The obituary notice of Colin David LEWIS

I had the honour to have Mr Lewis as my headmaster at Cowbridge Lower School in 1981 and 1982. He was, quite simply, the greatest teacher and headmaster I have ever known. I occasionally contacted him over the following years and he was unfailingly kind and warm, each time I spoke to him. I have a huge amount of respect for him that I will carry with me forever.

I was saddened to read of the passing of Colin Lewis, a one-time colleague and friend.
Colin was a person who had several faces: he was the avid rugby fan, following his club’s progress with great enthusiasm, and he was one of the boys, enjoying his regular pint or two.

But he was also a well respected man of education, from his first teaching post in Cynffig School to his appointment as Classics Master at the renowned Cowbridge Boy’s Grammar School, some time in the 1960s through to his appointment as Head of Lower School in 1974, where he remained until his retirement.

1974 was the year of great change for all schools in Wales. There were changes of county boundaries and the inevitable amalgamation of schools this caused.

It was my delight and privilege to be appointed to the staff at the newly formed Cowbridge School, in 1974 and it was here that Colin and I first met. Along with a third colleague, Alan Hampton, a team of three, we were to shape the organisation of the first two years of the pupils, each one of us having our specific jobs to do, not only with the pupils but so the young teachers who were new to the profession. In cases of great importance or sensitivity we referred to Colin for the final decision. As Head of Lower School, Colin reported directly to the Head Teacher of School, and was frequently asked to advise the Headmaster on matters of school policy and discipline.

Colin’s relationship with his pupils was one of reciprocated respect. He never put himself in a position of superiority, but always was approachable, and in a quiet manner he would show his pupils and teachers, too, an alternative way of solving a problem. And it usually had a positive result.

Valerie Bowden

I have only just heard the sad news that Colin has died. He taught me in Cynffig in the late 1960s. I was the only one studying Latin for A-Level so had Colin’s undivided attention. He was kind, funny and a superb teacher who helped me enormously. I have so many fond memories of Colin and am so saddened to hear that he has died. He left Cynffig shortly after my A-Levels to go to Cowbridge where I’m sure he encouraged and supported his pupils as he did me. Resquiescat in pace, Sir.

I am extremely sorry to hear that Colin has passed away. I arrived in Cowbridge Comprehensive School in 1989, having just moved to the area from Oxfordshire, a little apprehensive at a new school in a new town in a different part of the U.K. Colin was a reassuring, welcoming and fair presence who taught me English in my time in the lower school. Colin had been in Cowbridge Grammar School with my father in the 1950s, and often used to take time to chat to me about my father and their time in school. My thoughts and condolences are with Colin’s family.

I was so sad to hear of Colin's death. In 1972 Cowbridge Grammar School and Girls' High School were preparing for Comprehensive Education and as the only girl studying Latin I was sent to the Boys' Grammar to study Latin in the Upper Sixth. Studying with Colin was incredible. He was funny, kind and so erudite. He adored Latin Literature and and although he buried it in his jokes and witticisms he could not but impart his love of it to his pupils. He was never stuffy or pompous and prepared us for the exams with complete thoroughness. We read Sallust and Virgil and I can still remember the texts so well. Inspired by Colin I became a Classics teacher eventually moving to Italy and teaching Latin in the European School in Varese in Northern Italy. If I were in the UK I would come to the funeral but unfortunately cannot. I am sure there will be many ex-pupils and colleagues there. My sincerest condolences go to his family. I am sure his death will leave a great gap in their lives. Colin was one of those teachers you can never forget.
Joan Davidson-Argentesi