Fond memories of ‘absolute legend’

COLLEAGUES and former pupils have spoken of their devastation after an “absolute legend” Gloucester teacher died paddleboarding.

The news of former King’s School and former Kingsholm Primary School teacher Simon Flynn’s death has shaken the community, with dozens of people coming forward to share their stories of how he had changed their lives.

One friend said he filled everyone with “self belief”, while another said he truly cared for everyone he met.

Writing on Gloucestershire Live’s Facebook page, someone said: “So devastated to hear about Mr Flynn, my son George thought he was amazing! A fabulous, Inspirational teacher and altogether wonderful person. Just heartbreaking news.”

Another friend wrote: “Such sad news to hear about Simon he was such a lovely, kind and friendly person.

“He was well thought of by staff, parents and teachers at Kingsholm Primary. I will definitely remember him with great fondness, lots of lovely memories to look back on. My heart goes out to his family and closest friends.”

In another moving tribute, a friend said Simon “cared for everyone he met”.

She said: “Simon Flynn was an absolute legend, he was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure in meeting, he taught two of my children and not only was he an inspirational teacher but he genuinely cared about every pupil he came into contact with and their parents.”

And someone else said Simon filled people with “self belief”.

She said: “Simon really was the most incredible human being. He had this ability to fill you with self belief, he was inspirational, kind, patient, with a wicked sense of humour. He tutored my daughter and became a friend and true support to us both.”

Claire Mills, a senior lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire, also paid tribute to Mr Flynn.

He taught her son for a year at the King’s School, until he left last academic year to set up his own popular tutoring service.

Dr Mills, who lives in Gloucester, said: “He was such a warm, caring, thoughtful and loving person.”

She said she only knew him for one year while he taught at the school, but that they were Facebook friends and he had seemed “blissfully happy”.