John Renouf, who worked in Jersey’s education system for four decades, was found by a French boat off La Rocque last Saturday morning, having fallen from cliffs at Portelet Common the previous night.
The discovery followed a major search on the south coast involving the Fire and Rescue Service’s inshore lifeboat and cliff rescue teams, as well as both St Helier RNLI lifeboats and a French helicopter.
And following the opening of the inquest yesterday, at which Deputy Viscount Mark Harris said that the 63-year-old had died of multiple injuries, the head teachers of two of his former schools have paid their respects.
Sarah Hague, head of Les Quennevais, called Mr Renouf, who retired from the school two years ago, ‘a teacher of great integrity, skill and a deep determination’ and praised him for being ‘a great supporter of the underdog’ and for ‘championing causes and individuals he felt needed a voice.’
‘John was a much-loved and respected member of our school community for 30 years,’ she added. ‘Over the years he had a deep and lasting impact on the school and our students. You only have to look at the outpouring in social media to feel the deep regard in which he was held by students and parents, past and present.’
Mrs Hague added: ‘John put his heart and soul into developing children intellectually, emotionally, physically, spiritually and morally. As colleagues, we are the better for knowing and working with him for so long, and Les Quennevais school owes him a great debt for the passion and importance he placed on developing the whole child.’
‘Nothing was ever too much trouble for John and his care and dedication to his profession were immense. He was so proud of his family and our thoughts and love go out to Naomi, Michael and James at this difficult time. John adored them.’
Nick Falle, head of Hautlieu, where Mr Renouf worked from 1974 to 1982, said: ‘John was a former Hautlieu student and a teacher, and our community mourns his passing.
‘Everyone who has had the pleasure of studying or working with him will know all too well his compassion, intelligence and keen sense of fun.’
He added: ‘We at Hautlieu School, including our board of governors, send our condolences and our best wishes to John’s family.’
During the inquest, Advocate Harris formally released Mr Renouf’s body to enable the funeral to take place. The inquest will resume at a date yet to be fixed.
