Wayne Miskimmin

Wayne Miskimmin, who died from a brain aneurysm at the end of August 2015, just days before his 36th birthday, has been described as an ‘inspirational’ teacher.

Survived by parents Sylvia and Alister, brothers Darren and Adam, as well as a wide family circle, Wayne, who was originally from Donaghadee, attended Bangor Grammar School from September 1991.

At the time of his death, while on holidays with friends in Gran Canaria, he had been teaching Modern Languages for nine years at Llantwit Major Comprehensive School in Wales.

Wayne was inspired to go into teaching after his own travels around Europe took him to Italy, where he used drama and play to teach English to children there. His methods brought him great success in Wales; just days before his death he learned his GCSE French class had all achieved grades from A* to C.

Headteacher Dr Vince Brown said: “Mr Miskimmin was a very valued and very caring member of staff. He was a fun-loving character who was absolutely grounded in the way he went about his business.”

A school spokeswoman added: “From the outset he immersed himself fully in school life, including accompanying pupils on a number of trips to France and Germany. In September 2012 he took on the role of head of Year 7, which he carried out with immense enthusiasm, ensuring all students were given every opportunity to succeed in their first year of secondary school. “The loss of such a valued member of staff is a huge blow to both staff and students and he will be greatly missed by us all,” she added.