Martyn Tuft was a mainstay in the technology department throughout his time at Blue Coat Church Academy

The 65-year-old, described as a magician with a chisel, joined the school in 1979 as a technician.

He held the same position for 43 years and even met his wife, Di Tuft, who was the head of science, in 1995.

A Wolves season ticket holder at Steve Bull Upper, Martyn has seen 14 different managers and three other interims during his time at the school.

He said: “It’s heartbreaking to leave but I know it’s the right time, especially when the sons and daughters of the children who were here when I started have their own children here now.

“These memories will keep me warm and content at night and my relationships will always be strong, with Di remaining (head of science). You can’t throw away a lifetime of friends and memories like that. It’s a place unbelievable.

“It’s not an overused cliché to say the school is family oriented. When we married in 1995 at St Matthew’s Church (just up from Walsall School), the headmaster of RE at the time, Andy Williams, ran the service.

“Sixth Form did the choir and the kitchen department did the cake, catering and table decorations. Our two children were baptized at the annual Blue Coat Sunday services at St Matthew’s.

“So it’s fair to say that Blue Coat has been my life.

Martyn says he can now focus on his gardening and carpentry in his spare time, building everything from wine racks to bird tables.

He added: “How do you put 43 years into words?

“I remember Mr. Sturrock, the first manager, had a glass eye.

“It meant that if you jumped in for a quick lunchtime half, you could get away with going back to his blindside.

“Then there were the trips to Ofsted’s main headquarters in Reading (Berkshire) with a van loaded with classroom work boxes back when computers weren’t turning everything digital.”

Those who have worked with Martyn over the years have been quick to pay tribute to his career as well.

Principal Mr D Smith said: “Martyn has worked at Blue Coat Church Academy for over 41 years, a mainstay in the technology department throughout his time at the school.

“Martyn will be sorely missed, but everyone recognizes that after such long and dedicated service, he deserves a long and happy retirement.”

Line Manager Richard Edwards, Head of Design Technology, added: “I have known Martyn since I joined Blue Coat 17 years ago and it will be like losing a father.

“He’s an incredible man who will obviously be missed here.”