Tributes flow for beloved Logan teacher Eddie O’Toole

Tributes are flowing for a beloved teacher who taught at an elite private Logan school for 18 years. Students and staff have remembered him for his storytelling skills and sense of humour.

Tributes are flowing for Eddie O’Toole, a beloved teacher at Logan’s John Paul College for 18 years, with students and staff remembering him for his “magical storytelling skills’’ and “wicked sense of humour’’.

Mr O’Toole passed away on March 21 after being in a palliative care unit for some time.

He was in his early 70s at the time.

The Daisy Hill school released a statement today announcing Mr O’Toole’s passing.

Eddie O’Toole. Photo: Facebook

“Mr O’Toole was an exceptional educator, noted for his magical storytelling skills and his overwhelming desire to ensure that those in his care were provided with many opportunities to enable them to be the best they could be,” a spokesperson for the school said.

“He commenced his time at John Paul College in January, 1993 as an art teacher and a pastoral care teacher.

“Over the next 18 years, he held many different positions across the College, including Head of Year, Director of Administration and finally, Head of Middle School, a role he faithfully fulfilled until his retirement in 2010.

“Mr O’Toole will be fondly remembered by all those lucky enough to have made his acquaintance, and he will be sadly missed.

“Our thoughts are with (partner) Merilyn and their family.”

Those who were taught by Mr O’Toole shared tributes online.

“Very sad news. A kind, gentle man with a wicked sense of humour. Eddie has touched the lives of many and will be hugely missed. Condolences to Merilyn,” a friend posted.

Michelle Fulcher said he was a wonderful teacher and head of the middle school.

“My girls always talked about his humour,” she said.

“Sending my sympathies to his family and the JPC family and colleagues.”

Gillian Cambridge also paid her condolences.

Eddie O’Toole was much loved. Photo: Facebook

“I hope that Eddie knew the lovely, positive effect he had on our children,” she said.

“He was always kind and wonderful at imparting good advice.”

Fellow teacher Ceecee Rainbow said she started at the school the same year as Mr O’Toole.

“Feeling lost in a world I wasn’t used to after moving 3000km away from home and family; he always opened a door and provided a safe space within the Art Centre for me to musically or creatively escape to,” she said.

Student Dean Tindale said Mr O’Toole was one of the best teachers he had ever had.

“He was always able to put things you would be able to comprehend,” he said.

“His humour was one in a million.

“Rest in peace Eddie.”

Past student Stacey Strudwick even shared a prime example of Mr O’Toole’s witty humour.

“I still remember his rap he delivered when middle school was established. He had everyone burst into laughter … wonderful memories,’’ she posted.

“It’s not cool, to be a fool … in Middle School, says Mr O’Toole!”

Mr O’Toole with a JPC student. Photo: Facebook

Students also recalled his love of soccer.

“A beautiful man who I was very fond of while a student at John Paul’s College,” past student Stephen Martin said.

“I remember in Year 8 he called a special assembly for every boy in grade 8 to convince them to play soccer (football) and not rugby union.

“His passion for the beautiful game was obvious.

“Although, they say Rugby is the game they play in heaven, so I am sure he is doing his best to convince everyone that football should be the game they play in heaven.”

Another student said Mr O’Toole taught them about the importance of having fun.

“Mr O’Toole taught me the importance of having fun and being true to oneself,” Ashley Angell said.

“ In a world where everyone was being told to be aresponsible young adult he reminded us always that its important to allow yourself to be silly, sometimes.

“But never on the cover of your visual art diary.”

Mr O’Toole’s funeral will be at 11am on Wednesday March 30, at Allambe Memorial Park, 129 Nerang Broadbeach Rd.