Ronnie Black

Ronnie Black, who died on 17 May 2015 at the tragically early age of 59, attended Bangor Grammar School between 1967 and 1974.

However, it was as a teacher at Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College that Ronnie was best known. An excellent educator who was popular with students and staff alike, he joined the staff of its predecessor, Gransha Boys’ High School, as a newly qualified Geography teacher in 1977. When Gransha merged with Bangor Girls’ High in 2001, Ronnie stayed on, playing a vital role in the birth and subsequent
development of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form Centre. He gained widespread respect as the backbone of school life, always trying to help those pupils others might have given up on.

He had little difficulty remembering many of the names and faces of the thousands of boys and girls who passed through the portals of both schools during his 38-year teaching career. Outside his teaching duties, which included roles as head of year and, for a time, vice principal, he maintained a long-term involvement with the army cadets, as well as organising special after-school programmes for challenging pupils. Ronnie was also renowned for his dedication to pastoral care.

His health worsened in 2014 after doctors diagnosed a brain tumour, forcing him to leave the school he loved so much. His passing leaves a huge gap in the life of the school.

Ronnie resided at Warren Road, Donaghadee, and is survived by his wife Janet, whom he met when both were teaching at Gransha, sons Richard, Andrew and Stephen, as well as a wide family circle.