Former vice-chairman of the Haywood Foundation, Dennis Grimsley died on 23rd July 2022 aged 90.
Dennis was educated at Burton Grammar School and Nottingham University, and, after graduating, qualified as a teacher of Chemistry. He excelled both academically and in sport, especially rugby. In 1957, during his national service in the RAF, he married Pat.
He taught, first, at Burton Grammar School and then at The Brunt School, Mansfield as head of Chemistry and, in 1970, became deputy head at Biddulph High School. He was appointed as head of Blythe Bridge High School in 1974 and remained there until retirement in 1988.
He was active in many areas locally. He was president of Biddulph Rotary Club and was twice president of Burton G S Old Boys Association. He was a magistrate for 21 years and chairman of the Probation Liaison Committee. He was vice-chairman of the North Staffs. Youth Panel and served as General Commissioner for Income Tax and was chairman of Leek Tax Commissioners until 2007. He was a devout Christian.
Dennis first came into contact with rheumatology in the early 1970 s when his wife Pat developed a very aggressive and destructive form of rheumatoid disease which affected most of her joints. She was a talented amateur artist and began to sell her paintings in support of The Haywood Foundation. She got to the stage when she could only hold her brush between the backs of both hands, but still produced beautiful work. She also wrote a book entitled “A Tug of War” about her struggle with arthritis, using a voice assisted computer, and, with the help of Dennis, raised almost £15,000 for The Foundation. Dennis always supported her, taking care of her and arranging the sale of her work.
He became increasingly involved with The Haywood Foundation and, in 1994, became vice-chairman when our founding vice-chairman, Harry Deakin, retired.
Dennis continued as vice-chairman for several years and remained, in retirement and until he died, a committed supporter and good friend of The Haywood Foundation.
Words by Dr Ted Hothersall, former Haywood Foundation Chairman
You can read more about Dennis Grimsley on the Burton Grammar School website: Burton Grammar School»Archive » Dennis Grimsley
