Tributes to former Great Yarmouth teacher Cameron Newark

Cameron Newark, who taught at Wroughton Junior, Caister Junior and Caister Middle schools, died on June 16.

He was 78 years old.

Cameron Newark was known for his enthusiasm for sharing his love of sport to younger people. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)

During his time in the classroom, Mr Newark specialised in PE and was instrumental in ensuring primary children in the Great Yarmouth area played inter-school football.

While at Caister Junior School in the 1970s, Mr Newark taught a young Dale Gordon, who went on to play in midfield for Norwich City.

Cameron Newark is remembered for asking difficult questions at Norwich City FC AGMs. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Newark's daughter, Jane Pen, said: "He was so proud of his pupils' talents, especially when one special player, Dale Gordon, signed for Norwich City. 

"Dale said dad was a big influence on his career in the Norwich City FC publication, The Tales of the City trilogy, and this meant so much to him."

Mrs Pen said despite her dad's severe asthma preventing him from playing football at a young age, he dedicated his weekends to nurturing primary school pupils on the pitch.

"Dad loved to share the joy of sport, especially football," Mrs Pen added.

Mr Newark attended the Technical High School in Gorleston before completing teacher training at Keswick College in Norwich, where he also managed the college football team

A friend and former Northern Ireland football international, Sammy Morgan, first met Mr Newark as a fellow student at the Technical High School. 

"Cameron's enthusiasm for football was very evident even then with a fervent support for Norwich City," said Mr Morgan.

"He took that enthusiasm for the game into the teaching profession and gave many years of loyal and dedicated service to school boys in the local area and beyond.

"All those young players who came under his care owe him a great deal for the unselfish and incredible time he spent organising and tutoring young players. He certainly was a unique character who was very popular and respected. 

"He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him and will be sadly missed."

Cameron Newark (right) with his wife, Mair, at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)

Mr Newark was a Canaries season ticket holder for nearly 60 years. He was well-known at the club's AGMs and wasn't afraid to pose awkward questions.

Chris Lakey, the Eastern Daily Press' head of sport, said: "Mr Newark didn’t waste words – for him there was no fluff nor pompous arrogance needed when he asked questions or debated points.

"He made those points with clarity and was reasoned and respectful. I don’t recall him having bad words to say about anyone. He was the antithesis of much of what we see and hear today.

"His presence at Norwich City AGMs was a given – when he spoke, he silenced the room. The school teacher in him came out."

For the last 13 years, Mr Newark was a carer for his wife, Mair, who developed encephalitis in 2010. He enjoyed attending Norwich City matches when he could. 

In recent years, his health declined and after a long spell in the James Paget University Hospital, then the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, he spent his last months at Hickling House Care Home. 

Mrs Pen said the well wishes of many past pupils had given her father comfort in his last weeks, before he died on June 16. 

"Dad was overwhelmed that so many pupils had taken time to send messages when they realised he was poorly," Mrs Pen said. 

"He always said time was the most important thing you could give, especially to a child and now it was being given back to him."

Mr Newark leaves his wife Mair, sister Pamela, daughter Jane and three grandsons.

A service of celebration will be held at St Andrews Church on Church Plain, Gorleston on Saturday, October 28 at 1.30pm. 

There is a collection in Mr Newark's memory for East Anglian's Children's Hospices. Any donations can be made to www.cameronnewark.muchloved.com/