Tributes flow for Geelong College maths teacher Roger Smith

A long-term Geelong College maths teacher has been remembered for his wit, loyalty and kindness.

The Geelong College community is mourning the loss of a former deputy principal and long-term staff member.

Former maths teacher Roger Smith, who taught at the school for 24 years, died on New Year’s Eve.

A statement released by the school remembered Mr Smith as “one of our great servants, our dear friend and esteemed colleague”.

“Roger was a member of The Geelong College staff for 24 years, concluding his time here in April 2021,” the statement read.

“He gave exceptional service as a mathematics teacher and member of The Geelong College executive, the deputy principal and as acting principal in 2015.”

Mr Smith will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, and his colleagues said he “enthusiastically led student expeditions overseas and around Australia”.

“His intellect, wit, loyalty, respect for and kindness to others were characteristics of Roger that were greatly admired by those of us fortunate enough to have worked alongside him,” the statement read.

The statement said Mr Smith died following a period of illness.

Mr Smith is survived by his wife Heather and daughters Stephanie and Angela.

His life will be celebrated at a memorial service at the You Yangs’ Drysdale Rd carpark at 11am on January 16.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Geelong College maths teacher Roger Smith