Tributes paid to former Bury St Edmunds and Thurston teacher
Tributes have been paid to a ‘brilliant’ West Suffolk teacher who died on Friday.
David Mount, a former English teacher at King Edwards VI School and Thurston Upper School, had reportedly been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis.
He worked at King Edwards for 14 years, from 2001 to 2015.
Headteacher Geoff Barton has paid tribute to the ‘brilliant’ teacher from whom he learnt a ‘huge amount’.
Posting on the school’s Facebook page, he said he was ‘saddened’ to report that Mr Mount had died.
He added: “Mr Mount was a brilliant scholarly teacher, steeped in literature from all periods, and generations of students loved his combination of passion and expertise.
“As a fellow English teacher, I learnt a huge amount from David, and enjoyed sharing A-level groups with him.
“David Mount will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our condolences to his family.”
Mr Barton’s post has led to scores of tributes being left by students of the late teacher, with ‘amazing’, ‘excellent’, ‘awesome’ and ‘inspirational’ among the words used to describe him.
Laura Paveley wrote: “A brilliant tutor, always supportive and a true asset to the school. You will be truly missed Mr Mount.”
Helen Kroon said: “Awesome teacher in Thurston Upper. Taught me to appreciate Shakespeare and was the only lesson I gave 100% to - because he always gave 100% to his class. Sad, sad news.”
Rosie Hoffmann said: “He was unlike any other. I do what I love today in no small part due to the unwavering encouragement he as a teacher gave me. We are all so lucky to have known him, as a friend and a mentor.”
Alice Coleman’s post said: “Mr Mount was both my English teach and form tutor for both years of sixth form. Both his lessons and form time never failed to be interesting, and he had an awesome and clever sense of humour. The reference he wrote for me for university was so kind, and I’m so saddened by this news. He taught me a lot - he’ll be missed greatly.”
Ellen Nicholls said: “Mr Mount is the man who inspired me to continue with my studies in English onto PHD level. Inspirational man who I owe much to. I will miss him dearly x.”
Laura Dowsing wrote: “Such very sad news. He was a fantastic teacher in so many ways and an all round brilliant man, an absolute credit to the profession.”
Hannah Ogbechie said: “Such sad news. An inspirational teacher, whose knowledge, wit and ability to capture all who sat before him will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Mr Mount.”
Michaela Strachan’s post said: “One of the best English teachers and funniest guys I have ever had the privilege to meet. He always had a smile for everyone and could turn the most challenging literature into some sort of comedy. Such sad news.”
Last night Mr Mount’s son, Tim, responded to the heartfelt flood of tributes on Facebook.
He said: “Thank you Mr Barton and pupils. Both me and my sister Jenny Mount are completely lost for words. Much as we have been since Wednesday evening but thought you all deserved a thank you.
“I just wanted to express enormous gratitude to the school for unbelievable support, students and staff.
“My dad thought highly of you all and loved his job with undeniable passion. We are in the process of making arrangements now but as soon as we have a date for the service I shall be in touch.
“Once again, thank you to all of you. It is much appreciated.”
Mr Barton said: “What has been striking is the outpouring of affection for a great teacher who clearly touched many lives.”
