A flood of heartfelt tributes made online to a former teacher at Worksop and Retford, who died earlier this month, has been of great comfort to his family.

Science teacher Richard Dowson taught at the King Edward Vl Grammar School in Retford from 1970 until its closure in 2003, then went on to teach at Worksop's Portland and Hartland School.

The teacher known for his dry humour, knowledge and kindness, died at the age of 73 after being diagnosed with vascular dementia nine years ago. He survived his wife Sue, who died of cancer aged 62.

The couple, who lived at Tuxford, leave a daughter, Claire, a son, Robert, and grandchildren Dexter, eight, and Darcey, 20 months.

Former physics teacher at Retford and Worksop, Richard Dowson, who died this month, with his late wife, Sue.

placeholder image — Former physics teacher at Retford and Worksop, Richard Dowson, who died this month, with his late wife, Sue.

His daughter, Claire, said: "Dad's dementia was a slow decline after my mum died. We looked after him as long as we could before we made the heartbreaking decision to move him to Boughton Manor Care Home, Ollerton, where he was also much loved by his carers.

"Dementia is such a cruel disease as you lose your loved one over and over again, but he always remembered the good old days from teaching at King Edward’s school.”

Claire said her father was a former Nottingham University student who took up his first post in Retford, teaching physics as his main subject.

He met Sue at school in Hull, and the childhood sweethearts married in the ‘70s.

The late Mr Dowson meets his baby granddaughter for the first time

She said: "When we used to come in to Retford or Worksop we would get stopped so many times by people who knew dad. He was clearly loved and respected by his students, but to us of course he was just dad."

Her father would spend time with his grandson, and despite his dementia, cried when he met his baby granddaughter, she added.

During their time together, her parents enjoyed travel, she said, and her father would indulge his interest in photography and the natural world.

"They would explore places like Turkey and Mauritius. They did a nature park 'Walk of Lions' together, which I also did as a tribute to mum after she passed.

The late Richard and Sue Dowson walk with lions on one of their adventures abroad.

"We have been so moved by all the comments people have made about dad - it's quite overwhelming."

"He didn't talk about his work at home a great deal. We did the occasional science experiment, but neither me or my brother were really into science.”

She added: "Dad died peacefully in his sleep. As yet, we have no funeral details, but will let everyone know once they are finalised."

The following tributes are a small sample of those made after Claire posted news of her father’s death on social media:

‘Such sad news. He was indeed a proper teacher, he was there when Freddie's merged with King Edward's, and taught myself and was still there when my daughters went to King Edward's. RIP Mr Dowson.’ – Sean Whelan

‘So sorry to hear this. He truly was a gentleman and such a kind soul. I spent many hours in his science lessons at King Edward’s and then was fortunate enough to work with him at Portland school.’ – Claire Louise

‘So sad, such a lovely man and a great teacher. I have so many memories that will last forever of him as our science teacher at King Edward’s. RIP Mr Dowson.’

- Michelle Cook

‘Absolute legend of a teacher, one of a kind. Rest in peace.’ – Andrew Spooch Spooner

‘Mr Dowson was my form tutor and science teacher. He was a great teacher and had a great way of being able to talk to you not at you. He was very caring and he was very understanding. Also he was very very funny. His was a lesson I and many others looked forward to. Rest in peace sir!.’ – Sean Walker