TRIBUTES have been paid today to a much loved Ipswich teacher who died suddenly.Both staff and pupils at Thurleston High School, in Defoe Road, have been left shocked and saddened following the tragic death of Brian Brownlee-Pinkerton earlier this month.

TRIBUTES have been paid today to a much loved Ipswich teacher who died suddenly.

Both staff and pupils at Thurleston High School, in Defoe Road, have been left shocked and saddened following the tragic death of Brian Brownlee-Pinkerton earlier this month.

Mr Brownlee-Pinkerton, 52, from east Ipswich, had been a teacher at the school for almost 29 years, and although he initially taught geography there, he played a key role in developing its information and communications technology.

Head teacher Mike Everett said: “He spent almost 29 years at the school and in that time won everyone's respect through his commitment , loyalty and enthusiasm towards the pupils and his colleagues.

“He built up ICT at the school from scratch and had an outstanding technical knowledge. Although the school network he built was impressive, it was its application to improving outcomes for pupils that was truly memorable.”

More recently, Mr Brownlee-Pinkerton had been working closely with Thomas Wolsey school on its relocation to the Thurleston site.

Nancy McArdle, head of Thomas Wolsey, said: “He was first and foremost a teacher and all his technical knowledge was tuned to improve learning.”

The whole school community was left devastated as Mr Brownlee-Pinkerton was in school on the Friday before his death but on Sunday, February 10, he had a heart attack and died.

Mr Everett added: “He was well known in the community, having taught many of the parents of pupils currently in the school. He had also supported some of the other schools in the area in developing their ICT capability.”

His funeral has already taken place but there are plans to hold a memorial service at the school to celebrate his life.

A book of condolences has also been opened at the school for pupils and staff to pay their respects.

Would you like to pay tribute to Mr Brownlee-Pinkerton? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.