Students and teachers yesterday packed out St. Theresa's Cathedral to wave goodbye to a much-loved young teacher tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.

A host of emotional speeches and poems about Toby Colombe — written and read out by grieving colleagues and pupils — brought tears and smiles to the congregation in roughly equal measures.

The 33-year-old Canadian died after colliding with a wall on South Road, Smith's, in the early hours of Sunday.

His death has devastated Mount St. Agnes Academy, where Mr. Colombe was known for his love of physical education teaching and was described by countless children as their favourite teacher.

They also praised the way he would never stop smiling even when students made his job difficult, always tried to make a joke to lighten the mood, and was never offended when playfully teased about his ropy musical skills.

Hundreds of people packed out the church for the two-hour service, with one of the main tributes coming from principal Sue Moench.

Offering an insight into the wideheld affection for Mr. Colombe, Mrs. Moench revealed a long list of nicknames he was known as, including Tobinator, Tobs and Mr. C — and proceeded to refer to him as Mr. C throughout her speech.

"Whenever I was in Mr. C's class I observed him as being just as energetic as the students. It was obvious he had a passion for teaching and learning and a great love and concern for his students," she said.

"Toby, watch over us, be present at our school's events, you will always be a treasured member of our MSA family. You brought great delight to our students; they wanted to do their best for you. The staff enjoyed your sense of humour and great spirit as you lit up a room with your presence.

"Parents took your direction as you nurtured and supported their children; the community respected your talents and integrity.

"What can I say? You were a great teacher, staff member, family member and friend. Your memory will live forever in our hearts. Toby, you are an inspiration to us, you brought us great joy, many laughs and a reason to live life to its fullest. Go in peace my friend, until we meet again."

Mrs. Moench was followed by a poem written and read out by Megan Lopes, who wept as she said: "He was a man of laughter, of happiness and of glee.

"He was a man of effort; he was everything he could be.

"He had a smile that would shine as bright as the morning sun,

"It would reach ends of the earth that seemed to be non-existent to some.

"He wasn't just a teacher, he was also our friend. He would be behind you always, supporting you until the end."

Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Kurtz, who led the ceremony, revealed how in a service two months ago he had randomly picked Mr. Colombe as a prayer partner for the coming months.

"Never did I in my wildest imagination think that I would be praying for him at a funeral liturgy," said Bishop Kurtz.

"I ask myself should I have prayed more for him? I'm now more convinced than ever of the need to appreciate the people who come into our lives, and the need to appreciate why they are with us before it's too late for them to hear it."

Mr. Colombe's family and friends in Newfoundland, Canada, are due to hold another service in the coming days, while other tributes are planned by his friends in Bermuda.