Barnes, who oversaw generations of pupils taught at the school, was also closely tied to the Massey High School community, serving 10 years as chair of its board of trustees.

“Bruce was a highly respected leader who served his school, staff, students and community with integrity, commitment, and care, he was also an avid champion of Massey High School,” Massey High School wrote on Facebook.

“Bruce passed away peacefully on Saturday night. His passing was unexpected and will be felt deeply across our community.

“The Massey High School family’s thoughts are with Bruce’s family and with the Massey Primary community.”

The Massey Birdwood Settlers Association, a 100-year-old resident and ratepayers group that covers the area, also honoured Barnes, describing him as a “good friend of the Association” who will “be sadly missed” across West Auckland.

Upon learning of his death, a former Massey Primary teacher extended her condolences to Barnes’ family and the wider community.

“I have such special and fond memories of my time teaching at MPS and Bruce was a big part of that,” she said.

Kelston Primary School principal Cliff Hughes called Barnes a “friend and colleague of mine for many years” whose “sense of humour and extensive knowledge will be sadly missed”.

“On behalf of Kelston Primary school, we offer our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.”

Ex-Massey Primary alumni have also flooded the Facebook posts with personal tributes to their former principal.

“I had Mr Barnes for two years at school. He inspired me to become a teacher, my first teaching practicum was at Massey when he was principal … I could never call him by his first name,” one person wrote.

“I remember his laugh, having the radio on and listening to cricket, the pointers he taught me in athletics I use to teach kids to this day.”

Another parent shared how Barnes “was loved and highly respected by many, including my own three children, during their time” at the school.

“His dedication to the school, staff, students and families during his 30+ years at Massey is admirable. He will be sorely missed!”

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