My grandfather Keith Ebbutt, who has died aged 100, dedicated most of his life to education, leftwing politics and the peace movement.
Born in Surrey to an American debutante, Louise Ingram Crockett, and a British naval intelligence officer, Norman Ebbutt, Keith grew up in Germany. His father was the Berlin correspondent of the Times from 1925 until his expulsion by the Nazis in 1937.
Keith was sent to London to be educated – at Belmont prep, then Mill Hill school – in the 1930s, but arrived speaking English with a strong German accent. Being different invited relentless bullying, and this experience led him to empathise with the downtrodden. As he later wrote: “The way I was treated gave me some insight into the experiences of others and provided the emotional drive that kept me involved.”
He was appalled by what he saw as the arrogance of his schoolmates, whose privilege contrasted sharply with what he described as “the unfairness of most people’s lives”. He began reading about socialism and the arms industry in the school library. In Berlin he often witnessed the Nazis in action, which gave him his lifelong aversion to fascism.
Keith joined the Communist party of Great Britain in 1939 and was a delegate to the final party congress in 1991. He was also active in numerous other leftwing organisations, including CND.
He knocked on doors, organised meetings, edited publications and held various elected positions. For more than 70 years he devoted his free time to improving the lives of others. Even in his early 90s he ran a discussion group, credit union and other projects.
His political views attracted the attention of MI5, which he claimed derailed his career as an industrial chemist. He went on to work in the field of education, where he stayed until his retirement as vice-principal of Hounslow College (now West Thames College). He loved teaching.
In 1942 Keith married Valerie Clinkskill. After their divorce, he had two other long relationships, first with Connie and then with Gill. Generous, curious and fun, he gained great joy from his grandchildren. His organisational efficiency, resilience and moral courage were widely admired. He was a believer in restraint, sound judgment and good sense.
He is survived by Gill, his daughters, Susie and Sheila, from his marriage, and a daughter, Jude, from his relationship with Connie, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
