Francis Owen Zanker (1 Jul 1928 - 10 Jul 2022)

I have often wondered about Francis Zanker and what became of him.
I first met him at Harry Carlton County Secondary School in 1959. I was just 11 years old. He was my woodwork teacher. He gave me such inspiration as everything he demonstrated was done with absolute perfection. I was very sad when he left the school after my first year there, but his influence has stayed with me to this day.
Time went by, and one day in 1976, just by chance, a moment in time, my Dad happened to meet this remarkable man. This went on to change my life forever. I was so fortunate to meet Francis for a second innings with him as I attended a one-year Design and Craft course (D&C A 77) at Ordsall Hall, Eaten Hall College, Retford to train to be a design teacher.
This was an absolute privilege. I achieved well and have been forever grateful to him for enriching my life. Sadly, I am too late to tell him so. What a wonderful man he was. Always in my thoughts.
David Ward.

I have only just seen this message. I was among the first intake of students (albeit a mature student) on the new CDT course at Trent Polytechnic Barnes Wallis Building in 1981, Francis was the Course Leader. He will be remembered with great respect and admiration, he changed many lives and career outcomes including mine.