Omagh PE teacher’s legacy ‘will never be forgotten’

TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the passing of a widely-respected PE teacher who coaches generations of young rugby players and other athletes at Omagh Academy.

Jack Reid, who was also a former long-term sports columnist with the Tyrone Herald, passed away at Hillview Nursing Home in Omagh on Wednesday.

A ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ for the life of Mr Reid was held in First Omagh Presbyterian Church on Saturday followed by cremation in Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan.

Originally from Castlecaufield, Mr Reid also worked in Dungannon and Cookstown, but it is with the Omagh grammar school that he was most closely associated, having taught at the Academy since the early ‘70s until his retirement in 2005.

In a tribute to the late teacher, Omagh Academy said that Mr Reid made a ‘phenomenal’ contribution to Omagh Academy during his 33-year career, which also continued many years after his retirement as a coach of rugby and athletics.

The statement said, “Jack got to know every pupil’s history, finding out where they were from, who their fathers or grandfathers were, and he had a nickname for most!

“Jack’s ‘way’ with the pupils ensured he always got the best out of everyone he coached or taught.

“His larger than life character and natural ability to capture everyone’s attention made him very well respected by all who knew him.

“He filled his life with sport, not just rugby, but athletics, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, gymnastics and cricket to name a few.

“What Jack didn’t know wasn’t worth knowing!”

The tribute further described Mr Reid as a ‘true sports fan’ and acknowledged the man accolades he was awarded for his commitment, including a BEM for services to sport in 2020.

The Academy’s tribute also recalled the many things they will remember about Mr Reid, such as his ‘determined’, yet, at times, ‘unorthodox’ coaching styles, his little red van, his wicked and mischievous laugh, his legendary stories and his unwavering dedication to the school.

Concluding their tribute, the statement read, “Those present at his funeral reminisced about times gone by.

“There will have been ‘many a tale’ told about his escapades.

“Our deepest sympathies go to Zoe, Jane, Michael, Vicky and to Jack’s grandchildren.

“Jack’s death certainly marks the end of an era, but his legacy will never be forgotten.

“Thank you, Jack.”