ROBERT ROCHEA Derby head teacher died suddenly just days after saying farewell to staff and pupils and leaving for a new job.
Robert Roche had been head at Ashgate Primary School for 10 years; before that he led Ashgate Junior for nine.
He had been in "high spirits" and looking forward to a new job with Nottinghamshire County Council from September.
Governor Keith Walkerdine said: "He was a trusted and valued friend of mine, very open, and a head that demanded high standards of behaviour from his pupils.
"He was ambitious for his school and very popular with staff and pupils."
Ashgate Primary School is due to be rebuilt and Mr Roche, who had planned to retire in a few years, had decided to step aside to allow another head help design the new building.
Lisa Higginbottom, chairman of the Ashbourne Road school's governing body, said: "Robert spread an air of calmness around the school. This is a terrible shock and our thoughts are with his family."
As word spread around the community, parents and children started to leave floral tributes at the school gate.
Rita Burt took her six-year-old daughter, Geri, along to leave flowers.
Mrs Burt said: "There have been tears today – but no-one can really believe that Mr Roche has died."
Councillor Les Allen, city council cabinet member for children, also paid tribute to him.
He said: "Robert Roche was a good man, very committed to his school and to achieving the best for his pupils.
"He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by the many people who knew him."
Mrs Roche leaves a widow, Ann, and three sons.
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