Tributes are paid to ‘absolutely amazing’ Wigan teacher after his death

Robert Ferguson, from Wrightington, spent 12 years in the Royal Air Force before training to become a teacher.

He taught history at Hindley Park High School and then spent 17 years at Bedford High in Leigh.

He died six months after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, leaving his wife Maria, daughters Lara and Lisa and four grandchildren.

Mr Ferguson was born in Liverpool in 1941, but when his father died during the Second World War and their neighbour’s house was bombed, his mother decided they would move to Appley Bridge.

He had two half-brothers, Richard and Jimmy Platt, and did an apprenticeship in engineering in the village.

Mr Ferguson was a keen runner and a member of Leigh Harriers from an early age, enjoying success in steeplechase, 5,000m and 10,000m races.

He joined the Royal Air Force, initially as an aerial erector before taking up a different role and running for the armed forces.

After leaving the RAF, he married Maria, who was from Cyprus, and they lived in Gloucester, before moving to Wrightington in a house across the road from his mother.

Mr Ferguson did a degree and a master’s in international relations at Lancaster University, before undergoing teacher training.

He taught at Hindley Park High School and spent 17 years as a history teacher at Bedford High School until his retirement in 2003.

His daughter Lara said: “Teaching was his life. He loved the kids. He still used to reminisce about the things he did. He said he put the fear of God in them from day one, when they were in year seven, and they didn’t step out of line for the rest of the time they were in school.

“I got in touch with one of his old students, because he is a teacher at Bedford now, and he said that was right. He never had to put them into detention. They came into line.

“Every single lunchtime he used to go running and it must have been a 10-mile circuit.”

She said her father was “passionate” about history, liked talking about politics, and loved opera music and going to different music societies.

Lara said: “He was fantastically fit and always promoted a healthy body, healthy mind attitude, which is why it was such a shock when he was diagnosed with cancer.

“He was a passionate music lover and as a father, if you were interested in something, he would encourage that interest.”

His wife Maria said: “He was a wonderful husband and father and grandfather. He was always trying to make people ask questions. He would never settle for second best.

“He was wonderful. He tried to make people learn and understand things.”

Mr Ferguson’s death was announced on Facebook by Bedford High School, with scores of former pupils paying their respects.

The school’s statement said: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of former Bedford High School history teacher Mr Robert Ferguson. He was a much loved and respected teacher for nearly two decades and always brought out the best in his students.”

Former pupil Becky Gidman said: “So sad to hear this. Mr Ferguson was my form teacher for 96-2001. Absolutely amazing teacher, a real character. Have some fantastic memories. Thinking of all your family xx”

Louise Brandwood-Price said: “Good conversations in the careers office about bank accounts and politics from myself and Mrs Wall remembers his quote ‘I want to see steeeeeeam coming off those pens’. And of course his grey suit and bryl creamed hair.”

Gareth Jones said: “On a par with Mr Cartledge, The best teacher at Bedford by far. There was a reason that history was my best result in my GCSEs. ‘When that bell goes ding dong’..... Cross country running and ‘steam from those pens’ are his legacy.. RIP Sir.”

Mathew Broad said: “RIP Mr Ferguson. Firm but always fair. I always really liked him. He demanded respect but also gave respect at the same time.”

Lee Robert McStein said: “Absolutely devastated. I very much doubt teaching will ever see his like again. The only person I’ve ever met in my life who could express enthusiasm and rage in exactly the same way.”

John Davenport said: “I’ve been lucky over the years to have had a few teachers throughout the course of my education who I’d consider to be really good, passionate and inspiring, but even amongst those, Mr Ferguson has always stood out to me.”