Eddie Chapman has been described as the ‘best teacher ever’ and a ‘beautiful soul’
Floral tributes have been left to the former teacher who died following a short illness (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Floral tributes have been placed outside a school following the death of a “lovely” teacher. Eddie Chapman was a former teacher at Gateacre School.
His son Ed announced his death on Facebook earlier this week. He said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Eddie Chapman. He left us this morning, July 9, surrounded by his loving family after a short illness. Eddie received outstanding care from all the staff on ward three in Clatterbridge (Liverpool).
“Words can’t express how much he meant to all of us; he was an amazing husband, father, grandad, brother, uncle and friend. We will miss his laughter, wisdom, and presence more than words can say. We’ll share more information about funeral arrangements soon.
“All who loved Eddie are welcome. YNWA.”
In a statement issued to the ECHO, Gateacre School paid tribute to their former employee. The statement said: “It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Mr. Chapman, a former valued member of our staff who left the school in 2024.
The school paid tribute to its former employee(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
“Mr. Chapman will be remembered fondly by those who knew him, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“We respect the privacy of the family, and all necessary arrangements have been made.”
In the days since his death, floral tributes have been left outside Gateacre School by former pupils, staff members and friends. Photographs taken at the school show a number of bouquets of flowers, alongside sympathy cards, a blue teddy bear and balloons.
One tribute read: “Eddie, what a man. RIP.” Another said: “Mr Chapman, thanks for everything. You will never be forgotten.”
Other former pupils and staff recalled their fond memories of the teacher on Facebook. One woman said: “We all used to call him Eddie in school, he was the best teacher ever. I never saw that lovely man angry the whole time I was in that school and people did test it often.”
Another woman said: “What a lovely man he was, so sad.”
Tributes outside Gateacre School(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A third woman added: “A beautiful soul who I had the pleasure of working with for many years. He made every day brighter. I’ll never forget my days with Ed, the singing and laughter – blessed to have known such a wonderful man.”
Another man paid tribute, adding: “Really shocked and saddened to hear this. Eddie was such an amazing guy, and a very funny one too, was great to work with him years ago. RIP Ed. YNWA.”
A further tribute said: “A great teacher and an exemplary human being. Thank you for all the time, advice, tears, and laughter shared. You will live on in the hearts of hundreds. Rest in peace Eddie.”
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