TRIBUTES have this week poured in following the sudden death of Chris Powell, acting principal of Tavistock College from January until September this year. Mr Powell, 51, collapsed and died following a meeting at Ivybridge College last Tuesday evening. The inspirational and enthusiastic principal of Okehampton College for the last five years, Mr Powell was asked to guide Tavistock College through its Ofsted inspection last winter, following the early retirement of its previous head, John Simes. Charlie Naylor, senior vice-principal at Tavistock College, said: ?Chris was a very committed principal, determined to introduce a culture of support for all students. ?He cared passionately about the development of good relationships between teachers and students and this was reflected in his own style of interaction with those with whom he came into contact in his short time at the college.? Mr Naylor said Mr Powell had a quiet manner which endeared him to staff and students alike. ?He was a clear thinker with a very straightforward way of expressing his views ? this was appreciated by everyone in the college. He devoted a huge amount of his own time to the work of the college, sharing his expertise in many areas,? said Mr Naylor. ?All this will have a long lasting impact on us for many years to come. His sense of humour, quick wit and friendliness will be missed by everyone who has had the pleasure to work with him.? Mr Naylor said staff had been invited to write a personal message in a book of remembrance, which will be sent to Mr Powell?s family. Cllr Jayne Hill, mayor of West Devon, said it had been ?a great shock? to hear of Mr Powell?s death. Cllr Hill said: ?I knew him both professionally and personally and he will be terribly missed by all of us who had dealings with him in our day-to-day activities. ?Chris was a teacher with a vision and passion for education that supported and encouraged pupils to success. His vision was not based solely within the college but within the wider community also. ?The same drive went with him to Tavistock, where he was caretaker principal earlier this year ? the borough is a better place for having Chris in charge of its schools and his loss will be sorely felt by so many.? Chairman of governors at Okehampton College John Stevens said it had been a huge privilege to work with a man of Mr Powell?s stature and his loss would be felt by everyone at the school for a long time to come. ?He leaves a huge legacy and all of us are committed to carrying on his work,? he said. Phil Norrey, Devon?s director of education, said Mr Powell would be ?sorely missed?. ?Unassuming and quiet, Chris had great resolve and determination which he demonstrated in the many ways in which he led the improvements at Okehampton College,? said Mr Norrey. Former West Devon MP John Burnett said Mr Powell would be sorely missed: ? He was a dedicted, far-sighted and extremely conscientious man.? Mr Powell?s funeral will be held at Exeter Crematorium on Friday and is for close friends and family only.