I only met Roy at the BCS this year but will remember a lovely man who had put his heart and soul into this fantastic cause for many years. I will be helping out at the BCS again this year I do hope, and have gained much inspiration from such a good-willed and charitable person. So sorry to hear of this news. All the best, Roy. Those close to you can feel very proud of all you did.

Roy was the most kind and honourable gentleman that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I shared his passion for football and classical music and we used to have long discussions about both as well as his love of learning languages. He always listened to you and was genuinely concerned about you. He did so much for the youngsters in his care and it was so lovely to see it being appreciated yesterday at his memorial at Arden. It must be true that God only takes the best. Roy surely left his mark on thousands of people-me included. I will miss his cheering smile, kind words and calming presence. Rest in peace, Roy. You will never be forgotten.

I truely feel that a massive part of the jigsaw puzzle at the Birmingham shelter has gone missing with the loss of Roy. I met Roy in 2009 at the Birmingham Christmas shelter but i did not get the opportuity to assist this kind gentleman in the great task of completing the variety of wonderfull sand wichs that was Roy's domain and of which he was so in control of. my time in 2010 at the Christmas shelter is the memory i will keep forever working with the marvel of Roy and his army of sand wich makers. thank you Roy. it was a pleasure..

We were sad to hear about Roy - he was certainly a great character. We both spent many happy hours making sandwiches under his expert guidance. There was a lighter side to Roy however, the year that sandwiches were made off-site he created a party atmosphere with music, chocolates and paper hats! Our thoughts our with his relatives and friends this afternoon. Carol & Bill Mackinnon-Little

Roy was that rare combination; not only was he one of the nicest people you could ever meet, he was also genuinely Good. I didn't know him all that well, only through helping out last Christmas and the one before at BCS, but somehow I felt I knew him very well indeed. So it was with real shock, and with deep sadness that I heard about his death last week. It was a privilege to have known Roy and I know that all of us sandwich-makers will miss him very, very much. It's hard to think we will no longer hear his clear, distinctive voice calling out for 'more corned beef, we've got enough cheese,' and 'do you think we need vinegar with that?' At the 2009 Christmas Shelter Roy brought in a sharp vegetable knife, for use in the kitchen, which he gave me at the end of my last shift. I'll treasure this (it's very sharp!) and always think of Roy when I use it. Rest in Peace Roy, I wish you were still here. We loved you.

What a lovley lovley man,knew Roy through the shelter,such an interesting man who led such an interesting life.Oh how he will be missed,rest in peace Roy,bless you x

Although we only briefly met at the Christmas shelter it will seem strange not to return and make sandwiches under your watchful eye-however I'm sure you will still watch over the quality of the fillings!A true gentle man-in all aspects with a heart as big as your personality.Rest in much peace. Sympathies to your family and friends. never to be forgotten.

No one who met Roy will ever forget him. So sad,but so glad that i was lucky enough to do so. It was an honour to know him at the shelter.I will remember him with much fondness and respect. God bless you Roy and all who are suffering losing you. Josephine Gutteridge

Roy was a gentle and saintly man. His eccentricities endeared him to others and his commitment to the Christmas Shelter was exceptional. He was clearly unwell at christnas but nothinbg was going to stop him helping. I am sure his commitment to the students he taught was just as strong. If any of us can find hope in this sad and untimely loss may it be ann encouragement to show the same commitment as Roy to all we do. That would be a fine legacy to one of the worlds good men. Thanks for being YOU Roy. Peter Brownjohn BCS

I didn't know Roy that well but I worked with him a few times while at Birmingham Christmas Shelter. A credit to our charity, he seemed a nice easy going man and will be missed. My sympathies to his family. Michael Gennery

I also worked with Roy for the past 5 years. His true keenness, love and dedication was an inspiration to all. His dry sence of humour, his determination and his total commitment were respected by everyone. He was simply a lovely, lovely man who had time for everyone. This year working with him so closely we shaired some special times but he always wanted the best presentation and quality in sandwhiches you will ever see. He once told me off for not putting enough filling in the sandwhiches. He made sure the homeless had the best. That was the sort of guy he was. Putting others first. He was respected by all who came in contact with him from the homeless to the helpers. He will be sorley missed. Sandwhiches this year will not be the same. RIP my friend.

