The funeral of a popular PE teacher is to be held in Brighton today (Wednesday 4 April).
Geoff Schaverien died aged 64 on Friday 23 March. He was suffering from pancreatic cancer. The illness was diagnosed in January.
Mr Schaverien attended Hove Grammar School where he proved to be a talented sportsman. He played in goal for Brighton Boys and captained Hove Rugby Club.
He also played cricket for Hove Montefiore and St James’s Montefiore in Ditchling where he was noted for his batting and wicket-keeping.
He was loved and respected by generations of schoolchildren at Patcham Fawcett in the 1970s and Portslade Community College (PCC) in the 1980s and 1990s.
He lived in Westdene for many years with his wife Julie and children Emma, 18, and Ben, 15.
His funeral is due to take place at Downs Crematorium at 1.30pm today followed by a wake at Hove Rugby Club.
Stuart McLaughlin, head teacher at the Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, formerly PCC, said: “Geoff worked at PCC for over 20 years and was incredibly popular with staff and students alike.
“A book of condolence will be available in the library from Monday 16 April for those who wish to leave a message.
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very sad time.”
Many paid tribute on Facebook and North Stand Chat.
One former pupil said: “Geoff was one of the nicest teachers you could imagine. He knew his stuff and made lessons fun and he always seemed to be smiling and laughing.”
I attended “fawcett” from 1974 -77 and “Shav” was an inspirational,fun teacher.He was like a mate ,not a tutor such was his unique persona.He took us for rugby,football(Saturday morninegs),cricket and I will never forget the crazy rides in the orange school mini- bus to our inter-school basketball fixtures.But what a driver.
His double act with big Gran Wilcock was also classic stuff;really funny.
What a top bloke .Rest In peace mate.
I remember Schav used to stand in the middle of the Badminton court and challenge us to a game – he would never move from the middle of the court and we used to laugh our socks of as he consistently managed to hit the shuttle cocks back – hilarious man, sadly missed. Best wishes to his family. Will Turner, former PCC student.
very sad to hear of this…i knew geoff from day one of my secondary school days..he was the junior teacher.and i still saw him regularly on a saturday down carden avenue shops…i use to watch him play goalkeeper for hove something and bumped into him everywhere
just found out of his passing rip geoff
brent dartnell
Five years on I was shocked to hear of Geoffrey’s death only today. We had been best friends at the grammar school, but had lost touch. He had an extremely pleasant, outgoing personality and would have made an ideal sports teacher. I will always remember how in the school holidays we used to play football, cricket, tennis and chess together. R.I.P. my former friend.