Ray Bailey

It was in a classroom of a local night school in the 1950s, where the ambitious Glasgow-born former RAF radar technician opened the first chapter of his long and illustrious educational career.

In August 1960, he returned to the classroom but this time he stood at the front as a lecturer in the department of electrical engineering at Glasgow's Stow College, where his double gift of teaching and a passion to learn shone through the college throughout the decade.

A firm believer in second-chance learning, he himself achieved his chartered engineer qualification in 1966 through part-time study, and was later recognised nationally as an elected honorary member of the City and Guilds of London Institute.

It was in March 1970 when Cardonald College, in the south-west of the city, felt the wave of his vigorous ambition which chronicled his progress from senior lecturer to head of engineering in 1981.

His influence gathered momentum as it swept through the Scottish education sector, and three years later he was appointed development officer (for electrical engineering) for the government's action plan. The result was the introduction of Scotvec National Certificate modules, signalling a historical landmark that would change the face of non-advanced further education in Scotland.

He was appointed deputy principal of the college in 1984, and became the distinguished successor to the late Gavin Barr in 1986. Barr saw his potential and commitment to driving Cardonald College to the forefront of its field, and had faith in his ability to lead an operation of such challenging scale.

Although the influx of people into further education in Scotland during the 1980s was widespread, numbers at Cardonald soared as visitors continued to be captivated by the college's vibrant foyer and successes of students of all ages and backgrounds, which also upheld the college as a model for flexible community-based adult learning.

The principal's energetic efforts to widen access and opportunities in education engaged many minds, and it came as no surprise when inspectors commissioned by the regional council to review its department of education were directed to Mosspark Drive to witness what was hailed as an example of an efficient and effective educational establishment.

After leaving a lasting impression on the assessors, he was invited to share the secrets of Cardonald's success at a regional forum for managers in Strathclyde. It was often suggested by industry peers that his vision even inspired the title of a Scottish Office White Paper - Access and Opportunity - which laid the foundations for incorporation. Cardonald's continued prosperity as it flowed through the transition to corporate college is a testament to Bailey's long-standing commitment, which Barr had seen in his successor. Bailey orchestrated the expansive development of the curriculum, forging links with surrounding schools and higher education establishments to create a constantly growing offering for students.

His belief in challenging limits and pushing boundaries led him to become a founder member of the Glasgow Community Colleges Group, where he played a fundamental role in cementing its partnership with Glasgow and Strathclyde universities. These valuable links have paved the way for the future of the college, whose reputation he has helped to carve out as one of the city's most forward-thinking learning institutions.

Until his retirement in June 1997, Bailey spread his time across the development of initiatives both near and far, supporting the Govan Initiative and developing partnerships with colleges across Europe and America. He still made time to coach youngsters at rugby.

Memories of study evenings as a former RAF technician at night school may have led him to hold so dear such a dedication to promoting lifelong learning.

And, indeed, the air force motto - per ardua ad astra (from hard work to the stars) - may have followed him on the remarkable journey which will remain an eternal testament to his vision.

He leaves behind wife Marie, to whom he was married for 48 years, sons Mark, Gerard and Brian, daughter-in-law Carol and grandchildren Lauren and Liam. Kate Sangster is head of student support at Cardonald College.