My father, Robert Thomas, who has died aged 84, was a history teacher, Welsh rugby enthusiast and devoted family man. He brought warmth and humour to everything he did.
In the 1960s, Bob began teaching at a grammar school in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, before moving to a London comprehensive. He also taught inmates at Wandsworth prison, believing passionately in education as a means of overcoming inequality. He played rugby for London Welsh Druids and was often called up for the first team at short notice.
