Gordon Read, the former chief probation officer of Devon and a passionate advocate for justice, has passed away at the age of 89. Renowned for his empathetic leadership and commitment to equality, Read significantly influenced the probation service during his career, leaving behind a profound legacy that extended into his later life as a poet and community activist.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Born in Kingston, Kent, Read was adopted at the age of 12 by Edith Cook, a cleaner, and Albert Read, a builder. His formative years in Suffolk were marked by academic excellence, culminating in a scholarship to Framlingham College. After serving in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers during national service, he pursued an English degree at Peterhouse, Cambridge, graduating in 1960. It was at Cambridge that he met Val Exall, whom he married in 1961, eventually settling in South Kensington, London.
Following his studies, Read obtained a diploma in social studies from the London School of Economics and specialised training in probation at the Home Office. He began his career in 1962 with the South West London Probation Service in Wallington, focusing on young offenders. His commitment to continuous learning led him to the Tavistock advanced course in social work, further shaping his approach to probation.
Influential Roles and Contributions
In 1968, Read joined the Inner London Probation Service, eventually becoming the senior probation officer at Pentonville Prison, where he oversaw resettlement efforts. His dedication and innovative thinking facilitated a promotion to assistant chief with the Hereford and Worcester Probation Service in 1972, followed by a role as the West Midlands regional staff development officer. His imaginative training programmes enriched the probation service and benefitted countless professionals.
Read’s appointment as chief probation officer for Devon came in 1981, where he served until 1996. Colleagues admired his sharp political insight and his ability to challenge norms while remaining supportive. He was known for his loyalty to his staff, actively celebrating their achievements and maintaining connections with former colleagues long after retirement.
A Poet in His Later Years
After retiring, Read settled in Exeter, where he pursued a master’s degree in creative writing at Plymouth University. His longstanding passion for poetry flourished during this period, resulting in the publication of three collections that reflected his life experiences and emotional depth. His active participation in community initiatives continued, as he campaigned for the NHS and restorative justice, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to social causes.
Tragedy struck in 1982 when his daughter, Julia, died in a climbing accident, a loss that profoundly affected him. The depth of his grief found expression in his poignant poem, “The Daughter’s Room,” a testament to his ability to channel personal sorrow into art.
Gordon Read is survived by his wife Val, daughters Lucetta and Julia, as well as a grandson, Andrew. His legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on both the probation service and the literary world.
Why it Matters
Gordon Read’s life and work serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community and beyond. His unwavering belief in equality and justice not only transformed the probation service but also inspired those around him to advocate for change. As society grapples with issues of justice and rehabilitation, Read’s legacy encourages us to view offenders with empathy and understanding, reminding us that compassion can lead to meaningful reform. Through his poetry, he also demonstrated the healing power of words, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in processing grief and fostering connection. Gordon Read will be remembered not just as a leader in the field of probation, but as a voice for justice and a champion of the written word.
