Tributes pour in after passing of ‘one in a million' Co Antrim classroom assistant
Brian Fair's death on Sunday has sent shockwaves through Lisnagarvey High School in Lisburn with hundreds of tributes from staff and former pupils.
Originally from Lisburn, he is survived by his wife Laura and two young children. He also leaves behind his twin brother Jason, younger brother Gary, sister Natalie and parents Sharon and William.
Mourners have paid tribute to Mr Fair's ability to 'always put a smile on peoples faces' while others said the 36-year-old was 'a true gentleman.'
The principal of LSH, Jim Sheerin, shared the news in a letter posted on social media.
'It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we inform our school community of the passing yesterday of the most beloved member of staff in Lisnagarvey High School, Mr Brian Fair,' he wrote.
The school's head said that pupils and staff would be able to avail of counselling and that 'no one has to face this alone'.
He added: 'We will be in further communication around this tragic event in due course. Our heartfelt thoughts of condolence are with his family and his loved ones.'
A former staff member at the school paid homage to Mr Fair calling him 'one in a million'.
She said:' My heartfelt condolences to all of Brian's family and friends. I couldn't believe it; he was always up for a bit of banter when I worked as a cleaner at the school.
"He was one in a million; the kids and staff loved him and will miss him.'
Another tribute said the passing of the classroom assistant was 'devastating' adding that her thoughts and prayers were with his family, friends and school.
One parent whose children were taught by Mr Fair said 'it was always a comfort he was there for them'.
'So sad to read this about Brian,' she said. 'I knew him before he taught my children and it was always a comfort that he was there for them absolute gentleman you will be so missed.'
News Catch Up - Monday 12 May
One tribute said the classroom assistant was 'an amazing father and loving daddy'.
They said: 'Brian was a huge part of the school. An amazing father and loving daddy. He has left a footprint in everyone heart.
"Shaped the way for countless students. The family should be very proud of Brian. Missed always.'
Another mourner said Mr Fair was the 'one of the best humans and staff members' and praised his daily dedication to pupils, including weekends.
'One of the best humans and staff members for any person or child who crossed his path,' they said. 'His dedication to support pupils especially all those Saturday mornings.
'A heartbroken family and school community today. Thoughts with everyone. One of the best.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
Scottish Braille Press Proofreaders Retire After Remarkable 82 Years Combined Service
This June, Suzie and Brian Lewis will retire from the Scottish Braille Press after a remarkable combined 82 years of service. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Suzie, who has a vision impairment, joined the Braille Press in 1979, while Brian followed a decade later, starting on 19 June 1989, coincidentally Suzie's birthday. The couple, who married in 1996, who are from Edinburgh, have worked alongside one another in various capacities over the years, providing invaluable contributions to accessibility in Scotland. The Scottish Braille Press, part of the charity Sight Scotland, is a national leader in producing accessible formats including braille, large print, and audio. Its services ensure that blind and partially sighted people across the UK can access personal and essential information, including bank statements, benefit letters, exam papers and insurance documents. The Scottish Braille Press currently supports around 50,000 people and works with some of the UK's largest organisations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Reflecting on their careers, Suzie, and Brian shared memories of how much the industry has changed and how their roles evolved over time. Suzie and Brian Lewis Suzie explains: 'When I started, it was all manual. We hand-collated huge Braille documents, some up to 2,300 pages, and stitched them before dispatch. It was physical, team-based work, and we did it all by hand. I did that for about 14 years until technology changed things and demand for Braille reduced.' Suzie transitioned into proofreading, a role she embraced thanks to her love of books. 'It started with a couple of hours helping out, then became a full-time job. I've mainly focused on large print proofreading ever since. It's incredibly detailed work, but so rewarding knowing how important it is for people to receive their information in a format they can access.' Brian adds: 'When I started, we were still using zinc plates to produce Braille, there were very few computers. A few years later we began investing in technology to meet growing demand for financial documents and mailing lists. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We mostly check financial letters, bank, and pension statements. You must check every detail, even envelopes, to make sure the right person gets the right information. It's about maintaining trust, privacy, and accuracy.' Suzie and Brian have also provided unique support to each other throughout their working lives. Suzie shares: 'We helped each other, as it should be. Sometimes we worked on the same job, reading different versions of a document. I'm registered blind and Brian has epilepsy, so being in the same space meant we could look out for one another.' 'I'm very proud of the work we've done. 