Richmond devastated by death of much-loved teacher and sportsman

Mr Clark, who was in his 50s, died on Monday night when he was trampled by cows while walking his dogs in a field near the town.

The married father, who was a keen cyclist and rugby coach, had worked at the school since 1997 and originally taught PE.

After Richmond School released a tribute to him on their Facebook page, hundreds of people - many of them former pupils - commented to express their grief and shock at his sudden death.

Grace Brown said: "Tragic. Such an inspiring teacher who cared about students. He was Richmond School! A fine example of a teacher, and leader. Huge condolences to his family and the school community."

Jemma Ferguson-Gale added: "This is such sad news. He was my head of year and now deputy head for my daughter as she has just started in year seven. On my last day he signed my school shirt with ‘keep singing and one day you’ll be as good as me’ which I think was testament to his humour and that he got to know all of his students. He was always so much fun but didn’t take any nonsense. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and everyone at Richmond School at this sad time."

Jo-Anne Scott commented: "Absolutely devastating news, such a sad loss to his family and everyone that had the pleasure to know him. A true gentleman and kind soul who was passionate about each and every pupil in the school. Utterly irreplaceable."

David Morton said: "What an absolutely superb human being. He had an immeasurable impact on the life of a podgy year eight who had until then hated school and sport, when he thrust a rugby ball at me and said 'you're going to play'."

Kim Leslie added: "So sorry to hear this awful news, thoughts with his lovely family. Dave always went the extra mile for the vulnerable and troubled youngsters. RIP big man."

Shirley Sykes wrote: "Such a sad loss of a brilliant teacher; there are not many teachers who will get to the bottom of his students' problems and know how to achieve the best out of them. He never gave up on any of his students. He was the best and the school will never be the same without him."

Byron Tack commented: "A thousand memories of a man that stood taller than the rest. A man that defined the word gentleman, and a man that simply oozed class. Thoughts and prayers with your loved ones. The world has lost another one of its wonders."

Fraser Brown wrote: "I only ever had the pleasure of meeting Mr Clark in his professional capacity, often in times when one of my three children who have attended Richmond School have been in difficulty, in need of support or have broken the rules as they find their way as teenagers. Mr Clark was so good at guiding, both drawing firm lines and caring for his students. What has happened has struck so many in the community as being so wrong, so unfair, so untimely and so sad.

"Mr Clark, as he was known by thousands in our small Dales community, was a strong leader, an energetic, spirited and passionate teacher, a person who students and parents could not help but respect. He was also a deeply kind, understanding and compassionate person who seemed so at home being a deputy head, a pillar of our community. I remember a specific time meeting with Mr Clark and how he put a hand on my shoulder and said ‘it will be ok’ with a sincerity and a look of understanding I will never forget. He had a way of touching people’s lives and knowing how to support, comfort and help those in need. As my daughter said to me today, when she got home from school, with tears rolling from her eyes ‘it’s so unfair, why Mr Clark?’

"As we digest this sad news and begin to get over the deep shock this has brought to our community, I think of his family, and their loss. In the fullness of time Mr Clark will be remembered so fondly by so many and I’m sure there will be a movement to remember him in a bigger way to reflect the larger than life character that we will all miss so much. Rest in peace Mr Clark; he truly was an amazing teacher, school leader and someone who has touched so many lives in our local community and one of the loveliest human beings you could ever wish to meet."

Mr Clark was also a member of Richmond Cycling Club, and fellow cyclists described him as 'a powerhouse on the bike'.

David Charman wrote: "RIP Dave, and thoughts go to his family and friends. I used to race at Croft with him; an absolute gent, a powerhouse on the bike. I could only dream of pushing as big a gear as him. Gutted."

Gordon Love commented: "Dave was one of those enthusiastic and positive people who always left you feeling better about the world after a chat with him. What a great loss. My thoughts are with his family."

Rob Mochrie added: "Known big Dave since I was only 14. Very supportive and influential figure when I was at school. Always a really imposing but friendly guy who had the respect of people around him because he was no bully. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer bloke. Terribly sorry for this family. RIP Dave."