Tributes: Former St Anthony’s Primary School Kingscliff principal Paul Raymond Hookway dies
The beloved ex-principal of a northern NSW primary school who died unexpectedly last week is being remembered as “the best ever” with a “beaming smile we’ll never forget”. Read the tributes.
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The beloved ex-principal of a northern NSW primary school who died unexpectedly last week is being remembered as “the best ever” with a “beaming smile we’ll never forget”.
Paul Raymond Hookway, 81, died on Friday, January 5, after suffering a heart attack.
Mr Hookway, known for his “lasting legacy of learning and teaching”, was the first lay principal of St Anthony’s Primary School at Kingscliff, holding the position from 1980 until 1992.
Mr Hookway’s passing sent shockwaves through the St Anthony’s school community, with scores of alumni remembering him on Facebook as “the best principal ever”.
Annette Elsegood wrote: “RIP Mr Hookway you were best school principal, one we will never forget. Fly high and condolences to the family.”
Amy Deale-Calleja added: “Mr Hookway was an amazing principal, have many fond memories from St Anthony’s.”
His barber, Carmen Coetzee, of The Barbershop at Kingscliff, said: “I will miss Paul coming in to the barbershop. Such a great guy. Condolences to his family.”
Simon Prichard wrote: “Paul, your laugh will be one I’ll never forget.”
Tonita Butler said Mr Hookway had a “wide, welcoming beaming smile that I’ll always remember”.
Bev Ensbey wrote that Mr Hookway was a “wonderful man and headmaster to our children”.
Former St Anthony’s school captain Cherie Williams shared her fond memories of the longtime headmaster, saying he “left a lasting legacy of learning and teaching”.
Tammy Jones wrote: “I still remember all those years ago where you inspired me so much to love mathematics. It stayed with me all the way through school and I never stopped loving maths.”
“You were one of a kind, the old-school type of teacher who cared so much about his students and helping them be the best they could be. I will miss you. You were an absolute legend,” she said.
Mr Hookway will be commemorated at a funeral service on Thursday at the St Anthony’s Church on Kingscliff’s Pearl St from 11am.
St Anthony’s Primary School has been contacted for comment.
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