THE family of a man who has touched the lives of many in Cumbria has paid tribute to his long and eventful life.

Harry Barrow of Dalston, who was a headteacher at several schools in the county, has died aged 99.

Born in Ireby on January 21, 1923, Harry’s father was a vet, and he enjoyed visiting farms alongside him, which is how Harry developed his love of the countryside and nature.

Harry was very close to his younger brother John, and the pair were best friends until John’s early death in 1988.

Harry’s father died in 1936 when Harry was just 13, which is when he became ‘head of the household’.

Harry attended primary school in Ireby and passed the 11+ to attend Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton, where he gained further qualifications.

Between 1941 and 1943, Harry attended Culham Training College to study teaching, where he finished three-quarters of the course but was granted his teaching certificate before he signed up for military service.

He served in the RAF between 1943 and 1947, and became a pilot who, in his role, travelled to Canada, Egypt, and Greece.

He was de-mobbed in 1947 during a harsh winter, and on return to what was then called Cumberland, he had to walk the last three miles home due to the snow being five feet high in some places.

He married Mary in 1954, and lived in Skinburness, teaching at Silloth School.

In 1957, they moved to Bassenthwaite, where he became the headteacher at Bassenthwaite Primary School, and children Ann and Ruth were born.

The family moved to Dalston in 1963, where he worked as headteacher at St Michael’s CofE School.

Enjoying the privileges of early retirement in 1982, he took up a keen interest in gardening, fell-walking, game shooting, classical and jazz music - and was always staying informed via the Daily Telegraph.

Always with a black labrador by his side, Harry liked to dress smartly and was often seen gardening in a shirt and tie.

Harry took an active part in Dalston village life and was the churchwarden, as well as a committee member for the Dalston Show.

He also got particular enjoyment when meeting ex-pupils and hearing about their lives.

A husband, father and grandfather, he recently attended his only granddaughter’s wedding in July this year.

Mary sadly died in 2014, and Harry continued to live an independent life at home up until his death on November 7, 2022, just two months short of his 100th birthday.

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