The death of the popular headteacher and his wife sent shockwaves across the world, from Croydon to Singapore.

Friends, pupils and colleagues paid their respects and shared their memories of the respected teachers.

Crystal Palace FC held a minute’s silence ahead of its Championship fixture with Blackpool on Saturday in honour of the couple, who were season ticket holders in the Upper Holmesdale.

Before moving to Croydon, Mr and Mrs Dighton lived and worked in Singapore with their son Danny, then five.

During his time in Singapore Mr Dighton kept his friends constantly entertained by organising football and cricket matches with teams the British Hotspurs Football Club and the Tanglin Taverners Cricket Club.

Jerry Grey, a close friend from the time the family spent in Singapore, said: “A group of us were introduced to each other through their (Mr and Mrs Dighton’s) auspices in Singapore in the late 1970s and early 1980s via the two sports teams which Barry had helped to found and then managed.

“He would often substitute himself from the BHFC to give everyone a game and that generosity of spirit carried through the club, which later formed a second team just to give a one-legged goalie a match every week.”

When the family moved back to the UK, Mr Dighton began working at Elmhurst where he was credited with giving the school its place in the country’s top 20 prep schools.

He used his experiences in Singapore to further the school cricket and football teams, even dressing up as Father Christmas every year for the children.

Despite being retired, Mr Dighton still remained active in Croydon’s sporting scene and until his death, was still vice-chairman and primary secretary of the Croydon Schools' Cricket Association.

The phones and emails have been red-hot from Croydon to Java. Shock, horror and disbelief are the three emotions that have run through all of Barry and Liz’s friends since last week’s dreadful news.

Barry was well organised, stoical (this perhaps a result of his love for the usually hopeless Crystal Palace) pragmatic, unruffled and self-effacing.

Barry was nevertheless armed with a quick, dry wit which would manifest itself in humourous newsletters and hand-crafted Christmas cards, showcasing, by gently mocking, the characters which he had brought together in sport.

Liz, with a happy personality, lively eyes and a ready smile, was always there in support, armed with bottles of water for the football team or plugged into the cricket as keeper of the scorebook, which she meticulously filled in at every match. She shared Barry’s qualities and they were very comfortable in each other’s company. Little Danny, then five or six, would flit around, bravely trying to hit balls with a man-sized bat.

Others who were taught by Liz and Barry have commented on the care, guidance and understanding they showed to pupils in their professional lives.

It is tragic that two people who gave so much to others have been robbed of a lengthy retirement together. Their legacy to us is a strong bond and lifetime connection of wonderful memories which we will continue to treasure for the rest of our lives.

Jerry Grey Friend Barry and Liz Dighton worked at Elmhurst school for over 20 years. As the former head master Barry will be remembered as an inspirational teacher and mentor for generations of boys.

Liz was a sympathetic and caring teacher who was loved by both pupils and parents alike. They were highly regarded and much-loved colleagues and friends whom we will miss deeply. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all their family and friends.

To leave a tribute to Mr and Mrs Dighton please go to elmhurstschool.net and follow the links.

Charles South Elmhurst school bursar I was a teacher at Elmhurst over 20 years ago and knew Barry and Liz well.

A comment has described Barry as “Elmhurst” and this could be no finer tribute to him.

He was so well respected and adored by the pupils and it is no wonder the school, under his leadership became one of the top 20 prep schools in the country.

In deepest sympathy and shock from one who has such fond memories of a perfect school, a perfect head master, his truly wonderful wife Liz... and his young son Danny who was then of similar age to the boys at the school and such a caring part of the school family.

David Calvert-Coange Former colleague He was a fantastic teacher loved by all students and past pupils of Elmhurst.

Elizabeth was very kind to the children. They will be devastated when they hear about this.

My son was very close to Mr Dighton, I can’t even believe the news myself.

Mr Dighton used to entertain the kids and joke with them. Everyone is really upset.

Patrick Ratnaraja Parent Mr Dighton was my English teacher and he was absolutely fantastic. I also knew his son and all three were heavily involved with the school.

