THE death of Kevin Redfearn robbed the teaching world of a man of great character and commitment.
He was influential in helping Almondbury High School gain language college status and he made great efforts to establish links with schools on the Continent.
Through his work, partnerships were established with schools in Kirklees's twin towns of Unna in Germany and Besançon, France.
Mr Redfearn was appointed director of languages at the school in April, 2003, and worked hard to establish languages as popular subject choices for students.
He had recently started work as an advisor for the Specialist Schools Trust, which works with schools bidding for special status.
He died on January 20 at the age of 43, after having been ill for 18 months.
Former Almondbury High colleague Keith Hilton said: "He was a lovely man, always willing to listen and give advice to pupils, support his colleagues and be able to help whatever the situation.
"Kevin was a character, a man of wit and charm, and would always be able to turn a situation into something funny.
"He knew that good relationships were essential if classroom learning was to be successful."
Mr Redfearn was known as a man who put a lot of time into his role as a teacher.
Mr Hilton said: "When an individual met Kevin they were instantly impressed by his personality.
"He was a man who was always willing to give people his time."
Mr Redfearn leaves a wife, Rachel, and two children, Mary and Thomas.
