FRIENDS, colleagues and former pupils have described a popular former deputy head teacher as a “perfect gentleman.”

David Parker, 59, died peacefully at home in the early hours of Sunday May 13 after a protracted illness.

The former music teacher joined Risca Community Comprehensive School in 1991 and was head of the music department before becoming deputy head.

Mr Parker first fell ill in 2009 and was eventually forced to retire from teaching in 2012.

His close friend, and current headmaster of Risca Comprehensive School, John Kendall, said that in his last years Mr Parker remained upbeat about his treatment and tried his best to stay active.

“He had many interests outside school,” added Mr Kendall.

“He was an accomplished pianist and sang for many years with the BBC National Chorus of Wales of which he was a founder member. He enjoyed sports, walking and nature. He was a Churchill fellow, and an avid traveller. Along with music, what he loved most was fishing, at which he was extremely skilled.

“I have been inundated with messages from former colleagues and pupils.

“He was a wonderful person, a professional, a great teacher. But the phrase that keeps coming up to describe him time after time is a perfect gentleman. That is how I will always remember him.”

Another close friend, Gareth Whitcombe, first me Mr Parker in 1977 wehn they were both training to become teachers. More than anything, he said, it was Mr PArker's sense of humour which he will always remember.

"With just a few words he could have people rolling around in fits of laughter," he said.

"I'll remember him as a good friend who would never let anybody down."

Tributes from parents and former pupils have also been flooding in on the school’s Facebook page.

Gemma Scott posted: “Such sad news. He was such a passionate teacher! I still remember playing ‘walking on the moon’ by the police in his year seven lessons and I’m 37 now! Some teachers help to make memories that last a life time.”

Nikki Blakemore said: “Condolences to his family and friends. A huge loss of a true gent and a lovely man. Lovely to see how well loved he was and it was a privilege to have known him both as a pupil and a parent.”

Diana Hughes said: "I am truly sorry and saddened to hear this. I could go on all day about the things he did for myself and my sister when we were at Risca school.

“He still made an effort to attend and support some of my sisters concerts up to 10 years after she’d left school. He was a big loss to the profession. One of those teachers you never forget.”

Kylie Perchard added: “So sad to hear about Mr Parker! I still remember the ‘Wanna be a mole in a hole’ song he taught us. Rest in Paradise Mr Parker.

Colleagues were also quick to add their memories of Mr Parker.

Beryl Matthews posted: “Sad news. Good colleague and great company on German exchange trips.

“The only essential German word for him was Schwarzwalderkirschtorte (Black Forest gateau).”

Maggie Lovett added: “I worked with him, such a lovely man. He believed passionately in ‘joined up’ education. My heartfelt condolences to his family.”

David Parker’s funeral will take place at the Gwent Crematorium at 11.30 am on Tuesday 29th May.