I also worked with Roy for the past 5 years. His true keenness, love and dedication was an inspiration to all. His dry sence of humour, his determination and his total commitment were respected by everyone. He was simply a lovely, lovely man who had time for everyone. This year working with him so closely we shaired some special times but he always wanted the best presentation and quality in sandwhiches you will ever see. He once told me off for not putting enough filling in the sandwhiches. He made sure the homeless had the best. That was the sort of guy he was. Putting others first. He was respected by all who came in contact with him from the homeless to the helpers. He will be sorley missed. Sandwhiches this year will not be the same. RIP my friend.

BCS will never be the same. Lots of love Hel xx

I have had the pleasure of working with Roy every year at the Shelter since 2007 and his dedication and passion to help others is truely inspirational. I will miss you Roy and I will think of you when making the sandwiches this year and every year thereafter. Very sadly missed Paula Campbell

Despite his age, despite his health, he was there when needed. A True gent if ever there was one. It was truly a pleasure to know him and he will be sadly missed.

Roy was a delight to have met Roy at the christmas homeless shelter x x x

Mr Jones You Was So Lovely And You Always Helped Me Get My P.E. Kit Back When I Lost It, you will be missed so much and the great times we all had together, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

corpora lente augescent cito extinguuntur Bodies grow slowly and die quickly (Tacitus) A gentleman and a scholar Wendy Flanagan

A real gentleman, always polite and friendly. Roy was a totally dedicated teacher and an asset to any school.

Mr Jones was an extremely central part of the school. I remember my first day and all the year 7's that went into the canteen got a gold star on their lunchcard of you. Me and Cat helped you sell some cards and that is where our friendship started. You were always there on parents evenings, and i was helping you till i reached sixth form.You always seemed to give out chocolate and were a very giving man. You never sat down and i think your biggest weakness, was your inability to sit down and let someone else do something. I suppose now you can finally rest... You will be dearly missed and certainly never forgotten.

Roy Jones - if in doubt - ask Roy. I got Roy's French version of the colleague greeting - every day without fail - even when I didn't have time to listen. Unfailing patience and open heartedness. Willingness to assist and a true devotion to all of us at Arden school who were his family and friends. A clever and generous gent the like of whom I am sure never to encounter again. Need a lift Roy? I'd happily drive you to distraction again.

Dear Roy, what a gentleman. I worked with Roy at Arden for 10 years. He always called me his "gnaedige Kollegin" . An extremely talented linguist, he inspired respect from all those he came into contact with. Proud of his technophobia, I can't help but think he'll be smiling when he looks down and sees all these lovely comments about him, on a COMPUTER!!! Ha ha. He gave his life to teaching, languages and cared for everybody he met. Auf wiedersehen Roy, mein gnaediger Kollege xxx (oh and I've chosen the football icon, especially for you)

I will always remember you Mr Jones. You were such a kind man who always gave something for the school and the pupils. You had a nickname for almost everyone. Mine was G&S I remember the day when we were cutting up strawberries for a charity day where we sold strawberries and ice cream. We had a good laugh that day. Arden will never be the same without you. RIP Mr Jones From G&S (good and sensible)

Mr Jones, I remember so much about from when I was at Arden, I remember the chats about what I wanted to do with my music/drums. But most of all I will always remember my nickname you gave to me "The bone crusher". Such a nice man and will be missed and never forgotten. Thanks for all the memory's Mr Jones Love from Reece Emanuel "The bone crusher" xx

When i heard the news that you had passed, i felt a lump in my throat and tears poured down my face. I'm very sad but also thankful for all the times you helped me in school, and others. You always managed to put a smile on my face, even on my bad days aha! Your were a true gentleman, considerate and caring for others around you. You were always happy and made so many people laugh when you fell asleep in lessons you were suppose to be teaching!! All the charity work you did went along way. You were a true ledgend and will honestly never be forgotten you touched so many peoples lives and will be missed. R.I.P Mr Jones, it's time for you to rest X X

i can safely say that every person at arden school will miss you, your falling asleep in lessons, secret handshakes and nicknames for everyone, helping at charity events and school productions, every student and teacher loved you. you helped anyone that needed it, and you will never be forgotten.arden will miss you greatly.

