The obituary notice of Hugh SIMON

Very sad and shocking to hear that Simon has gone. 40 years have passed since that afternoon in 1978 when I sat in my first German lesson with Simon. I've often wondered if my life would have followed the path it did if it hadn't been for him - not just studying the language but teaching it myself and using it pretty much every day. I wish I could tell him (now that it's too late, of course) how much I owe him. It was his unique blend of seriousness, expertise, and fun which, for me, made him such an inspiring teacher. On which point, who can forget his 'startling' dress sense? The ties! The jackets! And above all those red trousers, which shocked an entire school. I feel incredibly lucky that he was my teacher. Rest in peace.

You will be long remembered and sorely missed

Simon Skeens was a mentor, guide and friend to me, not only during my time at school but also throughout the early years of my adult life.

As a Teacher, he made German language and culture enjoyable to study. He did this by being an outstanding communicator, and by making his subject relevant to the modern world outside the classroom.

His abundant energy and good humour were amply demonstrated, not least in controlling the antics of unruly schoolboys on youth-hostelling trips around Germany!

Simon gave me a sense of purpose and direction at a time when I needed it, and he helped set the foundation on which my subsequent life and career choices were based.

SHS: You will be long remembered and sorely missed.

Andrew BERGIN