Barrenjoey High School music teacher Layne Visser dies aged 49
A well-loved northern beaches music teacher and a “strong man with a heart of gold”, has died tragically young, aged 49.
Manly
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A well-loved northern beaches teacher described as a “strong man with a heart of gold”, has died suddenly aged 49.
Layne Visser was a music teacher at Barrenjoey High.
He died on Tuesday following a medical episode.
Tributes have been flowing in for Mr Visser who had taught at Barrenjoey High for 23 years.
In an emotional Facebook post his stepson Jerome, 21, said “Layne was everything I’ve ever wanted as a father and a best friend”.
“A caring, generous, patient, funny, gentle, smiley, passionate and strong man with a heart of gold that never wavered from his values.
“As I’m sure many other people are feeling, it doesn’t quite seem real or possible or fair, but I think that speaks to how important he was to everyone and how important he made other people feel, no matter the interaction he had with them.
“To all my friends please go to your parents, give them a hug and tell them you love them.
“Farewell Layne, my father forever.”
Principal Ian Bowsher said pupils have been writing messages in a condolence book and the school was hoping to hold a musical event at some point to celebrate his life.
“Layne was known as a tutor, teacher, musician, mentor, colleague and friend to many people,” he said.
“Regardless of the role, he made an impression on us all with his easy manner, positive outlook and supportive demeanour.
“Layne was a man to be proud of. He was a great man. He was a great teacher and one I’m happy to say I’ve known for thirteen of his twenty three years at Barrenjoey.
“His part in this great school is now over but his legacy in our learning community will live on in all our hearts and minds.”
Mr Visser grew up on the northern beaches and went to nearby Pittwater High before studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
The trombone was his main instrument, but he also played most brass instruments as well as the piano and could also sing.
He was also a member of the Village Big Band.
He lived in Avalon with his wife Michaela, 51, and they were a “great couple” according to Mr Bowsher.
“Many will have seen them out exercising, walking the streets hand-in-hand,” he said.
His step sons, Harry, 23, and Jerome, also went to Barrenjoey High.
“Living in the area, working in the area, tutoring in the area meant he had quite a presence in the neighbourhood,” Mr Bowsher said.
“Every second person from Newport upwards would know him.”
Parents, former pupils and current students also paid tribute to him in a Facebook post.
Former student Eden Gauci said Mr Visser was a “selfless, giving and super passionate human who treated us all as equals. He was a massive part of my high school experience and one of the teachers I spent majority of my school time with”.
Many wrote how Mr Visser was their favourite teacher.