A King’s farewell

KING Henry VIII College founding head Simon Ashley Spencer (pic) has passed away.

Survived by his wife and three sons, Spencer studied in King Henry VIII College’s sister school Christ College Brecon before moving on to study in the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.

The English degree graduate returned to Christ College Brecon to teach in 1985 and together with his wife, they looked after two boarding houses at the school.

In December 2015, he accepted the position of King Henry VIII College’s founding head.

“Mr Spencer was a very caring person who would never miss his daily routines in cordially greeting students and members of the staff everyday.

“His warm and sincere approach made everyone feel important and acknowledged at the school.

“His presence would dearly be a miss for everyone now,” the college said in a post on it’s Facebook page.

Describing him as a loyal and trusted friend, the college said Spencer was a wise and compassionate leader who was the visionary of the college.

The traits and values he inculcated, it added, will remain.

“We are very thankful to him for his influence on us.

“His passing is indeed too shocking and sudden to all of us.

“He will not be forgotten but dearly missed and profoundly remembered. Let us bid him farewell as we mourn the loss of a lively, dignified soul ... (who) brought joy and fulfillment to many, and whose legacy will live on forever,” the post read.

Spencer passed away on May 31.