PUBLISHED 11 January 2021
Patricia Rylatt who died shortly before Christmas pioneered the use and understanding of computers at King Edward VII School, Lytham
Pat, who attended Withington Girls School and Manchester University, was a teacher of computer studies and mathematics, admired for the high standards of work and behaviour she expected in the classroom.
She was liked and well-respected both by pupils of all ages and by her colleagues. Pat joined King Edward’s in 1988 from Millfield School in Blackpool and always had a ready wit and sense of humour which made her a popular figure in the staff room.
Julian Wilde who took up the Headship of King Edward’s in 1993 recalls that he was delighted to find on his staff an expert on the use of computers who taught beginners with craft and patience and harnessed the enthusiasm of pupils for the then new technology.
Pat who lived at the old post office in Cambridge Road, Ansdell chose, as a distinctive retirement gift in 1998, a Jack Russell Terrier and became a familiar sight on her daily walks round Lytham.
She and her husband Kenneth who died two years ago were strong supporters of St. Cuthbert’s Church where she used her computer skills to collate and edit the monthly Parish Magazine.
Pat’s funeral took place at St. Cuthbert’s on January 4th, with her son Nick, daughter Lindsay and grandchildren Peter and Emma in attendance.
Many in the wider School and Lytham communities will remember Pat and her first class work with gratitude and affection.