Sidney Rumbelow, one of the first white teachers at an all-black school and a self-employed hotelier at Cabana, has died.

An Englishman by birth, Mr. Rumbelow was former principal of Churchill School.

?When someone leaves a job, people think they can be replaced right away. But that is not always the case, they are missed,? Chief Education Officer Dr. Joseph Christopher said this week.

Dr. Christopher said Mr. Rumbelow was one of the staff members of the Bermuda Technical Institute.

?He was very respected by his students ... they often spoke about him with respect. He ensured success in the educational experiences they were pursuing,? Dr. Christopher said.

When he left the Technical Institute, Mr. Rumbelow became principal of the Churchill School.

?He emphasised the need to focus on quality education in the vocational areas to prepare students to assume responsibility in any area they chose,? Dr. Christopher said. ?He was always interested in education of young people in the vocational area. It was his main interest.?

But by the time Dr. Christopher became a teacher in the 1970s, Mr. Rumbelow had left the Ministry of Education.

Reggie Minors and Reggie Smith were former pupils of Mr. Rumbelow.

Mr. Minors called his former teacher a ?tremendous guy?.

?He was a really special teacher and a major force behind the success of the old Bermuda Technical Institute that produced lots of productive young men.?

Mr. Rumbelow taught Mr. Minors geometrical and technical drawing.

?He will be truly missed,? he said.

Mr. Simons said his most vivid memories were of Mr. Rumbelow?s detentions every week.

?He was strong on detentions,? he said. ?He was dedicated, forceful and direct. He laid down the ground work for many of the teachers (at the technical college).?