It’s a little difficult to pay tribute to Keith Howard in a few words, such was his presence and influence at QM. He was a polymath who threw himself into leading the school, seeking to develop the potential of all those who passed through QMGS’s doors.

He had high standards and expected his pupils (and staff!) to do their best to emulate them. He encouraged and supported – be that by teaching those who took some time to get their heads around the irregular French verb; singing in the choir; turning up to Joint Orchestra concerts; standing on the touchline; attending CCF parades and a whole host of other things. While a formidable presence, he was also a kind, compassionate man, as others have already noted. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will endure through the generations of Marians whose development he did so much to shape.

My condolences to his family.