'It's changed so much over the years. With modern technology, new systems, but at its heart, the mission has stayed the same; to make sure people with sight loss can live independently and confidently.' Brian continues: 'We thought about working a bit longer, but we're in a good position to retire now and enjoy the time together. It's the right moment. We are looking forward to a cruise and stay in the Mediterranean in September, then we're going to Canada in May next year. It's been an amazing time working at the Scottish Braille Press, and I am sure Suzie will agree, I am the best birthday present she has ever had!' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Colin Hilditch, Head of Enterprise at Sight Scotland, said: 'Suzie and Brian's dedication has made a real difference to the lives of thousands of people. Their attention to detail, professionalism and teamwork have helped ensure the highest standards in accessible communication. We are hugely grateful for their service and wish them all the very best for a happy retirement.' For more information visit
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
'He understands the club'
We asked Millwall fans for their views on the news boss Alex Neil has signed a new led the Lions to an eighth-placed finish in the Championship last season and seems have made quite an impression at The are some of the thoughts of Millwall - I think it is great news that Neil has signed a new deal. He has proved in a short period of time that he has all the attributes necessary to enable Millwall to realise their ambitions for next season and beyond. As a lifelong supporter and season ticket holder, I am really excited for the - Fantastic news. We've seen real progress and some excellent football under - We were looking so rough towards the end of the year and then we brought Alex Neil in and he's done fantastic work. We weren't starting [Mihailo] Ivanovic enough and, to be honest, I'm not sure Alex started him enough either, but I'm looking forward to a successful season and I think he could get us to the play-offs this - Good news. Has been magnificent since he came in. Importantly, he understands the club and the fans. Good luck for next season - This is absolutely great news. We are progressing as a club from where we were a long time ago, and it's so great to have Neil signing an extended contract. He is the ideal manager for this club. He understands where we're going and what we want as a - He did a good job and needs a chance to build his own team. Much better than [Joe] Edwards and an improvement on Neil Harris' second - I think it's a great signing. He ran out of time last season and with the youngsters he has at his disposal I'm sure he will get it - Absolutely fantastic news. Alex has hit the ground running. Hopefully, we can have a good transfer window and kick on next season. Can't - Great news. I don't think I've looked forward to a coming season as much as this in years.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside eerie abandoned UK waterpark left a shell of its former self with mould-covered slides & mice running everywhere
FROZEN IN TIME Inside eerie abandoned UK waterpark left a shell of its former self with mould-covered slides & mice running everywhere Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A ONCE loved family destination has fallen into ruin with mice running around and mould growing on slides. A TikToker revealed the eerie insides of the now abandoned waterpark in a haunting video. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Waterworld was once busy and vibrant 3 The park has been left to fall apart and rot Credit: TikTok/@jamierob2 Footage shows the park in Northern Ireland fallen into ruin with mice seen running around where children and families once played. The water slides that the attraction was once known for are now falling apart and covered in mould. Left to rot when it was closed down in February 2020 the park has remained untouched since. Haunting footage shows the once bright and vibrant attraction completely abandoned, dark and damp. Read more in News HOL NO Mystery surrounds 'abandoned' Center Parcs lodges left to rot The facilities have all been left frozen in time with abandoned building explorers the only recent visitors. It seems almost as if people left in a hurry with the park being nearly exactly as it was when it was open. Social media users were left feeling nostalgic by the footage with many recalling fond memories of Waterworld. The park has never been put on the market after it was suddenly closed more than five years ago. TikToker Jaimie, who explores abandoned buildings for fun and shares footage with his followers, recently visited the park. He has also explored several other abandoned sites across Ireland and has built a following from the videos of his explorations. Unsettling footage of Waterworld shows a mouse darting across the bottom of an empty pool. Video also shows clips of the sauna which looks eerily identical to how it did when the site was open. Inside abandoned center parcs Waterworld was also home to a bowling alley which was also left abandoned and frozen in time. The lanes are left dim and unlit, abandoned exactly as they were five years ago. Bowling balls still sit ready to be rolled having been left in the facility when it was emptied. The entire facility was left dark with only the torches of the TikToker and his pal to light it. The local council has been urged to focus on the sale of the abandoned site. Social media users noted that the centre still looks to be in a semi decent condition. Local councillors keep an eye on the abandoned leisure centre, asking for updates on the facility. Jamie's video received over 180,000 views on TikTok. Most were left asking if the waterpark would ever open again with the eerie footage sparking a wave of nostalgia.
