‘Gentle, caring and inspiring’ teacher loved to see his pupils happy
TRIBUTES have been paid to a “gentle, caring and inspiring” former Derby teacher who has lost a battle against cancer.
The family of Mark Booton have asked that his memory lives on through donations to three organisations that were close to his heart.
Mr Booton, who taught for almost 40 years in Derby, retired from the profession in 2016 as head teacher for 25 years at St Alban’s Catholic Primary School in Chaddesden.
He was originally at the school for nine years as a teacher and then deputy head teacher before moving to St Mary’s Catholic Primary in Derby. He then returned to St Alban’s in 1991 as head teacher.
Mr Booton was also an avid Derby County supporter and volunteered for the National Trust at Calke Abbey.
The school is one of the three organisations that Mr Booton’s family – wife Clare and children Stephen, Kevin and Louise – have named as recipients of any donations to enable his former office to be converted into a school chapel.
As part of a GoFundMe page, his family have said: “You may be part of the family Mark created at St Alban’s school during his years within the school community. Mark spent many years dedicated to the education and development of countless young people and was an inspiration to his colleagues who had the honour of working alongside him.
“The donations for the school will go towards their plans of converting Mark’s former office into a school chapel.
“Mark was gentle and caring, focusing purely on children’s happiness. He would delight anyone with magic, knowledge about Wales or practical jokes.
“While Mark did love his garden, we request donations be made rather than flowers. We hope you join us in showing our support to the places Mark held dear and keep his memory alive.”
The other two organisations are the Macmillan Nightingale Ward at the Royal Derby Hospital, where Mr Booton, 66, spent his final weeks among “the loving and supportive staff”. His family say that he “was cared for dearly and respected by the team (including those that knew him from his teaching days), which we know brought him great comfort during his final weeks”.
The other one is St Alban’s Catholic Church in Roe Farm Lane, Chaddesden, towards the memorial garden. Mr Booton was part of the church community, organising seat layouts, helping as a catechist and also acting as the dame in pantomimes.
Despite his illness, he continued to show his dedication to St Alban’s, as he watched the first Holy Communion service from his hospital bed just the day before he died.
The family said they have been moved by the tributes that have been made to Mr Booton and they realise how many people’s lives he touched throughout his long career and interests.
Mr Booton died on June 20. He will be received into St Alban’s Catholic Church on Sunday, July 17, at 4pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 18, at 9.30am, followed by a private service of committal.
At the time of writing, donations had reached £3,135. They can be made at www.gofundme.com