'He had such a wonderful impact': More tributes paid to Ulverston's Dave Wearing

Fond memories of Ulverston Victoria High School worker Dave Wearing, who was a technician in the design and technology department, have been shared since he passed away. He had a 30-year career which saw him inspire, guide, and teach a generation of pupils in his community.

Dave passed away on February 18 at the age of 64.

He was a well-known figure in the community who also helped guide students through their Duke of Edinburgh award programme.

An inquest into his death is due to be opened on March 9 at The Coroner’s Court in Cockermouth.

His death has sparked an emotional reaction from the community he served for more than three decades.

REMEMBERED: Dave had a career as a teacher spanning 30 years

Comments have been posted in memory of Dave, and messages of love to his family and friends on social media.

Gill McPhillips said: “R.I.P Dave. You’ll be missed by so many.”

Stefanie Meehan said: “This is such sad news. Condolences to his family and friends.”

Carol Frost said: “Dave Wearing was an absolute legend. He will be missed so very much.”

Milly Ritchie said: “Very sad.”

One social media user said: “Fantastic man. Dave will be so missed. He had such a wonderful impact on students and always had a smile and kind word for them or gave of his time. They adored him. Just too sad.”

Another said: “Sending my sympathy and thoughts to his family and friends.”

LOSS: Ulverston Victoria High School staff pay tributes to Dave

The tributes followed heartfelt messages from fellow teachers and friends in Ulverston.

Headteacher Matt Hardwick said: “Dave was a wonderful, dedicated member of staff who had worked at the school for over 30 years.

“He was also very heavily involved in the life of the school, through his music and also the support he gave to the Duke of Edinburgh programme, having a positive effect on the experience our children have at UVHS. Dave was the kind of person that made the world work the way it should.

Mr Barlow, Head of Design, Technology & Art, and Mrs Ford, Head of Food & Textiles, said: “Dave Wearing will forever be part of the Design and Technology department at UVHS and he was so much more than a technician.

“Dave devoted his life to being outside in the fresh air and was a key member of the Duke of Edinburgh programme and willingly gave up his time to help guide staff and students over the fells in Cumbria and was an accomplished climber.”

Richard Butler, assistant headteacher at UVHS, said: “In the early 1990s he formed a Furness Youth Big Band within Furness Music Centre and inspired countless talented youngsters to get involved, resulting in them experiencing playing regular gigs throughout the region.

“He was a prodigious musical talent who could put his hand to any instrument and in any style, and he continued his music-making right up until the lockdowns by playing with various bands over the years.”