Teacher dad-of-four dies (39)

Brian, of Clitheroe, was a well-known figure in the town, having attended St James’s CE Primary School before going on to Ribblesdale High School.

After qualifying as a chef with the 1st Hampshire Regiment in 1990, Brian completed tours of Northern Ireland, before undertaking the All Arms Commando Course to qualify for and serve with the 29 Commando Regiment.

After a medical discharge from the Army in 1995 following a climbing accident, Brian worked for Lancashire Probation Service and opened The Snip gent’s barber shop in Clitheroe. He then went on to complete a BSc Honours in Bio-Medical Science, followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.

After his teaching career began at St Bede’s RC High School, Blackburn, in 2010 he moved to Stonyhurst College as a house master. His latest achievement came in the form of being commissioned an Officer in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, in connection with his role within the Combined Cadet Force at the college.

Stonyhurst headmaster Andrew Johnson said: “We will all miss Brian very much. Though he had only been a house master at Stonyhurst for a year, he was hugely respected by teachers and pupils alike and was extremely popular. He was an absolute natural as a teacher - his lessons were fun but challenging and he was very caring towards the boarding boys he looked after. We will miss his humour and charm, along with his dedication and integrity. He is a huge loss to the college and we are all devastated by his sudden death.”

Despite Brian’s varied and numerous achievements, his proudest role was that of a family man.

Married to Laura, he was a loving father to four children - Jemma, Hannah, Jorge and Henri. The son of Janet and John Robinson and brother to the late Rachel Hodgson, Brian’s greatest pleasure came from spending time with his large and loving family.