Tributes have been paid to a former RAF pilot and Diss maths teacher who ‘always thought of others before himself’.
John Blagden who qualified to fly in the 1950s during National Service, before training as a teacher, died on May 18, at the age of 90.
The career change came about after a freak accident when the cockpit canopy of his aircraft came off, causing it to rapidly lose pressure and his eardrums to explode.
But this did not stop Mr Blagden, who trained as a maths and physics teacher and taught at Diss Grammar School, where he finished his career as Head of Mathematics.
During his time there, he helped many students to understand the complexities of maths including the manager of Diss Museum, Basil Abbott.
He said: “Anyone who could successfully teach me logarithms, deserves respect. I never knew what they were for; and would have no idea how to do them now; but I could do them then.
“My maths O-level, scraped through at the second attempt, was due to his teaching. Many years later, when applying for a post-graduate teaching course, I found that I had to have O-level maths. Thanks, Mr. Blagden.”
Another fellow student inspired by Mr Blagden to join the RAF when he was a cadet in the 1070 Diss Air Training Crops when Mr Blagden was an officer there is retired Wing Commander and chairman of the Diss and District Branch of the RAF Association (RAFA), Richard Youngs.
“His example inspired a generation of young cadets to serve their country in the RAF,” said Mr Youngs.
“John joined Diss RAFA in the 1960s and volunteered and qualified to be the district welfare officer, lending practical help, arranging financial support and just as importantly, providing a listening ear to those lonely or vulnerable veterans of the RAF.
“His outstanding work was recognised with the National Presidents Certificate award and in recent years he became branch treasurer and helped to rebuild Diss RAFA.
“Throughout his life, John always thought of others before himself; his compassion, dedication and selfless commitment to others was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He will be sorely missed by all of his comrades in the association.”
Born on March 26, 1934, in Bratton, Wiltshire, Mr Blagden had to run his family home and look after his sister Anne at the age of 11 after his mother died at the same time his father was recovering from tuberculosis.
After the RAF and during his teacher training in London, he met his wife Jill at a Scout and Guide club function.
The pair married in 1960, a union which lasted for 63 years after his wife died last year, and they moved to Roydon, both teaching at Diss Grammar.
As well as never moving jobs, Mr Blagden also never moved house, living in The Close for 63 years.
Outside of school life, he was part of the Scout movement from the age of eight until 1994, being awarded its highest honour, the Silver Wolf.
He also still loved to fly and enjoyed hobbies such as gardening, skiing, sailing and travel – visiting places such as Peru, the Himalayas and Patagonia during his retirement.
Mr Blagden had four children and five grandchildren.
A service to celebrate Mr Blagden’s life will take place at Roydon Church on Monday, June 24, at 2pm.
