BILLERICAY: Mourning loss of wonderful mentor

A LEADING figure in Billericay education has died at the age of 83.

Ernie Cox was the much-loved head teacher of Sunnymede school for 25 years, and a governor at the Mayflower High School right up until his death at home on February 5.

Jackie Malbon worked with Mr Cox at Sunnymede before taking over as head teacher after his retirement.

She said: "He was a wonderful mentor, a passionate educationalist, who seemed to have time for everyone.

"Ernie was a great listener and, if any child or teacher came to him with a problem, he would be able to sort it."

She added: "I don't think anyone would have a bad word to say against him."

Mr Cox started his teaching career in 1945, arriving in Billericay in 1963 to become the head of Sunnymede School, in Meadow Way.

Retiring in 1988, he became a governor at Mayflower High School, serving as its chairman for several years.

The father-of-two, who lived in Norsey Road, was also a key member of the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower.

Ben Clarke, president of the club, said: "We have all lost a great personal friend.

"He was a man of tremendous energy who was still heavily involved in all our events right up until his sudden death.

"It's taken the wind out of our clubs' sails, and we all stood in silence to remember him at the first meeting after his death."

Mr Cox, who also served as president of the Rotary club, was the mastermind behind the group's popular speaking and cookery events for secondary school children in the town.

Summing him up, Jackie said: "He was a very active man, who loved his Rotary club and bowls, but everything seemed to come back to education.

"We all remember him in his shirt and tie, but it never stopped him getting stuck in."

Mr Cox outlived his wife Renie, and leaves two children and five grandchildren.