‘A legend’ Former pupils and colleagues pay tribute to popular PE teacher
FORMER pupils and colleagues of ex-cleeve School teacher Robin Terrett have paid tribute to him following his death at the age of 72 after a short battle with cancer.
Many people have reflected on the remarkable loyalty and devotion he showed to the school, where he taught from 1974 until he retired in 2017.
He was born in the village of Kingswood, near Wotton-under-edge, and lived in the town.
It was from there that he would make the 64-mile round trip to Bishop’s Cleeve, near Cheltenham, every day that he worked at the school as a PE and careers teacher.
His commitment to the job and his caring and amiable nature were noted by many of those commenting on social media.
One person said: “Absolute legend, always had time for everyone. Awesome banter with his quick wit. And easily the best teacher Cleeve School has ever had. Rest in peace sir.”
A former colleague said: “A role model in so many ways – determined, passionate, loyal, caring, quick-witted, fab singer and entertainer – do you guys remember any of his karaoke contributions? The list is endless. An absolute privilege to work alongside The
Legend that will always be Robin Terrett.”
Another person said: “Such a great teacher and a lovely guy, remembered by so many people who he taught over the years. Will be greatly missed.”
Mr Terrett also voluntarily did sports coaching at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School in Wotton-under-edge after he retired. He is survived by his wife Sheila, his children Gareth, Lee and Cathy, four grandchildren – Erin, Lily Grace, Summer and Elsie – and his sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Pete.
Cathy said her dad would go well above and beyond the expected requirements of his job. She said: “Many times he used to have sports teams after school and not get home until 9pm, but he never complained and loved every day of his job.”
She added that she and her family had been overwhelmed by the messages and memories of her dad that had been posted online.
She said: “Seeing how well loved and respected he was has helped us begin to heal, and knowing that he helped so many people over the years makes us so proud.”
A memorial service for Mr Terrett, who died in August, was held last Saturday at Kingswood Congregational Church, in Wotton-under-edge. There was a collection in his memory for the charity Children with Cancer UK.
A role model in so many ways – determined, passionate, loyal, caring, quick-witted, fab singer and entertainer Former colleague