A DERBY school has re-named its dining room in memory of a much-loved former teacher, who died almost 12 months ago.
Jerry Hanifin passed away after in March 2019 following a short illness. He had worked at the Royal School for the Deaf as a teacher until his retirement in 2007 but was a frequent visitor to the Ashbourne Road school – particularly the dining room.
Family, friends and former colleagues have visited the school to officially unveil a commemorative plaque and pay tribute to Mr Hanifin. The dining room will now be known to staff and students as ‘The Jerry Hanifin Dining Room’.
His daughter, Victoria Mitchell, said: “Dad would have loved to have seen all the pupils paying tribute to him. It’s a wonderful gesture and the dining room at Royal School for the Deaf was one of his favourite places.
“He used to pop in there and tell the catering staff that he hadn’t eaten – even if he had – just so they would feel sorry for him and give him extra food!
“It was Dad’s idea to introduce round tables in the dining room, so that everyone eating could communicate with each other during lunch. I’m glad that round tables are still used today.”
Pupils, staff and friends at the Derby school had to vote whether to name the dining room or Post-16 room – Jerry’s former classroom – after the popular teacher.
Helen Shepherd, head teacher at the school, said: “Jerry was Head of House – Hanifin House – and frequently came into the school following his retirement until he became ill. Even then, he still found time to send messages to the pupils via video.
“We have very fond memories of Jerry. He was a wonderful man and much loved by everyone associated with the school.
“Jerry mesmerised everyone with his expressive story-telling. He was truly inspiring and magically connected with young people of all ages through his sense of fun and his caring nature.
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“Jerry always had time for people; he was a lovely man, an incredible person who has influenced so many of us.”
Pupils Denis Juttner and Wasif Yousif also paid tribute to Jerry. The pair have made a bench in his memory and have now been asked by Jerry’s wife, Janet, to make a similar bench, which will be erected in the Derbyshire cemetery where he is buried.
Denis said: “Jerry helped us to understand BSL clearer and was creative in the way he used it.
“His facial expressions always used to make us laugh; there was a lot of humour in his lessons.”
ENDS
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