John Davey (10 Sep 1936 - 25 Mar 2022)

John was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire in September 1936, the first of five children of Fred and Connie Davey. His early years were spent growing up in Wild Hill, Tibshelf, in Nottinghamshire before he went, at the age of 11, to the Duke of York’s Royal Military School in Dover in 1947. After a short interlude for national service, he went on to Manchester University, gaining a degree in Chemistry, a PGCE and a Diploma in Education, and also met his future wife Ann while studying there, and they married in 1961. He began his teaching career at Sale Boys Grammar School, Manchester, but he soon found his way back to the Duke of York’s in 1963 as a Chemistry Teacher. Two sons arrived, Richard in 1965 and Michael in 1967. He subsequently became Head of Chemistry, House Master of Wolseley House, and then Deputy Head for 22 years until his retirement from the Duke of York’s in 1997, having spent the best part of 50 years there as a pupil and teacher.
He spent many years helping Dover Lifeguard Swimming Club as a father of two swimmers, a coach, an official, committee member, and president as well as being a significant organiser for East Invicta swimming events and an official for Kent County swimming events.
After retirement he continued his enthusiasm for teaching by first working at Dover College, then Ashford College, and latterly his own private tutoring, continuing this well into his late 70s with both paying students and grandchildren. His final few years at the retirement home were spent “tutoring” the staff and residents.

John passed away peacefully on Friday 25 March 2022 following a long illness, and is survived by Ann, Richard and Michael.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday 13 April 2022, Barham Crematorium at 4:00 pm. No flowers please but donations, if desired, to the Alzheimer’s Society c/o WJ Farrier & Sons, Folkestone.
Anyone wishing to attend is very welcome.