A TEACHER described by former pupils as a legend in his own lifetime will be laid to rest today.

Robert Evans, affectionately known as Rob Evs, taught PE and geography at Gowerton Comprehensive School in a career spanning 35 years.

He died at his Gowerton home in the early hours of last Friday, following an 18-month battle with cancer.

Born and bred in the village, Mr Evans started his teaching career at Gowerton Boys Grammar School in 1967 before it merged with Gowerton Girls Grammar School to form the comprehensive.

The 67-year-old worked at the school until his retirement in 2002, and was regarded as an inspirational and energetic teacher who knew the names of every pupil who passed through the school gates.

Former pupils have left messages on a tribute page set up on social networking site Facebook, which has attracted almost 2,000 members.

Many have commented on his friendly, warm approach and his boundless enthusiasm for the school, the pupils and the community.

His wife Pam, a retired teacher, said he put up a brave fight against the disease.

"He coped so well, and didn't complain once," she said. "This past week has been traumatic, and we are just about coping at the moment but the messages left on the internet group have been a great comfort.

"We had such a fantastic married life spanning 41-and-a- half years — very rarely have we had a cross word. His job was absolutely everything to him, he lived an breathed it."

Leave your Lasting Tribute to Robert Evans

Mr Evans was also a huge cricket fan and represented Wales as well as Gowerton Cricket Club.

Former pupil Darryl Hill, aged 48, said: "There are very few people who have influenced and shaped my life — this man is one of them. We had the best PE department in the UK, as our rugby, athletics and hockey results showed.

"This was a direct result of this man's leadership, enthusiasm, friendship and 'no excuses' commitment to sport in our school.

"He taught me to play rugby, sprint, throw the javelin, play basketball, cricket and most of all, how to conduct myself in an acceptable, respectful manner.

"He will leave a massive legacy, which will reflect his impact on many lives."

Ex-pupil Charlotte Matthews, aged 26, said: "He was one-of-a-kind, a true gent and an inspiration to all Gowertonians.

"I'll always remember how nervous I was on my first day at comp.

"Rob Evs made us all feel relaxed, and he was so friendly and approachable, always smiling, with a warm heart."

Calls have been made to construct a memorial in the village in honour of Mr Evans, or name a building at the school in his memory. He is survived by Pam and their sons Darryl, aged 40, and Adrian, aged 38.

The funeral was due to take place at Temple United Reformed Church, in Gowerton, at 10am today, followed by a burial at Kingsbridge Cemetery at 11am.

emma.j.jones@swwmedia.co.uk