Teacher Sam FitzGerald remembered following shock death
A beloved private school teacher and young father has been remembered for his kind heart, fun nature and trademark grin following his sudden death.
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A beloved Noosa private school teacher and young father has been remembered for his kind heart, fun nature and trademark grin following his sudden death last week.
Good Shepherd Lutheran College teacher Sam FitzGerald, 41, has been remembered following his shock death on Wednesday, August 21.
It is understood Mr FitzGerald died suddenly from a heart issue. He leaves behind his beautiful wife Lauren FitzGerald and their baby girl Mae FitzGerald.
Mr FitzGerald is originally from Hobart before he moved to Melbourne for study.
A close friend of more than 15 years, Dan Haberfield, said he was deeply saddened by the news.
“Shattered to hear this” Mr Haberfield said.
“We taught together, drank together, coffee’d, and went for runs and walks around St Kilda. Lots of banter and great times.”
The pair first met as young teachers in Melbourne.
“We soon became really close mates. We lived near each other in St Kilda and would often sneak out for a beer together in the early days,” Mr Haberfield said.
“Over time though, this morphed into a more mature mateship – early morning exercise and coffee, going for a run or walk around the bay area. We’d chat about all sorts of things and celebrate each other’s wins, support the stresses and console the losses. We leant on each other as needed.
“He was a truly warm person who welcomed all types into his life. He was generous and forthright, and absolutely loved teaching. The impact he had on his students was amazing. He’d often have kids calling out to him from across the street, and that trademark grin would surface. He loved it.”
Although Mr FitzGerald found happiness and fulfilment through teaching – he always wanted his own children.
“For as long as I knew him he wanted to settle and have his own family. He finally met Lauren in the past few years and I had never saw him more happy or content,” Mr Haberfield said.
“I caught up with them on the Sunny Coast in mid 2023 and they looked right at home together. It was everything he wanted.
“He was a proud father when Mae arrived.
“He came from a loving and supportive family, which is a testament to Bill, Wendy, Emily and James. They are terrific people and a very close-knit family.
“His passing is a shock to all, and definitely rattled me. It’s a reminder to everyone to hold those you care about a little closer.
“He’s going to be missed by many.”
Good Shepherd Lutheran College Principal, Anthony Dyer, said Mr FitzGerald’s death had hit their school community hard.
“The Good Shepherd community is greatly saddened by the sudden death of staff member Mr Sam FitzGerald,” Mr Dyer said.
“Sam was an excellent teacher and head of junior sport with a passion and enthusiasm for sport and sharing that with young people.
“He gave generously of his time and energy and our students benefited from that and from their time with a wonderful role model.
“As a College community we will continue to support those affected by this tragic event.
“Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go to Sam’s family, friends, colleagues and all who knew him at this difficult time.”
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