I was at the school in the early 80s and really learned a lot from Mr Dighton. They were lovely and they really cherished their only son, Danny.

When I last spoke to Barry we spoke about his son who, he joked, didn’t really know what to do with his life.

Nick Bush Former pupil I was saddened to hear the tragic death of Mr and Mrs Dighton.

Mr Dighton was a wonderful teacher who was actually a lot of students’ favourite teacher. He had a great ability to connect with students on a personal level, which allowed him to help them in school.

He had a unique gift that allowed him to engage students in class.

On a personal level, he always had an infectious smile, a laugh, a joke that lit up the room, no matter who was in it.

Mr Dighton was a much-loved teacher and was caring, reasonable, and we shall all remember him always.

Though saddened I must say that I am proud of the achievements my two sons have made from the help and guidance they received earlier in life from Mr Dighton.

Sudhir Niru Father of two former pupils Barry Dighton taught me English at Elmhurst during the late 80s.

Barry was an exceptional teacher who always got the best out of his pupils.

He was one of those teachers you remembered for going the extra mile.

James Keen Former pupil Mr Dighton was my English teacher. He made lessons really good fun. He used to say he would do the Boogy Woogy dance if the class got their homework right. Mr and Mrs Dighton were very nice. It was sad to hear of their deaths. I will always have good memories of them.

Herschel Pandit Former pupil Mr Dighton never spoke in a negative tone and portrayed a very professional image at all times. He was a true gentleman. He spoke to the children as if they were his own children.

A great day I remember was Elmhurst funday held at Whitgift’s school ground where Mr Dighton was made to put his head and hands through old-fashioned wooden stocks and the kids got the opportunity to throw wet sponges at him.

It has been a great privilege to have met and known all the Dighton family; all of whom had a great influence on my son.

Pat Sharma Parent I have just learned of the death of Barry Dighton and am deeply saddened by the news.

Mr Dighton taught me in the early 90s and was a superb teacher. He struck a great connection with the class. His classroom lessons were always engaging and he had a great passion for the game of cricket.

He will be sadly missed by those who attended Elmhurst School.

Edward Ide I was an up and coming goalkeeper at Whitehorse manor in 1967.

Barry Dighton came to our school as a student teacher and goalkeeper.

We spent hours and hours together working on my keeping skills, my future as a keeper, with Croydon, Surrey and West Ham juniors was all down to him.

Some years later when my two boys went to Elmhurst I was surprised to see Barry was head and he really took to my kids as he had done with me. He was married and his lovely wife looked after the youngest kids at Elmhurst.

As a Palace supporter I saw him most weeks and talked about old times, exchanged xmas cards, etc. He was a great man – an unsung hero who touched many, many lives.

He was put here on Earth to do a great job and crikey did he do it, helping so many kids.

Wherever you are Barry, and your lovely wife, bless you.

Andy Pewter Please send my sincere condolences to the Dighton family and everyone connected with the school.

As a nervous four-year-old my son Kyle was interviewed by Barry Dighton and joined Elmhurst with Mrs Dighton as his teacher – she was wonderful and gave him the very best start in full-time education. We of course also knew Danny, his teaching assistant, and cannot comprehend the tragedy that has occurred.

Although we moved away from Croydon seven years ago we all still have very fond memories of the school.

Ginette Jacobs (formerly Dewar-McKay) What a wonderful couple to have known. Mrs Dighton was my son’s teacher at reception and she gently introduced him to school life. She was such a wonderful teacher and had so much patience.

Mr Dighton was a lovely man. He was a dedicated and caring headteacher. He nicknamed my older son “Bus Man” because of his interest on London Buses at the age of four. He would stop him and ask him about the different routes of all the buses and even got the head of the Bus Company in South Croydon to write to my son and invited him to their depot. My older son is very devastated.

He called my second son by his full name which made him feel special. He always had the time for my family giving us all the help he could. We miss him so much.

Victoria Jacobs New Addington Our son joined Elmhurst the year Mr Dighton retired. However, when we had gone to the school prior to our son joining, we were taken around the school by Mr Dighton.

