It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael Downward, just a month short of his 84th birthday.
Michael joined the School in 1964 from Clare College, Cambridge, to teach classics and also be assistant housemaster in Denton House. He left after more than fourteen years at LGS – the last six as Head of Classics – at Christmas 1978, to become Headmaster of West Buckland School in Devon.In his time at the School he combined a shrewd unflappability with kindliness, which made him an ideal schoolmaster. It showed in his long boarding period as Housemaster of Red House. It showed in his efficient Captaincy in the CCF, where his administrative skills were matched with an enthusiasm for the outdoors which could be seen, for example, in his running of the Adventurous Training and other strenuous pursuits. It showed on many individual occasions like the organisation of the mammoth “Roecliffe Ride” for the Cheshire Home fund, which he conceived and master-minded. He was in overall charge of the Third Year, with its new arrivals and option decisions; he looked after the two PA minibuses; he played in staff cricket matches, and was a rugby referee. His versatility was impressive, and the constructive, lucid good sense which he brought to anything with which he was involved made him a valued colleague in the Common Room.
It was no surprise that at West Buckland he made a significant impact:
‘Michael was a ground-breaking headmaster whose brilliant mind and forward-thinking leadership left an enduring legacy. Under his stewardship, the school grew in strength,character, and academic standing, and his influence has continued to be felt long after his retirement. Following his headship, Michael remained deeply committed to the school community, serving as a Trustee of West Buckland School Foundation for ten years until 2021 thus continuing to support the development of the school he loved so dearly.’
The funeral for Michael will be held at All Saints, Eggesford, Chumleigh, EX18 7QU at 12 noon on Saturday 31 May.
