Obituary: Alan Clive Kendrick (QM 1943-1950)

Clive was born on 18th July 1932 in Cannock, south Staffordshire, the only child of Tom and Miriam Kendrick. Clive had a happy childhood and enjoyed the company of wider family as well as friends made at school. This stable upbringing enabled him to thrive at school passing his eleven-plus and getting a scholarship to study at QMGS.

Whilst at QMGS Clive particularly excelled at geography and also enjoyed the opportunity to play football and cricket. He made some lifelong friends as well including James Greenway and they fulfilled the role of best man at each other’s weddings.

Clive completed his studies at QMGS aged 17 and opted to read geography at Sheffield University achieving a good degree classification. Soon after completing his degree, he met Sylvia whom he married in 1958 following a period of national service. The marriage was blessed with two children, Carolyn and David.

The early part of his career was spent locally as a geography teacher at Cannock Chase High School before Clive opted to pursue a career in higher education. He obtained a lecturer’s post at Alsager College, one of the largest teacher training colleges in the UK at the time. He became increasingly interested in educational management and in 1974 was appointed Dean of Education at the merged Crewe and Alsager College of Higher Education.

Clive took early retirement in 1988 aged 56 and he and Sylvia made full use of their newfound freedom. Clive continued to work but on his terms by carrying out Ofsted inspections. They indulged their passion for international travel, took up new hobbies, and enjoyed spending time with their two grandchildren, Victoria and Robert.

Sylvia predeceased Clive in 2016 but he retained his zest for life taking day trips and short holidays with his family. Although he was diagnosed with a life-limiting medical condition some years before Sylvia’s passing his quality of life remained intact until the final few weeks of his life. Alan passed away on 5th September 2020.

Clive’s was a long life well lived and the education he received at QMGS was a key factor in enabling him to do that.  

He is remembered fondly by his children Carolyn and David, wider family and friends.