Mr Jones, you will be missed dearly. You always had a smile on your face, and you was always there for everyone..you always put people before yourself, i remember the first time we met in year seven you was saying welcome to Arden, i thought it was really sweet. I said a pray for you last night and i burst into tears because i just remember how happy you was every day i saw you and how you smiled no matter the weather:) When i heard that you passed away, i was in shock..i didn't know how the school would cope without you, you was always there to help with counting money for charity days and many more events. Wish you was still here Mr Jones, but im glad that you are not in pain anymore..will see you in the future. X

From a different generation, you taught me French and had a little couch in your office at Tudor Grange for fragile little first years 20 years before Arden! You looked after me on my French exchange. I wonder where you are now Mr Jones? See you there sometime, you’ll be missed. Good times sir, you had a blast. So many wish they could have had more.

Mr Jones is such a ledgend, just one of them people that was all about caring and helping people. I dont think i never saw a sad face on that man, always had a smile. Even when he was probably in a mood or annoyed he always had the strength to put a smile on. He always put people before himself. People who need help with school work etc and charity. He was a brave man and will be dearly missed. His home was Arden schooland we were his family. also such a funny man falling asleep in lessons whenhe was meant to teach haha what a man. never missed. Rest In Peace mate x

Always ready to help and with a smile on his face, the silence at school when it was announced shows how important he was. Always a gentleman. we will miss you.

What a caring man. Always making sure that everyone at school is okay. He would do anything for you if you asked. R.I.P Sir! Never forgotten!

Mr Jones was an extremely talented man when it came to languages. He used to be a Latin teacher and along side this, some of the other languages he knew was French, German and Spanish. He did apply to be a translator in the up coming Olympics.. and was successful, he got accepted and was due to translate for the basketball teams at the Olympics. It was one of the reasons he was buzzing with excitement recently. He was an individual who always liked to busy himself and work for the benefit of everyone else’s well being and enjoyment. Mr Jones himself was an iconic member of the school's ethos and as many would agree, one of those teachers a pupil of Arden will never forget. He was most definitely one of kind- who had the blessed talent of turning ANY frown upside down. RIP Mr Jones, you will be most dearly missed x

I had so much respect and admiration for you, that when I heard yesterday of your sudden death my tears started to flow. Looking at this website today, they have started again. You were such a thoughtful, kind gentleman who always went out of your way to help others. It was wonderful to attend events at Arden School and to be greeted with your warm smile and genuine interest in the family. Everything you did was for the good of others. You even used your holidays to help the homeless at Christmas. My family and I will never forget you Mr. Jones. I hope that you realised just how much you were loved and respected by everyone. Thank you and rest in peace.

Lucie Baker

13 years ago

Comment by Deborah Baker, Parent

Not really a memory of him but it showed the imPact it had on the school when after it was announced there was total silence around school. True man rip

I never met you, and didn't know you, but the tributes left by the pupils of Arden School paying tribute to a man who obviously spent his life passing on his knowledge and wisdom, speaks volumes about your passion and your personality. Rest in Peace, and in the confidence that the knowledge you shared will help prepare these pupils for the life ahead of them, and encourage them to be as unselfish as you have been with your time on this earth. God Bless.

I remember when you helped me find my classes you have always been kind and caring I remember in your last days o helped you carry a table you are awesome . We will all miss you what will Arden do with out you.

I remember when I lost my classes and you helped me find them. What a great man. I remember you last days and I remember how I helped you carry table . We Will all miss you. What wil arden do with out you xxx

He always had a word for everyone, he was the real man for pastoral care. I think he managed to know everyone. He as, in the words of practically every student who knew him, a legend. There's no more to be said. RIP Mr Jones.

Mr Jones. What an absolute legend! I remember on the night of the concerts at school, he'd be setting up for the parents and people that came to watch and I would be practising on the piano in the hall, and he would just come in and just sit and listen. Afterwards he would smile and then call me by my sister's name-bless!- and ask me to play another. He was an amazing listener and so, so inspiring with his devotion to school and, I think we all know, the lost property section! RIP and God Bless Mr Jones! You will be dearly missed :( xxxxx

A caring and considerate teacher who contributed hugely towards the school and how people felt. I'll never forget those cover lessons! R.I.P Mr.Jones, we'll miss you!

One word: Legend. RIP Jonesy.

Mr Jones was one of the nicest people i had ever come across such a kind hearted man, was so sad when hear the news, but he will never be forgotten. I want to thank you for helping me throughout my time in Arden, always there to help out at parents evenings and attended nearly every event held at Arden. I will miss seeing you around school, giving you a smile and having a chat when bumping into each other! Me and my mum will miss you so much, I know how much time you spend together helping each other out with jobs, she always appricated all your time and will miss it dearly, thanks for everything! Never to be fogotten RIP Mr Jones xx