Students return to class in Surrey without beloved math teacher
Posted October 9, 2018 5:50 am.
Last Updated October 9, 2018 9:06 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) – Grief counsellors are at a high school in Surrey Tuesday, as students and staff return to class without a highly respected and loved math teacher.
The man known simply as “Mr. Singh” was killed in a car crash on Friday.
He’s being remembered as a role model, a mentor, and a pillar of the community. Tributes poured in though the weekend for 55-year-old Suminder Singh, who is described as a mountain of a man full of humour and kindness.
Singh taught at Tamanawis Secondary School.
“He was like a father figure,” said Aaron, who fought off tears when he arrived at school Tuesday.
Others said he was an inspiration, who had a special bond with every student he knew.
“He was always open and happy to each student that he saw — even if they weren’t in his class. He was positive,” said another student.
Tamanawis Secondary School (Mike Lloyd, NEWS 1130 Photo)
The school principal said alumni and colleagues have contacted him about the death.
Baltej Singh Dhillon — a close friend — said Singh loved his job as a math teacher and he taught each of his students as if they were his own kids.
Singh was also involved in the community.
“Suminder stood out. Suminder was a quiet giant,” said Dhillon. “His character, his giving… his noble approach to education and his kindness to all.”
Dhillon wishes he and others had taken more time to show their appreciation for Singh. “If there is one thing that we regret is [not] recognizing all of that — just because he was quiet, just because he was humble, just because he didn’t sing his own praises. But now, the community is.”
A vigil is planned for Saturday.
– With files from Monika Gul
