Heartfelt tributes have been paid after a “much-loved” teacher and swimming coach passed away.

Harry Tyler, a maths teacher who worked at Francis Combe (now known as Futures Academy), from 1963 to 1996, has died aged 87 after complications with his lungs and COPD.

He grew up in Chipperfield and moved to Kings Langley when he married his wife Diana in 1958.

Watford Observer: Harry was a maths teacher at Francis Combe.Harry was a maths teacher at Francis Combe. (Image: Ian Tyler)

They have two sons, Ian and Paul, as well as four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ian said they will all “hugely miss” him.

In 1972, he was the co-founder of the Kings Langley Swimming Club where he spent 30 years helping children swim, enter galas and progress through the swimming stages.

Ian added: “Dad was always involved with things that my brother and I were doing. He co-started the swimming club as all of our family were involved in swimming, and he was recommended to start it with Neill Withers, a PE teacher from Francis Combes.

“He will be greatly missed as he had an impact on so many different people who knew Dad through school, swimming or bowling.”

Watford Observer: Harry and his wife Diana. Harry and his wife Diana. (Image: Ian Tyler)

The 64-year-old described his dad as a “very organised mathematician” who “liked to be in charge” and “liked things to go right”.

He remembers his father being “actively involved” in his childhood as they spent time playing golf and attending his young football matches and swimming galas.

As a teacher, he coached his school’s football team which had TV personality Bradley Walsh as a player.

He would take the players to matches on Saturdays as he was “fully committed to the role”, and would bring Ian to the matches as he “enjoyed watching the football and spending time with Dad”.

A spokesperson for Kings Langley Swimming Club said: "Harry Tyler co-founded Kings Langley Swimming Club in 1972 and worked tirelessly to provide swimming competitions for children in the area.   

“Because of his efforts, there are thousands of children who learnt to swim and compete, some of whom have gone on to teach swimming themselves.

"Harry will be fondly remembered and respected by all who knew him through the swim club. We shall always have a special place in our hearts for him."

They extended their sympathies to his family, who should be "very proud of his legacy". He was a "truly remarkable gentleman", they added.

Carol and Ray Preston, who were coaches during his time, wrote: “Harry spent many hours preparing team sheets (by hand - no computers in those days). He also represented Hertfordshire ASA spending many hours as an official at county level. At times he showed a fiery side which reflected his ardent support for the club.”

He was also the captain of the men’s bowls team at the Kings Langley Bowling Club from 2018 to 2019.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Harry Tyler was a valued and active member of the club. He will be greatly missed.”