The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Former principal teacher of German, Bob McLardy, 75
Dundee-born teacher Bob McLardy, who won the respect and affection of pupils of Banff Academy over three decades, has died aged 75.
He was principal teacher of German at the school from 1972 to 2005.
Hundreds of former pupils have paid tribute to Bob on social media with many recalling his humour and sense of fun.
Bob and his wife Moira had only intended to spend a couple of years in Banff, but that turned into half a century.
They arrived from their native Dundee where he had been teaching at his old school, Harris Academy.
Robert McLardy was born in Dundee in 1947 to Jean and Rob McLardy.
He was educated at Ancrum Road Primary School then Harris Academy before going to St Andrews University in 1968 to study German and Russian.
After graduating and a spell teaching at Harris Academy, Bob successfully applied for the role at Banff Academy and became principal teacher of German in 1972 aged just 25.
His infectious personality ensured he was a popular teacher and pupils had both respect and affection for him.
He will be remembered for entertaining the school by dressing up for charity events as characters including Rab C Nesbitt.
Over many years, Bob organised school trips to Germany and in the 1970s was responsible for exchange trips between Banff and Dinkelsbuhl.
In the 1990s there was a school trip to Bonn which Bob went on despite it coinciding with his and Moira’s silver wedding anniversary.
Bob took early retirement in 2005 and directed his efforts towards supporting community activities.
He was a director of Deveronvale Football Club for six and a half years, two of them as chairman.
During his term as chairman he was voted supporter of the year by fans.
Bob continued the fundraising he had begun at the academy by raising more than £1,100 for the Archie Foundation by taking part in the Beards for Bairns initiative.
After leaving the Deveronvale board, Bob continued his community service at the Princess Royal Sports and Community Trust where he was appointed president in 2019.
Bob is survived by Moira, his wife of 54 years, children Laura and Iain, daughter-in-law Carlene and beloved grandsons James and Lewis.
Former journalist Sandy Bremner, who was taught by Bob, said: “He was a great teacher and an exceptional man, endlessly patient with an easily distracted pupil, and a lovely man who kept in touch.”