We were amazed by his knowledge of each and every student at the school as he seemed to know every child’s name and what they were up to. His personality sold the school to us.

We continued to meet him at different occasions at Elmhurst even when he had retired and he always was such an impressive figure. He continued to tutor students giving their 11 year entrance tests for senior schools as our neighbours’ child was one such student. They always had such high praise for support and guidance give by Mr Dighton.

I am sure his and Mrs Dighton’s loss will be sadly felt by all who came across him at any time.

Krishna Jain Mr Dighton was one of those teachers that stands out in your memory of top quality schoolteachers (he wasn’t headteacher then, but deputy head). He always managed to keep the respect of pupils while managing to have a joke and a laugh at the same time, a very difficult balance when teaching.

He was famous when I was at Elmhurst for appearing on GMTV when his black and white spaniel dog called “Guinness” jumped off the top of Beachy Head while chasing after a bird and survived the fall.

I am shocked and saddened to learn of his and Elizabeth’s deaths.

Mike Brundle Sanderstead Mr Dighton was a colossus of a man perfectly complimented by his kind and caring wife. The Dighton’s will always be remembered by the thousands that knew them and I feel privileged to be one of them.

Mr Dighton was the man you aspired to be. He knew every boy at the school and would dispense nicknames which would remain with you throughout your time at the school; mine being “Stuey Baby”.

He was the best teacher and mentor I ever had. In the two years I spent in his care he changed my perceptions and expectations pushing me further than I thought possible. Mr Dighton spotted potential in boys written off by others and got the very best out of every one of his pupils.

He loved sport introducing me to cricket and was a diehard Crystal Palace fan. He was passionate about everything he did and had a great sense of humour.

The Dighton’s had such a positive influence on so many people. May they rest in peace.

Stuart Gardener Former pupil He was in charge of primary school cricket in the borough for many years.

He was an inspiration to the pupils as a headteacher.

Although he worked at an independent prep school he was not biased on selection and picked kids from state schools as well.

He was very perceptive, a professional sort of person, a gentleman. He never had any malice, was not a snob and was very capable.

He will be sorely missed. It is a tragedy.

He was instrumental in the creation of the Croydon schools’ table tennis league a few years’ ago.

He was well respected by both children and staff alike.

A very pleasant person.

David Lomas Hon Secretary Croydon Schools Cricket Association The news is terrible. He was a very nice person, a real gentleman. He was a great supporter of school sports, both football and cricket.

He was vice-chairman for more than 10 years, possibly 15, and used to umpire primary school finals held each July at Addiscombe Cricket Club. He attended every committee meeting and AGM.

We used to hold a social once a year and he and his wife both came regularly. We knew him that way.

He really encouraged kids to play sport. He loved sport.

He was a season ticket holder at Crystal Palace FC and a member of Surrey County Cricket Club.

He tried to see every home game. Barry retired three years ago from Elmhurst and bought a house in France. He divided his time between there, Selhurst Park and the Oval.

Elizabeth used to score at the Elmhurst primary school cricket games.

She was very nice lady indeed. She was very supportive of her husband and of the schoolboys and school sport.

It will be very tough for the children.

We liked them very much.

Edward Handley Chairman and president of Croydon Schools Cricket Association Mrs Dighton taught kindergarten and she was a mother figure to us all, helping us to stop crying and to read to us, she gave us the best possible start, and I will always have the fondest memories of her, always smiling and making you feel at ease.

Ravi Beri Former pupil I used to go to Elmhurst when Mr and Mrs Dighton were there.

I came to Elmhurst with a lot of academic difficulties and it was Mr Dighton who gave me the chance and allowed me in.

I am now at De Montfort University studying computer science if it wasn’t for him I would not be here now. My whole family are devastated by the news.

He was such a lovely man. Me and my dad are keen Crystal Palace supporters and we used to see Danny and Mr Dighton there every Saturday.

Adam Jeffrey Former pupil

• Did you know Barry and Elizabeth Dighton? Let us know by email here or phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555.