Death of former Solihull Chamber president
John Callaghan, former principal of Solihull College and University Centre and president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, has passed away aged 61.
The veteran FE leader handed over the reins at the college last month after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. He was president of Solihull Chamber from 2015 to 2017.
Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are incredibly sad to hear of John 's passing. John made a huge impact on all of those that knew him - his students, the region and his sector.
“His dedication, enthusiasm and no-nonsense, straight talking will be missed by many, including our Solihull division committee members with whom he spent many years developing the work of this Chamber.
“Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family, his colleagues at Solihull College and his friends across the business community and beyond. ”
Lilian Elekan, the GBCC's head of membership and previously head of the Solihull Chamber, said: “I was devastated to learn that, after a short illness, John Callaghan passed away on Friday.
“John was a huge support to the Solihull Chamber over the years, leading the executive council from 2015 to 2017 and remaining an integral part of the council after that.
“We will miss his passion for education and business in the region, his larger than life personality and his shining positivity and support.
“In his role as principal, John showed unwavering dedication to his students, his team at Solihull College and the wider FE landscape in the West Midlands.
“He was a true asset to business and education and will be sadly missed by many. ”
Sam Frampton, head of the Solihull Chamber, said: "John was a wonderful, kind man who will be missed by everyone that knew him. My thoughts and love go to his family."
In a message to staff, the college said: “John led the college for nearly eight years and was highly respected and valued by his colleagues, students, the local community and further education sector. He will be greatly missed.
“We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife Michelle and family and respect their wishes for no contact at this time. ”
Mike Hopkins, principal of Solihull 's neighbouring South and City College Birmingham, said John was “one of the most straight talking honest and trustworthy people I 've known in FE ”.
The two had known each other for nearly two decades and John “has always been larger than life in every respect, ” Mr Hopkins said.
John was educated in Birmingham and lived in the local area for all of his working life in the public and private sectors.
Before becoming principal at Solihull College he had been Principal at North East Worcestershire College until 2010.
He played an active role within local business as a board member of the Solihull Strategic Partnership Board, Solihull Chamber of Commerce and served on the Employment and Skills Boards for Solihull. He was also chair of the national Further Education Funding Advisory Group and served on a local School Trust.