HARKER, Tom (Former Staff 1957-1988)

HARKER, Tom (Former Staff 1957-1988)

This obituary was written by Tom's sons, Andrew and Jonathan.

Thomas (Tom) Harker

5 May 1928 – 16 December 2020

Tom Harker at a CHS Science Exhibition c. 1970, with sons Andrew (Class of 1979) and Jonathan (Class of 1980). Photograph by Michael Hilton  

Tom Harker was a member of staff at CHS for 31 years, retiring as Head of Science in 1988.

Born in Sidhpur, India, Tom spent his childhood in Lancashire. He became Head Boy at Accrington Grammar School then read Physics at Manchester University. After national service in the RAF he worked in industrial research before responding to a national appeal for science teachers. Tom enjoyed a teacher training placement at CHS in 1955, and was keen to return. So when the Head of Physics position was advertised he applied, hoping there would be a subsequent vacancy for an assistant master. There was, and he returned to CHS in 1957.

Tom contributed widely to extra-curricular life at CHS. He led a scout troop, ran the science club and photographic society, organized science exhibitions, and designed and oversaw the lighting of many school plays.

Tom was always willing to help anyone who shared his curiosity and was keen to learn – whether to scrape through a much-needed science O-level or pass an Oxbridge entrance exam.

Tom and Christine retired to the Lake District. Tom became a Voluntary National Park Warden, and an active member of the Friends of the Lake District. Christine still lives in Kendal.