Tributes to dead teacher

Aug 18 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

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A POULAR PE teacher who died in a white water rafting accident was remembered for his enthusiasm and “big heart”, at his funeral yesterday.

Ian Robinson, 47, head of rugby at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ school, in Crosby, was killed on July 31 when his raft capsized in Australia during a sporting tour with students.

Two tributes were given by close friends at the afternoon service in St Helens Crematorium, and the words of former pupil Johnny Ross were read to mourners.

His tribute said: “Mr Robinson, or Robbo as we knew him, was a hugely popular figure with the boys, myself included.

“I will remember him as a fine sports master – unstintingly enthusiastic, encouraging and supportive – but also a true gentleman, with a great sense of humour and a big heart.

“Occasionally tough, most of us knew he was really a softie and that is why we liked him so much. I will remember him fondly.”

Among the mourners were family, friends and colleagues, and many stood outside to hear the moving tributes through a public address system as the crematorium could not hold the crowd.

The former Liverpool St Helens rugby union player joined Merchant Taylors’ in 1984, when former England rugby union winger Mike Slemen was head of PE at the school.