of both Rugby and Athletics. He and his wife Kathy, a former teacher in the Junior School, also put great efforts into the running of the Biology Field Trips in Anglesey, including the provision of the food for all the pupils on the trip. On one trip, close to retirement, Alan worked out that he had spent just over one year on the shores of Trearrdur Bay teaching our successive Sixth Form pupils about Marine Rocky Shore Ecology!
During Alan’s time at SGS he supported both staff and pupils with great care and attention. As Head of Middle School, a post full of satisfaction and challenges, he was extremely sensitive to the needs of the pupils in his charge. He supported pupils with a great patience and insight into young people. I know too of many staff who have benefitted from his help and support through their careers whether personally or professionally.
If there is one characteristic, aside from his willingness to help others, that Alan possessed, it would be his lust for life and boundless energy. He made the most of his life and lived it to the full. Even in retirement he never stood still. He and Kathy retired to New Zealand and built a house on the North East coast, close to their son Gareth and his family, where they were able to enjoy watching their grandchildren grow up. They greatly enjoyed the warm climate, rural location and getting involved in many local activities.
When Alan retired from SGS in 2003 we missed him enormously. Following the sad news of his death we will miss him even more but will always cherish the very many happy memories that we will all have of him. I am proud to have called him my friend and feel blessed to have known him.
Mr Peter J Grant
Head of Biology
28-6-17
