John Hurst, a longtime resident of Milbourne, near Malmesbury, and a teacher in Swindon for 27 years, has died suddenly. He was 69.

Mr Hurst was born in Exeter, the only child of Stan and Vera Hurst. His father was a professional footballer.

He was brought up in Crediton, Devon, and was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, where he excelled in sports.

He studied English and history at Lampeter University and represented the University of Wales at football.

It was at Lampeter that he met Daph, the love of his life, whose warmth and beauty he cherished.

They married in 1970 and moved to Milbourne in 1973 where he lived for the next 41 years.

Together they had three children, Kathy born in 1976, Suzy in 1979 and Chris in 1982.

Mr Hurst taught English at Headlands School in Swindon from 1973-5 and was head of English at Kingsdown School, where he taught from 1975-1984. He believed passionately in education and was part of a radical generation of teachers who believed in encouraging young people to think independently.

Colleagues remember him as a gregarious, respected and supportive presence: someone who was always willing to challenge establishment ideas.

Mr Hurst joined the newly established New College in 1984 until his retirement in 2000.

He produced many fine college football teams and, in the mid-1990s, was instrumental in setting up the Swindon Town FC Youth Academy which allowed young footballers to continue their education.

He fostered similar links between New College and Forest Green Rovers FC in the late 1990s.

Clive Maguire, Swindon Town’s Football in the Community Trust manager, described him as a “great mentor” whose “knowledge of the game was unquestionable”.

After retirement, Mr Hurst went on to build houses with his son, Chris.

After Daph died in 2010 his health deteriorated, but he remained a source of strength and stability for his family.

From December last year he had been building a garage and extension for daughter Kathy, her husband, Keval, and three grandchildren Dylan, Carys and Seren.

Mr Hurst suffered a heart attack at 5pm on Saturday, shortly after watching Exeter City’s home match with his son. He died later that evening.

Through his teaching and building he achieved one of his goals “to put something of manself” into his work: a lasting visual and emotional legacy.

His three children and his three grandchildren survive him. His daughter Suzy is imminently expecting his fourth grandchild. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.