Tributes have been paid to a former head teacher, national union officer and Birmingham city councillor who has died.
Gordon Green became the youngest head of a secondary school in Birmingham when, at the age of 34, he took charge of the new Primrose Hill comprehensive in Kings Norton in 1967.
He remained its head until his retirement from the profession.
But he was then elected as the Labour councillor for Longbridge in 1996, and continued to serve the people of Birmingham in the Council House for a decade before he stood down in 2006.
Mr Green, who died on April 1 following a stroke, was also a lifelong member of the National Union of Teachers, and achieved the ultimate distinction of being made national president in 1985 for a year.
His wife of 51 years, Brenda, aged 74, said: “He had a passion for education and was a convinced and committed social democrat – a Labour man to the end.
“He always believed in protecting the underdog and that all children should be listened to and respected. He was also very funny and was known for his wit and comedy Gordon will be very sadly missed.”
Mr Green, who lived in Kings Norton, leaves two daughters, both of whom have followed his passions in life.
Annette, 45, has gone into the trade union movement and is a national executive member of Unison, while younger sister Julie, 44, is a school teacher.
The funeral will be held on Friday, April 17 at 1.45pm at St Nicholas Church, Kings Norton, followed by cremation at Lodge Hill Crematorium at 2.30pm. The family have asked for any donations to be sent to children’s charity Childline.
Annette said: “He had a stroke a couple of years ago and then had another one three or four weeks ago from which he didn’t really survive He will be fondly remembered by everyone.”
