To attend this funeral?

[Sunshinebuttercupsrainbows]

My favourite secondary school teacher - he taught me about 15 years ago and I’ve only seen him once since but he meant the world to me. I still have a recurring dream a couple of times a year that I’m visiting my old school and try to track him down but can never find his classroom!

A friends parent worked at the school so she told me that he had passed away, and has given me funeral details. I’d be attending alone - plan to sit at the back and leave straight after but it’s not weird if I go right? He meant a lot to me and made me a better person. But it also feels a bit weird, like I’m intruding.

really not weird and actually quite lovely. If that was my family I would find that the fact you attended and thought that much of him very comforting x

Meh, when my grandad died in a tourist town there were loads of people turning up for mass, they accepted the order of service, did mass and were utterly respectful.

If you want to go, go.

I would also send a card and say what you have said in your OP - that he meant a lot to you, and made you a better person.

I'm sure they would be very touched that he had such an impression on you - surely the reason why many teachers choose that profession - to make a difference in a young person's life.
I would definitely go and pay your respects.

I think it’s lovely that you want to go and pay your respects.

it sounds like he was a very dedicated teacher , I’m sure his family would be happy to know that he influenced your life for good.

I would not only go but I wouldn't rush away. You should speak to his family. They'd probably be delighted to know you thought so much of him

If you write what you have said about him and give it to them or funeral staff at the service I am sure they would treasure it

Definitely go and take a card for the family. My dad was a teacher and the cards and messages we received from a few of his students were so comforting. There’s something so special about reading how your loved one touches people’s lives. I found the early days of grief like a weird bubble so reading back over the cards helps me deal with my grief.

I recently went to an ex colleagues funeral. She was a wonderful person and amazing teacher. There were several ex students there and her family really appreciated it.

Ironically, funerals are almost always, the more the merrier types of events.

if the family wanted a private memorial, they would have set that up.

many people take great comfort from looking out and seeing a crowd at the service.

My teacher relative died earlier this year after a 40 year career. It was busy with lots of ex pupils from all ages who just wanted to show their respects. It was really appreciated

Absolutely go! And please write what you've says here in a card and leave it for the family. They'll probably be delighted to know that he had such a great impact on you.

It's not weird at all. I went to a funeral of a teacher recently and it was lovely. There were so many other teachers who remembered me and were able to talk about really far held memories. Everyone was so glad I was there. Do also send a card and say how you felt about your teacher and what they meant to you. You can leave it at the church or send it to the undertaker. It really will be very well received.

There weren’t many teachers that made an impression on me, but I’d certainly go to the funeral of those that had.

I agree with @littlecircles it will probably mean a lot to the family that he meant so much to you.

I come from a country town not in the UK. I saw my teachers around town for years. If I had been there, I would certainly have gone to their funerals. As it is, I just say hello to them in the cemetery on occasion.

My dc goes to my old school. I was present at an assembly and they had a commemoration of a long deceased teacher from my time. I approached the principal afterwards and he was delighted to introduce me to said teachers family.