WANSTEAD: Late headteacher's wife praises her 'larger than life' husband (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WANSTEAD: Late headteacher's wife praises her 'larger than life' husband

12:11pm Monday 22nd March 2010 in

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THE WIFE of a respected former headteacher who died suddenly while on holiday has praised her 'larger than life' husband.

Douglas Challen touched the lives of hundreds of pupils during his decade long spell in charge of Wanstead High School from 1982 until 1993.

The popular grandfather-of-two died of a heart attack on Monday February 22 aged 77, while on a break in the Mediterranean with his wife Liliane - who said his death has left a big hole in many lives.

She said: "He was a larger than life character.

"I still can't really believe he's gone. I keep expecting him to pop his head in (from the garden) and say he'll be in, in a few minutes.

"(Wanstead High) was the biggest school he worked in, so it was a challenge.

"He was a very hands-on headteacher, and took a personal role in many areas of the school.

"He and his deputy head Joe Hill were a perfect team."

Mr Challen's family have received poignant letters from past students and parents at Wanstead High School, praising him for the help and support he showed them down the years - one of which were read out at his funeral on Friday, March 12.