Statement Regarding the Death of Ste Rowley

We were deeply shocked to learn this morning that we had lost a deeply valued member of the Warrington Primary Academy Trust school community, with the sudden passing of our maintenance officer Ste Rowley.

Ste was woven into the fabric of Beamont Primary School and Warrington Primary Academy Trust. He was a long standing Beamont parent, with all of his children current or former pupils. Since 2015 he had worked at the school as a caretaker and then across the trust’s eight schools as a maintenance officer, helping to look after our school sites with skill and dedication.

Many of you will have known Ste. He was a larger than life personality who endeared himself to everyone he met. His personality was as vibrant as his unique look. When he entered a room you knew about it and it was a rare occasion when you didn’t part company with Ste without feeling a little bit better about life.

Ste worked closely with Paul Ferguson, WPAT’s estates manager. Paul paid tribute to Ste: “There aren’t enough words that could describe what a great man Ste was. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He always had a smile on his face and he couldn’t do enough for people. He’ll be missed so much.”

Louise Smith, WPAT’s CEO, has also shared her tribute. “We’re heartbroken to hear of Ste's passing. He was a wonderful colleague and friend to us all – a genuinely helpful and dedicated colleague who went out of his way to help. We will miss him enormously.”

Chris Forrest, chair of trustees for WPAT, added: “I am shocked and saddened by Ste’s sudden death and offer my sincere condolences to his family at this very difficult time. Through his hard work Ste showed his dedication to the children in all our schools. He will be much missed.” 

I’m sure you will join us in expressing our deepest love and sympathy for Ste’s partner Maz and their family.