Retired teacher dies in Shropshire flooding
A 66-year-old man who died after being swept away by flood water as storms lashed Shropshire was a retired deputy headteacher and leading former scout master.
A 66-year-old man who died after being swept away by flood water as storms lashed Shropshire was a retired deputy headteacher and leading former scout master.
Mike Ellis, who served schools, scouts and the guides, was returning to his home in Bitterley, near Ludlow, following a doctor’s appointment when the tragedy happened yesterday at about 10.30am.
It is understood that Mr Ellis had abandoned his car to avoid flood-hit roads about half a mile from his home and as he crossed a field he was swept away by a swollen stream.
Rescuers from West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Severn Area Rescue Association had all attempted to rescue Mr Ellis after the alarm was raised but they were unable to save him.
Mr Ellis’s wife Judy, 68, today paid tribute to her ‘wonderful’ husband who she said ‘was truly my other half’.
She said her husband had been head of Maths and then deputy head at Ludlow School, and he had also taught at Sundorne School, in Shrewsbury.
He was also a former scout leader in Cleobury Mortimer and county treasurer for Girl Guiding Shropshire.
Mrs Ellis said: “He was a gentle caring man, quiet and quite shy, with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humour, and the most wonderful husband.
“He was truly my other half and I don’t know how I can be without him.”
She added: “We married in 1973. At the time we were both teaching in Sandhurst, and he was leading Scouts and I was a Guide Leader, so it was natural for us to work together.
“He set challenging activities for my guides at camp, and this continued after we moved to Shropshire.
“He supported me in everything I did, encouraging me to take a bigger part in International Guiding and accompanying me on visits to Cyprus, Kenya and Canada with guiding.
“After he retired he became county treasurer for Girlguiding Shropshire, and also acted as webmaster for the county guiding website. He was an official photographer for the county on many events both within and outside Shropshire, and Guiding will miss him.”
Tributes have today poured in for Mr Ellis, who had also taught at Wombourne School in Staffordshire and Sandhurst School, Berkshire, where he was head of Maths.
Phil Poulton, headteacher at Ludlow CE School, said Mr Ellis, who retired about 12 years ago, would be sorely missed by all who knew him.
He said: “Michael was always viewed as a conscientious, hardworking and professional school leader, who had the best interests of the students at the forefront of his mind.
“Many of the staff that worked for Michael when he was a deputy headteacher at Ludlow School are still here now, and are saddened and shocked at this tragic news. Our condolences go out to his family, and we know that we are speaking on behalf of the staff and pupils that Michael worked with, and for, when we say that he will be sorely missed.”
Henry Chance, chairman of Bitterley Parish Council, said: “Our thoughts at this time are with the family and close friends of Mike. I trust the community will be able to provide any support which is required.”
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne said: “I received a call from the secretary of state for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spellman, who has asked me to pass on condolences to Mr Ellis’s family having heard about what happened.”
Clare Shinton, assistant county commissioner of Girlguiding Shropshire, added: “Mike was a loyal supporter of Girlguiding Shropshire and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts at this time are with Judy.”
In other parts of the county, torrential downpours wreaked havoc, leaving many roads under water, homes flooded and five people trapped in their cars. A number of roads were closed, including the A454 Bridgnorth to Wolverhampton road, and part of it remained closed today.
Two schools, Bitterley Primary and Worfield Primary, closed early yesterday but were open as normal today. Flash floods also hit Bridgnorth and Albrighton.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said a total of 50 firefighters and officers were involved in operations around the county, with off-duty personnel being called in.
Shropshire Fire Service Incident Commander Shaun Baker and local farmer and county councillor Richard Huffer pay tribute to Mike Ellis, who died in flooding in Bitterley, near Ludlow, yesterday.
Leave your tributes for Mike Ellis in the comments below. Discussion of the incident will not be published.
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Comments for: "Retired teacher dies in Shropshire flooding"
helen
He was my form tutor years ago and he was such a lovely man. Really feel very sad reading this. RIP and my thoughts are with his family and friends
Laurence Rickards
Such upsetting news - I still talk about him some 20 years after last being taught by him. A fantastic and inspirational man.
