:(

I just found out that my 5th grade teacher died in June from a heart attack.

He was one of those brilliant teachers, someone who inspires you and teaches you with fun. Everyone wanted to be in his class. Every morning he used to line us up and before we got into the classroom he'd shake our hand, one by one. He taught us how to shake hands properly - not too floppy, not too firm, look them straight in the eye.

In his class we dissected fish and did multiplication table races, threw plungers at blackboards, and learned about sex (and why he was mortified when one kid asked him if he could have a 'rubber'). He told us that Christmas in Australia was on June 25th.... and made us believe it despite our initial wariness. We talked about governments and elections and he read us stories and talked to us about AIDS.

I can't say much else, I feel like this is an inadequate memory from me for what an awesome guy he was. I hope he enjoyed life, I'm sure he did, and I feel sad that he couldn't enjoy any more of it and watch his kids grow up and meet his grandkids and inspire them and also new students. I'm glad he was my teacher and had a great time in his class. I wish the best for his family.