Erik Wilcock was by far and away my favourite teacher at Leiston High School and is the best teacher that I have ever had. His passion in the classroom was both contagious and unique and he really taught and cared for his students. I will never forget his kind and amiable ways and his wicked sense of humour. He had us all in stitches on numerous occasions. He was a fine raconteur and I will always remember his Hendrix petrol station and Ian McEwan stories. As an English teacher myself, I often find myself daydreaming about the good old times and I draw inspiration from Erik the Viking's approach. For me he will always be Teddy from Murder One, something we used to rib him about more than frequently and he gleefully played ball indulging us with some fine impressions. If his family are reading what his ex students have written about him they must understand that these are not just kind words for the sake of being kind. He was dearly loved and respected which is a testament not only to his ability to teach but to his character. Mr. Wilcock was a genuine and fair man who didn't suffer fools gladly and he was a shining beacon of light in and out of the classroom. My only regret is that I was never able to catch up with him as an adult to tell him to his face what he meant and continues to mean to many of us who were fortunate to have had him as their teacher. A one of a kind. Joe Starling

Erik and I met at university, studied and roomed together for 3 years, in Norwich and Oslo. We were quite the ‘odd couple’, a diehard northerner and a soft southerner – I taught him to drive and to cook, he taught me to appreciate IPA and Rugby League. He said that he’d learned more from knowing me than anyone else, but I can truly say I learned as much from him. Sadly missed, never forgotten.

It is lovely to read these tributes to Erik. He was so fully committed to his teaching and to those he taught that it is wonderful to hear from ex-pupils that he made a difference to their lives. I thank you for your comments which are a great comfort to me and my family. Pauline (his wife).