Tributes to rock art expert Stan

Burslem-born former teacher has died at 91

- Kristy Dawson

TRIBUTES have poured in for a Stoke-on-Trent-born former teacher and international rock art expert who has died at the age of 93.

Stan Beckensall passed away on October 1.

The great-grandad - who grew up in Burslem - was a teacher for most of his life.

He had four children, seven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren, was given an MBE for his services to prehistoric rock art and history in Britain, as well as an honorary doctorate from Newcastle University for his contribution to the study of British rock art.

Stan’s eldest daughter Sonia Clark, 67, said: “We're all going to miss him. He was such a lovely, kind, compassionate man and clearly that rang out to everybody else that he came into contact with.

“I knew he was a popular guy but it has shocked me how much love and sympathy has come pouring in. There's been a massive outpour with so many lovely comments.

“As a family, we are really grateful for them.”

Stan was born in Burslem on August 17, 1932, the youngest of seven children.

Sadly only four of them reached adulthood and his older brother was a pilot killed in the Second World War.