A FORMER pupil of Michael Clancy, one of the victims of last week’s Malaysian Airlines disaster in the Ukraine, has shared her memories of a teacher many looked up to.
Mr Clancy and his wife Carol were on flight MH17 when it was shot down, reportedly by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.
Former Bermagui Public School pupil Rachel St Hill visited the BDN office this week with a treasured school photo and recalled a wonderful teacher who had all kids’ interests at heart.
“Mr Clancy was my teacher in first class,” Ms St Hill said.
“He loved to play guitar and loved teaching us music.
“When he found out I started learning to play he would always ask me questions about how my guitar lessons were going.”
Ms St Hill said Mr Clancy would always take time in the playground to chat with kids.
“He was so kind-hearted and liked seeing all the kids doing well.
“He had kids’ best interests at heart.
“I still have two merit certificates from Year 1 from him in an album at home!”
Ms St Hill said her love of music and the guitar has continued to this day, in no small part to the inspiration of Mr Clancy.
“A lot of kids looked up to him – he related very well to everyone.
“It was a big shock when I heard [about the plane crash].
“I didn’t realise he was still so close to this area.
“He was such a good, positive, encouraging person and I wanted to share my memories of him.”