A SCHOOL closed for half a day so friends, colleagues and former pupils of a much-loved teacher could pay their respects at his funeral.
Chris Rutter spent 25 years as deputy head of Sandon Business and Enterprise College, in Meir, and retired just months before his death.
His impact cut across the generations and so many people attended St Chad's Church, in Bagnall, yesterday that some mourners had to listen from outside the church.
They recalled the 56-year-old geography specialist as an inspirational figure, who had touched the lives of thousands of young people and teachers.
Chris, who lived in Bagnall and had a long-term partner, Diane, died last month after a six-year battle with cancer.
Friend and colleague Pauline Marsden said Chris's passion for geography meant he could name the capital city of every country.
She said: "This interest in places led to his love of travel."
His expeditions with Sandon pupils also left an indelible memory. On one trip to Ramshaw Rocks, in the Moorlands, he regaled 49 students with stories during a storm.
Chris helped many trainee teachers get on the first rung of the career ladder too. Pauline said: "He was a good listener, and he gave sound advice and clear direction to all."
Chris, who also taught at Haywood High, in Burslem, and Longton High, in Meir, grew up in Sneyd Green. He was born in the front room of the family home.
His brother Geoff Rutter, aged 59, said: "Chris and I became close from the off. He was known for being a young boy who was always smiling and happy."
This sense of humour remained with Chris all his life. When he left Sandon, one pupil wrote to tell him she would miss his "giggles" in the school dining room.
At yesterday's funeral, Geoff spoke of his brother's love of sports, cars and nature.
He recounted one of their last trips together, saying: "We went out in his car, with a drink and a packet of crisps, just as we would do as kids. The radio was playing oldies."
Despite being diagnosed with cancer, Chris showed "immense courage and dignity".
Geoff added: "He would say: 'Look, we are where we are. We can't change that. We've just got to get on and make the best of it'."
Karen Castrey, Sandon's headteacher, said they had decided to shut the school for the afternoon so "many dear friends and colleagues", and past and present students, could pay their respects.
Yesterday's funeral included a piano recital by Chris's sister-in-law Val Rutter and the poem Death Is Nothing At All read by cousin John Wood.
The service was followed by cremation at Carmountside and a reception at Greenway Hall Golf Club, Stockton Brook.
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