Jamie McLellan
Such a shame. Mr Ellis was one of the two best teachers that I had during my time at Ludlow School. I credit him with getting me through maths GCSE. A firm but fair and conscientious teacher and a great role model.
Tabitha Rodway-Smith
Such devastating news; my heart goes out to his family. Mr Ellis was a teacher of the 'old school', firm but unutterably fair. No more running in the corridors in your honour - rest in peace, Sir.
Peter Horton
Mr Ellis taught me Maths at Harlescott County in the run up to my GCSE's. As a teacher his style didn't work for me, but he was a lovely bloke and had a great sense of humour. I'll never forget his absolute love of his morning coffee!
RIP Sir.
Claire
Mr Ellis taught me at harlescott school he was such a lovely man and il never forget him RIP xx
Sam Buckley
I was taught by Mr Ellis at Ludlow School, such very very sad news, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family x
Sally Andrews (nee Greenhill)
I am so sorry Judy, Mike was such a nice person and he was so supportive of all the guiding things that you did, my thoughts are with you
Char
Such devastating news, having known Mike in his Guiding capacity I know that he will be sadly missed as he has been such a great supporter of our county.
Sarah
Mr Ellis taught me in 1980/82 at Ludlow School. He was my form teacher as well as maths teacher. He supported our class when another teacher Mr Shaw passed away. He was old school, never shouted, but had that "stare". He was professional to the end and very well respected. Very sad to hear about this.
Vicki
Can't believe it, this is so sad :o( he was my form tutor in my last year at school and it was the best year that I had at school, my thoughts are with his family x
Fi Leighton
I am a teacher now thanks to the wonderful inspirational teachers I had at Ludlow School. Mr Ellis was not my maths teacher - but really supported me in developing my art; he had my work on display in his office - a real confidence boost for me, which I still appreciate now. Very very sad news and my thoughts are with his wife and family.
Jessica Shepherd
Some teachers you remember because they were so good: Mr Ellis didn't care about being popular with the students, he set clear boundaries, he was demanding, he expected you to try your best at all times, he made you raise your game and he got results. As an adult, I realise it takes dedication and a real commitment to high standards to be as consistently demanding as he was. When I was at school, I was a little scared of him, but looking back, all the good teachers scared me a bit. This news is so sad. He was a true public servant.
Geraldine
Such very sad news. Mike Ellis was one of the good guys, a wonderful teacher, a kind and clever man. He'll be sadly missed.
judi nester[wilcox]
rest in peace mike, all prayers go to your family
Catherine Morris
Very very sad news ......RIP Mr Ellis :( x
Maria Kelsey-Palmer
Horrified and saddened to hear of this great loss. Mike's calming, positive presence as a deputy head in my first teaching position (Ludlow)was much appreciated and I will always remember him as a smiling, caring man with impeccable "presence". My deepest sympathies to family, friends and colleagues.
Steve Jones
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Judy, Mike was so supportive of everything that you and he did, we will miss him at our events. Rest in peace, Mike.
Anthea
Mr Ellis taught me maths at harlescott school. So sad to read this news my thoughts are with his family. RIP mr Ellis.
Karen Murray nee Marshall
Mrs Ellis was both my English teacher in Cleobury Mortimer and my guide leader and she arranged for Mike to tutor me in Maths - my worst subject - he was a great tutor but more importantly a lovely man and I know Judy will miss him more than anything. They planned to spend a long and happy retirement together. My thoughts are with you Judy. Karen x
Clare Jackson
Mr Ellis taught me maths back in 1986/87 at Ludlow school. He was a teacher who made it clear he expected the best out of you and instilled that work ethic within me. Thank you.
Peace be with you Mr Ellis x
Peter McGinnes
Greatly saddened by this tragic news.Growing up in Barnsley in the early sixties,Mike was my first Patrol Leader on entering the scouts at 11 years old.He only lived round the corner from me on Gawber road and became a terrific influence on me all those years ago.Even in his youth he was a kind and considerate person with a wicked sense of humour when you got to know him.Sincere condolences to his wife.RIP,Mike.You will never be forgotten in Barnsley.
Sue Gwilliams
So sad to hear of Mr Ellis' death. He taught me maths many years ago at Ludlow School. Firm but always fair he had a rare talent for always getting the most out of his students. We all owe him so much; none deserved a long and happy retirement more than he.