They may have groaned every time he got his guitar out to play them a song, but Mount Saint Agnes students would give anything to hear one last tune from Toby Colombe.

Whether they knew him as Mr. Colombe, The Tobinator, or simply Mr. C, the man with a permanent smile on his face was everyone's favourite teacher — even if he wasn't everyone's favourite singer.

Their consolation is that they're sure he's now enjoying one big karaoke party in the sky — and maybe even getting told by the rest of Heaven to give his guitar a rest for a bit.

Aspersions over Mr. Colombe's musical abilities are a common theme among about 100 pages of touching tributes in a folder lovingly put together by the children and colleagues whose lives he impacted on in just a couple of years at MSA.

Most students describe him as a friend as well as a teacher and many point to his willingness to take a joke at his own expense. All are shocked and devastated by the tragic motorcycle accident which claimed his life in the early hours of Sunday.

The folder, together with a giant Mr. Colombe mural on the school hall's wall and a host of tributes read out at yesterday's memorial service, show the esteem in which the 33-year-old Canadian was held.

"Your singing ... yeah, you were never really good," wrote Rebecca P in the tribute folder. "Well actually, to put it in the nicest way possible, you were a terrible singer.

"But we would all love to hear you sing again. We promise not to tease you any more. We all love you so much and I hope you're having a karaoke party in Heaven."

Megan Lopes echoed these thoughts in her poem she read at the St. Theresa's Church service: "We would always complain when he brought out his classic guitar,

"But I know now, we would give anything to hear him play again, even it was only one bar.

"His singing was always a treat for each one of us to hear,

"Even though it was usually off key, it was still wonderful to be near."

During the service, school principal Sue Moench raised some laughs among the congregation when she said: "In Mr. Colombe's spare time, and it's hard to believe that he had very much, he considered himself a part-time musician who was still waiting for his number one hit song."

The tribute folder is also packed with references to his fun-loving nature. Stephanie DeSilva wrote: "Mr. Columby: You were a really cool guy. People are going to miss you but I'm going to think of it as God liked you so much and you were so wicked He wanted you in Heaven with Him, partying it up. Have fun in Heaven and enjoy singing! Under my umbrella."

Annette Bayle wrote: "I am noted for my laugh but you had a smile that could light up a room."

Karen W wrote: "Toby: How can this be? Never to hear you laugh again. It's not possible."

Ashleigh Pacheco wrote: "Always made you laugh. He will forever be a joker and will forever be missed. Keep wearing your Abercrombie shirts and Wheaties socks in Heaven. There was never a dull moment with you! We love you!"

Many pointed to the way Mr. Colombe's encouraged students to make the most of their sporting talents.

"Ay Columbe!" wrote Isaac. "I am supposed to be running laps around you here, not up there mate!"

Ryan Flood wrote: "He's the best coach we have ever had."

Others shone a light on the rapport he built with students.

Jessica wrote: "I remember you always used to come out and see us sitting on the steps and you said that when we graduate we should carve your name there. We love Mr. Colombe."

Debra Curley wrote: "You were a really great teacher. You knew how to take a joke! Even if it was about shaving your legs!"

Marlena wrote: "He never gave up with us, no matter how mean, disrespectful or downright rude we were."

Savannah wrote: "Thank you for everything. Always having a smile on your face, even when our class was irritating you and fighting with you. Your smile always made everyone else smile. I'm sorry I never showed a lot of effort in your class, even after you shouted at me to get in the game."

Showing how he was a hit with the adults as well as the children, Cat wrote: "My birthday is on Thursday. I'm going out on Friday! I know you can't make it but I know ya gonna be there with all of us, having a good time!"

Riley and Thomas Mahoney perhaps summed up everyone's thoughts in a few short words.

"Mr. Colombe was a very good man but I still don't get why people die so soon," wrote Riley.

"It really sucks now that you are gone," wrote Thomas.

This Saturday, friends of Mr. Colombe will hold a tribute night at Spanish Point Boat Club to raise cash for his grieving family.

The event, organised by Bermuda Folk Club of which Mr. Colombe was a popular player, will include performances from Will Black, Georgina MacDonald, Karen O'Brien, Scott Neil, the MSA Saints featuring staff from the school, and many more acts. Doors will open at 7.30 p.m. with music from 8 p.m.

Part of Mr. Colombe's legacy at MSA will be in the form of sporting equipment the school can now buy thanks to the remarkable $17,000 he raised last year when he decided to set up a top class track and field programme.

Students are planning a commemorative walk around Bernard Park and the National Stadium. Organiser Christopher Abraham, 17, said: "He was our track guy. He built the team up from the ground. It's something he would have wanted."

A tribute video is set to go up on the school website on www.msa.bm.