Tributes flow for beloved teacher

A popular sports teacher and youth worker, credited with turning around the lives of hundreds of at-risk students and inspiring many more to achieve excellence on and off the field, passed away suddenly on Tuesday after suffering a suspected heart attack during a bike ride.

Neil Ritchie spent 23 years teaching at Albany Senior High School in roles ranging from head of the physical education department to his most recent position as head of behavioural management, a program he implemented to benefit at-risk youth.

Mr Ritchie was riding on Tuesday morning with a friend when he suddenly collapsed. He was 56.

The entire school community was shocked by the sudden passing of their teacher, colleague and friend – known simply as “Ritchie” to his students – and the school’s flags flew at half-mast in a mark of respect yesterday.

School principal Dr Peter Havel said the loss was difficult to comprehend.

“I’m grieved at the loss of an unbelievable person who is going to be sorely missed,” he said.

“He was an absolute legend, not just in the school but in the greater community and with his family. Every way you look at Neil, he was just extraordinary.”

Members of a volleyball team Mr Ritchie had been training to compete in September’s Country Week carnival are “absolutely devastated”.

Dr Havel said the effect Mr Ritchie’s behavioural management program was having on troubled students was “unbelievable”.

“He was touching their lives, turning things around and working closely with them,” he said.

“It was a gift that not many people have.”

“I’ve looked at friends of mine who are friends of his and seen them in tears. When you see grown men crying because of the loss of a person, you know he was deeply respected and deeply cared for.”

The Albany Advertiser Facebook page was inundated with tributes from friends, former colleagues, students and parents.

They described Mr Ritchie as “an amazing man” and “a true legend” who always made time for his students and would be greatly missed.

Long-time colleague Sheena Prince said students were devastated and staff stunned at the loss of a teacher who was genuinely determined to make the world a better place. “He has touched many, many lives of students and teachers alike, not just here but across the State,” she said.

Albany MP Peter Watson, whose three children were taught by Mr Ritchie, remembers him as a “great educator” and a father figure to many students.

“He was loved by everyone who went to ASHS,” Mr Watson said.

Councillor Greg Stocks paid tribute to Mr Ritchie during the Albany City Council meeting on Tuesday night.

ASHS deputy principal Graeme Bell said the school remained in mourning and Mr Ritchie’s memory would be with them forever.

The school is preparing a tribute.