RETIRED Island headteacher and clergyman, the Rev Canon Brian Alan Fessey, has died at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Newport, last Thursday, aged 77, following a long illness.
Born in Swindon in 1939, Mr Fessey came to the Island in 1972. He took up the appointment of deputy headteacher at Solent Middle School, Cowes — the first purpose-built middle school on the IW — having taught at schools in Swindon and Wakefield.
With his family, he settled in Freshwater, where he and his wife, Annis, helped to establish the Strolling Players and Vagabonds amateur dramatic groups. He co-wrote and performed in many of the group’s pantomimes and other productions.
In 1979, Mr Fessey was appointed headteacher of Swanmore Middle School, Ryde.
During his tenure, pupils and colleagues regarded him as a highly inspirational teacher and leader, who placed much emphasis on staff development.
Mr Fessey and his wife were accepted by the Anglican Church to train for the priesthood in 1988. Following study at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, they served on the Hartcliffe estate in Bristol, where rioting broke out in 1992.
Both helped to bring healing to the community, with Mr Fessey playing a leading role in creating a local advice and debt counselling centre.
Two years later, Mr Fessey was appointed vicar of Purton, near Swindon, and was made a canon of Bristol Cathedral in 2001.
Following his retirement in 2003, Mr Fessey and his wife returned to the Island to live in Ryde and chaired the Churches Together organisation in the Ryde area.
Mr Fessey also helped to initiate Open Arms, a drop-in centre for homeless people, which is still going strong.
He was a valued and active member of the ministry team at his church, St John’s, Ryde, until shortly before his death.
In his spare time, his passions included music, sport, history and reading. He was a lifelong supporter of his home town team, Swindon Town, and was a committed Lib Dem and active member of the U3A history group.
Mr Fessey is survived by his father, Walter, wife, their three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and sister, Ann Gladwyn. His funeral will be held at the Church of St John the Baptist, High Park Road, Ryde, at noon on Thursday.