John Redfern (24 May 1938 - 24 Apr 2021)

Rest in peace, John. You made a real difference to this world.

My wonderful grandad, I adore you and miss you everyday.

Thanks for always supporting my achievements and making fun of those we love!

Miss and love you always

I am so sad at the passing of John. He has been such an important person in my life. He was my first mentor at Forest of Needwood, guiding me through the challenges a new teacher faces. Then later, still at the Forest and then at Paget, he guided me through further challenges of management at school. He was a wonderful role model and true professional.
He was also a very dear friend and we shared many long and interesting conversations about a play we had seen or a film. His theatre trips that he organised opened up the world of live theatre to pupils, staff and parents and I shall always be grateful for them.
His sense of humour was quick and enthusing and it was always a pleasure to be in his company. He was kind and generous of spirit.
May he rest in peace and I send my love and condolences to all his family.

My first mentor as a teacher, my staff badminton partner, and an all round truly lovely man. Fond memories from years ago at Forest of Needwood School - will always be remembered.

I shall never forget John. He was a wonderful colleague, mentor and loyal friend.
May he rest in peace. We shall all miss him.

My first mental as a teacher, my staff badminton partner, and an all round lovely man

With much love to you all. I'm known for my terrible memory, so I'm struggling to think of what to say about John. However, they say what you remember of someone is how they made you feel, and John certainly made me feel seen, valued, encouraged, capable and welcome. A fabulous inspirational teacher. I'm so sad I didn't get to see him for that lunch. X

John Redfern was an exceptional person - it was always good to be in his pleasant company. He was a gifted and generous man, blessed with an abundance of talents and interests. His infectious enthusiasm inspired respect and a deeply felt admiration. John was a natural performer, a persuasive speaker, who was very much in demand locally. People flocked to hear his celebrated local history talks. They were charmed by his comfortable, informative flow, delivered in a relaxed manner.
John will be missed and mourned by many. May he rest in peace.

John Redfern was a wonderful colleague and a dear friend. We shall miss him but will cherish so many happy memories.

Jennifer & John

John was a lovely thoughtful and caring person.
He will be very much missed
Thanks for lending me Penny from time to time 👍💕
Sandy Hughes

My memories of John go way back to the days at Forest of Needwood with our children in the swimming pool on Sunday mornings.
I will remember him as a perfect gentleman,a great teacher and my mentor during difficult times.
We shared some good times,the staff parties,the theatre outings and much more.
When I went to live in Mauritius,he carried on with his usual Christmas card filling all the space with news of everyone.
His last message was last December telling me that he was ill.But still full of humour and wit.
Rest in peace my dear friend,you will be greatly missed

A lovely, kind and true gentleman. RIP dear John.

In loving memory of a kind man.

Missing your quizzes already john.

In memory of a fine gentleman, a superb colleague and a good friend.

Fond memories of Forest of Needwood times and many fun evenings.

We have known John for many years through being a neighbour and the Willington players. We were never short of laughs when John was at rehearsals with the players. John will be greatly missed.
Steve, Maureen and Mark

I've known John for a number of years through being a neighbour and the Willington Players. There was always plenty of laughs during rehearsals with the players. John will be greatly missed.

Very sad news. John was an inspirational English teacher and a wise Head of Sixth Form who many people owe a great deal to. He will be greatly missed.

Mr Redfern was the best teacher. He was head of sixth form and rang up my uni when our ALevel results came out and secured my place. I owe him big time for that, he positively impacted my whole life as a direct result. He was caring and respectful, professional and aspirational, he listened and was empathic, yet was never patronising. A truly great and honourable man. Thank you. Rest in peace.

Fond memorie of John who was an outstanding colleague and a true friend to many.

He will be greatly missed.

RIP. JR (Ripper) -Waka

RIP JR(Ripper) from WAKA