Tributes to Greenside teacher Philip Keighley of Stanningley

Philip Keighley, a former teacher at Greenside Primary School in Pudsey, died aged 87 in July.

He leaves behind two children, Sally and Christopher Keighley.

News of Mr Keighley’s death sparked an outpouring of love from his former pupils.

“The messages on Facebook have been a real comfort and unexpected,” Sally said.

Mr Keighley, pictured in the middle of the back row, at Greenside Primary School (Image: UGC)

“The one recurring theme was that if he explained something and they didn’t understand he’d explain it again in a different way.

“He thought education was really important, it gives you choices. He thought if you’re there you might as well try, you should try your best as you might not get whatever opportunity again.”

Describing her late father's character, Sally said: “Caring, kind, as honest as the day is long and considerate - just a good all-round person, even-tempered.”

Former pupil Frances Waddington said: “Lovely teacher, my favourite.”

David Threlfall, said: “He had a fantastic memory and reeled off time after time the names of former pupils at his beloved Greenside school.”

Mr Keighley, pictured (Image: UGC)Ian Harrison added: “An amazing teacher, firm but fair. He was my favourite teacher from all my school years.”

Mr Keighley grew up in Stanningley and attended West Leeds Boys High School. He went on to join the National Service.

He was sent to Changi, Singapore, and worked on the signals for the Royal Air Force.

He learned to sail and joined the Changi Sailing Club - a hobby he continued post-service at Yeadon Tarn.

Sally said: “He just found from rainy 50s England to the lush, green, exotic Singapore, it’s half a world away.

“He was always really grateful.

“He used some time off to do some exploring through the region. That opened his eyes.

“I looked through his notebooks and it says he was confident and conscientious and that was him, full stop.”

Mr Keighley, pictured (Image: UGC)After returning home, he helped out at the family’s shop on Stanningley town street and met his wife, Daphne.

The pair got married and soon welcomed two children. The couple remained together for 62 years.

He was part of many different communities - including Pudsey Civic Society, Pudsey St Lawrence Cricket Club and Woodhall Hills Golf Club, Calverley - and enjoyed line dancing.

But it was teaching where Mr Keighley perhaps made the biggest impact.

He went back to college and retrained as a teacher. His entire 15 year-career took place at Greenside.

Sally said: “They were big in the community, my dad was at the school, my mum was a district nurse. They were interested in people’s lives. He was seen as a really positive influence.”