A FORMER teacher from Holyrood School has passed away, leading to host of tributes online.

Tributes are pouring in for Elliott Furneaux, the former deputy headteacher of Holyrood School and the former head of Heathfield Community School in Taunton, after he passed away on July 5.

One of Elliott’s sons, John, posted on his Facebook page that his father has passed away after a short illness.  He said that his dad was a great man, a loving husband, and a role model to him and his brothers.

Mr Furneaux, 65, leaves behind four sons, and wife Janet.

Elliott’s family said: “The only sad thing about the tributes is that he isn’t around to read them.

“He would have been so proud and happy to read about all the young lives he touched.

“He loved young people. He just wanted everyone to do their best.”

For the past five years, Elliott and wife Janet had been enjoying retirement. They spent their time road-tripping around the USA on three different adventures.

The family would like to invite anyone who wishes to attend to the funeral, which takes place on Thursday, July 27, at 2.30pm at the East Devon Crematorium.

Elsewhere on the social media sites, former students and friends have described him as an “amazing” and “wonderful” man.

Matthew Collins, headteacher at Holyrood Academy, said: “We are all deeply saddened to hear of the death of former Holyrood colleague Elliott Furneaux.

“He was a highly respected individual who made a huge contribution to the school.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends.”

Justine Allen Paul, who was one of Mr Furneaux’s pupils at Holyrood School in 1992, said: “He was a kind, inspirational teacher. 25 years on, he is still remembered fondly by so many. A true legend and the reason many of us become teachers.

“I had just started Year 7 at Holyrood and he was our head of year. Even after this he was a renowned character around school and so jovial - always with a kind word or smiley face.”

Alan Blasdale said: “He was my head at Holyrood RIP condolences to friends and family.”

Jane Weatherill added: “So sad to hear this - he was an inspiration as a head - I had such respect for him and his beliefs- condolences to his family. He was a talented caring head.

Charlene Lock said: “Mr Furneaux was an incredible gentle giant. We had the pleasure of him being our headteacher at Heathfield School. He will be sadly missed and this terrible shocked all those who he taught. RIP Sir.

Lynsey Wootton said: “He inspired so many and he really cared for all his students, great man.

Elaine James said: “Aww he was such a lovely man. RIP and condolences to his family.”

Mr Furneaux worked at Heathfield school from 1997 until 2012.

Peter Hoare, current headteacher of Taunton secondary school, said: “It is with great sadness and huge shock that I heard that my predecessor, Elliott Furneaux, has died.

“I spoke with his son Bill who said that it was very sudden after a short illness.

“We will all have our memories of him, particularly as a larger than life character.

“Heathfield and its community owe so much to his dedication and hard work.

“Elliott was relentless in securing the best for everyone - he particularly championed the disadvantaged and constantly challenged inequality.

“He was a gifted leader who inspired those around him to be the best they could be.

“On a personal note, not only have I lost a great mentor, but also a great friend.

“The school is already looking at ways to recognise the huge impact he made. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Hundreds of people on social media have expressed their sadness of the inspirational teacher’s passing.

Jasmin Rankin, a former student, said that Mr Furneaux made her school life in a wheelchair easier.

She said: “I started Heathfield in 2005 and it had barely any access for wheelchair users.

“Mr Furneaux fought for me to get into Heathfield and fought for getting the school adapted for not only me, but others too.

“Thanks to him the school is now fully equipped and those with disabilities can attend mainstream school if they’d like to.

“He was a wonderful man with great passion for his pupils and will be sadly missed.”

James-Paul Frost McAllister, another former student, said Mr Furneaux made him feel more comfortable with who he was.

“I was very sad to hear the news of the passing of Elliott Furneaux, the wonderful, caring, compassionate headteacher who helped a 15-year-old boy to feel comfortable to come out to his friends and family and who fully supported him when he explained that studying dance, drama and music was going to help his career more than history, geography and sport.

“Thank you for everything, you will be greatly missed in the community. God bless you sir.”