My wife, Lynne Walker, who has died aged 72, drew people towards her and made lives better through her work as an educator, business consultant and charity executive.
A teacher for more than 10 years, she became an associate dean at the University of the West of England in Bristol, before setting up a successful management consultancy. As well as being involved with education authorities she worked on culture change for the Foreign Office and other government departments.
Born in Walthamstow, north-east London, to Alan Walker, a packaging buyer for Sainsbury’s, and Beryl (nee Haynes), Lynne had a happy childhood. She attended Woodford county high school for girls, playing hockey for her school and at county level.
At 18 she went to Bishop Otter teacher training college in Chichester, West Sussex. She became vice-president of the students’ union, where she was known for her presence and huge guffaw.
Lynne started teaching in 1974 in east London, then at the Weald community school in Billingshurst, West Sussex (1980-85), where she became head of RE. She successfully applied for the post of head of Crawley Teachers’ Professional Centre, and she and I first met there at a member of staff’s leaving party, becoming friends.
After three years Lynne joined UWE as associate dean of the faculty of education, training teachers. She took a big risk in leaving the university in 1990 to establish her management consultancy but it was hugely successful. The demand for her expertise saw her travel extensively, including to Australia.
We re-met in 2006 and quickly planned to spend our lives together. We became civil partners in 2012, then married in 2015.
In 2009 Lynne was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, with surgery her only chance of survival. Six months later she left hospital determined to thrive, and we settled in Aldeburgh, Suffolk. She sought a role to “give back” via a small charity called Pancreatic Cancer UK, becoming an invaluable trustee, then an outstanding chair of the board, from 2014. She loved the charity, which benefited from her unwavering focus and guidance. Together they raised millions to progress research and find ways to diagnose the disease earlier.
Lynne was also on the board of Suffolk Libraries and was instrumental in establishing a charity and limited company at Aldeburgh Library. There, with a colleague, she developed a successful programme of adult education courses, and taught American politics, drawing large numbers of attendees. Two years ago, Lynne withdrew from charitable work, having begun to experience multiple medical issues.
Lynne was a wonderful friend, full of fun and known for her wise counsel, loyalty and generosity.
She is survived by me and her brother, Ian.
