TRIBUTES have flowed freely to an inspirational teacher, colleague, and friend whose influence rippled out across thousands of lives.

Viv Hendra died on Tuesday August 31 at the age of 70 after a long illness with cancer.

Born and and raised in Truro, Viv went to Cambridge to read English and Theology.

After his first posting as a teacher at St Andrews in the 1970s, Viv then joined Torpoint Community College where he spent 26 years teaching in the English Department, and leading a wonderful array of extra-curricular musical activities. Hundreds of messages have been posted online from former students and colleagues saddened by his loss, and remembering his presence with a smile – whether reflecting on trips full of fun while ‘following his umbrella’ through crowded cities in France or Italy, the ten tors walks where Mr Hendra would wear a long pink waterproof coat, the days when he would jump backwards onto the filing cabinet in his classroom and teach from there, or the many musical productions in which countless students were encouraged to develop their musical talents.

One former colleague, Martin Entwhistle, said: “Words cannot begin to express the sadness of losing my dear friend Viv. He was the closest of friends to our family, an inspirational colleague and always a joy to be in his company.

“There are so many happy memories from over the years. Turning up at our house in Truro in the 1960s clutching his accordion and entertaining us with his witty songs.

“Spending more than 20 years with him at Torpoint School helping him with all the Party Pieces, concerts, productions. Taking part in his shows was sheer joy. Taking Stage Band to the Scilly Isles and giving concerts on the islands.

“I count myself so lucky to have had Viv as part of the music department, always enthusiastic, so supportive and giving of his time freely.

“I shall miss our late night phone chats or sharing good conversation in his beautiful garden in Truro. RIP dear Viv.”

Many students taught by Viv have recounted that his guidance led them to thrive in the creative arts – and several of his former students became teachers themselves, always inspired by his way with young people.

One said: “Viv was a fantastic inspiration to so many. Hilarious, eccentric, exceptionally clever, passionate, and creative. But more than any of that, Viv was incredibly kind, warm and exceedingly generous, especially with his time. His door was always open, he poured thousands of hours into shows, school trips, visiting people, coming to friends’ gigs and never expected anything in return. He was a true gentleman and he will be forever missed. However, his greatest legacy is the fantastic memories so many of us have of him and the way he had such a positive impact on countless people. Thank you so much, Viv, and my heartfelt condolences to your family.”

In 2002, Viv returned to his home city Truro to join the family business. His father was a pharmacist and owned the Hendra Pharmacy in Truro and was also a keen family historian. With a great passion for art, Viv established the Lander Gallery in Lemon Street Market and ran it for many years. He combined art and family history research when, in 2007, he wrote a definitive book on the life of the Cornish artist John Opie called ‘The Cornish Wonder: A portrait of John Opie”.

Viv had been a long-standing supporter of the Cornwall Family History Society (CFHS) and in latter years took a leadership role in the organisation.

A spokesperson for CFHS said: “It was with great sadness that we learned that our Vice President Vivian Hendra passed away on 31 August after a long illness.

“Viv was our President in 2018 and used his literacy skills as the Editor of our quarterly journal.

“His amiable, thoughtful manner and general friendliness and approachability will be sorely missed.”

Viv’s nieces and nephews have kept his own personal Facebook page open as a place for those who knew Viv to share their memories.

They wrote: “It is with great sadness that we his family are writing that our beloved Viv passed away after a battle with cancer. As you would expect, Viv faced his illness with his characteristic positivity, determination and humour and remained pragmatic and upbeat all the way through.

“Viv has made so many fantastic friends over the years and many that we haven’t had the privilege to meet, we thought it best to inform everyone via this platform.

“We will continue to update everyone on the dates and timings of plans over the next few weeks. In the meantime, feel free to share any memories and photos of Viv on this page.”