ROBERT Finlay Glover, who was Headmaster at Monmouth School from 1959 to 1977, has died at Colwall in Worcestershire.

Educated at The Leys School, Cambridge, and Corpus Christi College, Oxford, Mr Glover served in the Royal Artillery during the war and was afterwards an assistant master at Ampleforth College from 1946-1950 and Head of Classics at the King's School, Canterbury, from 1950-1953, before becoming Headmaster of Adams' Grammar School, Newport, Salop.

He took over at Monmouth at a time of uncertainty but the impact of his personality was soon felt and in a very brief time he brought a new sense of stability to the School.

A firm believer in the virtue of excellence and the need at all times to find self-fulfilment in its successful pursuit, he persuaded boys as much by example as exhortation to be dissatisfied with the mediocre and scornful of the shoddy. His philosophy of education was that every boy could excel at something, the art was to find out what it was.

With the classicist's natural respect for learning and the realist's belief in the principle of "no work, no play," Mr Glover took a keen interest in the boys' academic work which resulted in a steady, marked improvement in standard.

His concern for intellectual excellence was paralleled by his enthusiastic interest in the School's sport. Celebrated past pupils during his Headmastership include Lord Colin Monahan, who had an Oxford Blue for boxing and coxing and was an Olympic medallist, and Paul Langford, Rector of Lincoln College, Oxford.

Throughout his time as Head, Mr Glover lived within the school grounds and fully identified himself with all aspects of school life. He graced many a choral performance with his sound bass voice and, with his wife, Jean, entertained countless artists of the Merlin Music Society of which he was President.

He worked continuously to improve the facilities of the School. He viewed with indignation the challenge to the Direct Grant System and early in his career at Monmouth School devised plans to combat it. He increased the boarding element by opening three new Houses - Weirhead, Tudor and Chapel - and established a flourishing Preparatory Department in The Grange. The extensive building programme, which included the new Sports' Centre, Language Laboratory, Geography and Art Complex, Dining Hall and Handicrafts' Workshop, produced a permanent tribute to his and the Governors' foresight and determination.

In his desire to maintain the essentially democratic character of the school, he co-operated with the Old Monmothians in setting up an Appeal Fund to provide the means whereby the able but needy boy could continue to enter the School.

Mr Glover's concern for the physical well-being of the School was always informed by an awareness of spiritual as well as educational values. The role of the Chapel was central in the life of the School and he was a preacher of some substance.

He was well known for his endearing habit of addressing any member of the School as "George" earned him his sobriquet and concealed a deep knowledge of his pupils.

One of his colleagues described him as "a mentor and guide", always being available to offer advice. The outstanding impression was of a man totally devoted to his task and to what he considered his duty.

His wife was a tireless fund raiser for the Cheshire Homes and was hugely supportive of her husband. Their daughter Jane is an internationally renowned conductor, musician and expert in Mozart. They also have a son Richard, a Managing Director of the British School of Motoring, and a daughter Kate.

On retirement, Mr Glover worked as Secretary to the Headmasters' Conference, based in London.

A service of thanksgiving was held last week at Colwall in Worcestershire, where he was a church warden for 25 years. He had also been a member of the Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Monmouth School on Thursday, June 28th, at 2.30pm.