Tributes: Former Kingscliff High School teacher Allan Kevin Bannerman, 72, loses cancer battle

One of the Tweed’s most beloved educators who lost a brave battle against cancer is being remembered by former students as a “legendary teacher and legendary man”. Read the tributes.

Allan Kevin Bannerman, 1952 – 2024. Picture: Facebook / Supplied.

One of the Tweed’s most beloved educators who lost a brave battle against cancer is being remembered by former students as a “legendary teacher and legendary man”.

Allan Kevin Bannerman died Tuesday last week at the age of 72 after a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Having most recently taught at Kingscliff High School from 1995 to 2011, the physical education teacher and keen sportsman enjoyed stints at Springwood High School (NSW), Henry Kendall High School in Gosford and Ballina High School.

Aside from his academic career, Mr Bannerman has been remembered as being a community stalwart and a “mentor to many in the Tweed”.

He was an accomplished athlete, having played Rugby League throughout his life as well competing in as many as 600 triathlon race events and two Iron Man marathons.

He also won a gold medal in the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships and Masters, was a NSW SLSC representative and a state swimming medallist.

Former Kingscliff High School teacher Allan Kevin Bannerman, 72, has died. Pictured here with his wife Carol. Picture: Supplied / Facebook.

His wife Carol shared the news of his passing on Facebook.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Allan Kevin Bannerman (Banno, Kicker, Kevy, Dad, Poppy), who fought bravely against cancer and passed away surrounded by his loved ones, as he desired,” she wrote.

Colleague Sharon Rowles said when she moved from Woolongong to Kingscliff, Mr Bannerman “was always there for me”.

“He was a strong, lovely and kind man. I never heard one student say they didn’t like Mr Bannerman. He was loved by literally everyone he encountered,” she said.

“He made school fun. He would play ‘Mr Bannerman’s international rules of dodge ball’, and we still play his version of it at the school.”

Kingscliff High School principal Michael Hensley said Mr Bannerman was an extremely well regarded teacher and an asset to the school during his years of service.

In the wake of Mr Bannerman’s death, hundreds of his former students flooded Facebook with heartfelt tributes.

Rikki Commens wrote that Mr Bannerman’s sense of humour “added so much to my high school experience”.

Kylie Mison added: “Such a lovely man. Very sad to hear. RIP.”

Michael Coaker called Mr Bannerman a “legendary teacher and a legendary man”.

Christie Bavage wrote: “So many fond memories of Mr Bannerman during my schooling years. May he finally be at peace.”

Tyler Ford added: “Inspirational always. What a legend.”

Mr Bannerman was an asset to Kingscliff High School, according to its principal. Picture: NSW Department of Education

Karlee Anderson wrote: “A wonderful man and educator.”

Brett Montgomery chimed in, saying: “Mr Bannerman was a great guy, always happy with the biggest smile, always had time for a chat.”

Monique Stanford added: “My Favourite teacher that helped me through high school. RIP sir.”

Jude Rowles wrote: “A lovely man gone too soon.”

Andrew Miller went as far to say Mr Bannerman was the “GOAT (greatest of all time)” and said he had “huge admiration” for the former teacher.

Molly Pinnock added: “Rest peacefully Mr Bannerman. You were and always will be one of the best Kingy High Teachers! Condolences to his family. ️

Mr Bannerman is survived by his wife Carol, two daughters Samantha and Nike and four granddaughters.

His daughter Samantha is a learning support teacher at Kingscliff High School and his granddaughters attend the school.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 4 at Cudgen Surf Lifesaving Club from 3.30pm onwards.

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Originally published as Tributes: Former Kingscliff High School teacher Allan Kevin Bannerman, 72, loses cancer battle