George Baker obituary

My father, George Baker, who has died aged 75, was a teacher of French and German, who spent most of his career at Walton high school, in Stafford. He served there as head of modern foreign languages and facilitated exchanges with schools in France and Germany, promoting his strong desire for cultural connection and understanding.

George was born in Epping, in Essex, to Norman, a civil servant, and Jessie (nee Wood), a local Labour party activist. He was brought up in Dulwich, south London, with his sister, Anna. He won a scholarship to the nearby Alleyn’s school, where his linguistic skills and intellectual sensibility earned him entry to Pembroke College, Cambridge, to read French and German. His sporting prowess culminated in a half blue in rugby fives, and on graduation he trained as a teacher at Sussex University.

George’s first teaching jobs were in London: Crown Woods school in Eltham (1970-71) and St Paul’s boys school in Hammersmith (1971-77). While at St Paul’s, he met and married Caroline (nee Groves) in 1976. They ventured northwards, and Dad taught at Winsford school in Cheshire (1977-79), before taking up his post at Walton high school in 1979. Alongside his day job at Walton, he helped to coordinate the school’s successful orienteering team and was a committed trade union member and governor.

From 1979, George and Caroline settled in Stafford to bring up my sister Esther and me. Their commitment to respect and adventure played out in encouraging our museum visits and countryside walks, with Dad also performing his fair share of parental duties as cook and taxi-driver. His marriage to Caroline ended in divorce in 2002.

After retirement in 2004, and marrying Paula (nee Adkins) in 2005, George lived in rural settings in English shires along the Welsh border, latterly reaching Bishop’s Castle, in Shropshire. He and Paula devoted their energies to making comfortable homes and picturesque gardens, while continuing with continental trips and prioritising well-earned rest.

A voracious reader, George was dedicated to exploring history, particularly through art and music. He remained a steadfast supporter of Chelsea football club, Gloucestershire county cricket club and Jeremy Corbyn. A proud socialist, he was keen to debate the issues of the day with close friends and family, while remaining modest and unassuming in wider company.

He is survived by Paula, Esther and me, two grandsons, Sebastian and Alexander, and Anna.