Tributes have been flooding in from former pupils and colleagues of a popular Dundee teacher who died suddenly at the weekend.
Rikki Lees (65) suffered an aneurysm and died on Saturday in Ninewells Hospital.
A special page has been set up on Facebook in memory of the English teacher who taught at Lawside Academy for 29 years and briefly at St John’s RC High School.
His widow Gill and daughters Karen and Siobhan told The Courier they were overwhelmed by the affection being shown by former pupils and other teachers.
The memorial page had almost 250 members and was full of anecdotes and tributes to Mr Lees, who many contributors described as a “legend.”
Among memories recounted were Mr Lees’ annual role as the pantomime dame, his quick wit and turn of phrase and the sandals he always wore which were nicknamed his Nike Air Jerusalems.
One former pupil Mark Johnson described him as a “star in every sense” and wrote, “Sir, thank you for everything I have never forgotten your wisdom and the engaging way you taught us.”One in a millionKeri Robertson called Mr Lees, who lived in St Andrews, “one in a million,” while Lisa McGrath said, “He was a brilliant teacher and always got through to the ppl (sic) no on else could.”
Tony McLean said, “Rikki could take the wind out of any pompous or artificial situation and over the years has captured the hearts and minds of more kids than most other teachers I have known.”
Tribute was also paid by Madras Rugby Club, of which Mr Lees was a life member. On its website, it described Mr Lees as a “friend to many of us” and said, “He will be sorely missed by all.”
Mr Lees, who doted on his grandsons Kieran (14) and 18-month-old Jamie, had been fit and healthy before suddenly falling ill. Just a week before his death he had gone to watch a Madras rugby match.
His family have been left shellshocked but Gill said, “We have been overwhelmed by the words of his ex-pupils. There are messages from some pupils from the early 80s.Amazing”It’s quite amazing the spread of years and that people have taken the time to do that.”
She added, “He loved his job, he loved the kids, especially the difficult ones.”
Mr Lees was born in Glasgow and went to St Aloysius’ Primary School in the city then St Joseph’s College, Dumfries, where he was school captain and captain of the rugby and football teams.
He moved to St Andrews when he went to university there and remained in the town even after moving to Dundee University to train as a teacher. The Celtic fan retired from Lawside in 2005 but until his death worked as the office manager for St Andrews’ Electrical Offshore Services.
He and Gill celebrated their ruby wedding in June.
His funeral mass takes place in St James’ Church, St Andrews where he was a member on Saturday.