On Friday the 5th January 2024 I heard the sad and unexpected news that Jacob’s favourite teacher Mr Leigh Lemmon had passed away – a drowning accident while on holidays with his family despite him being a strong swimmer and having perfect health and fitness. I have only met this lovely man once – the day he visited our house on the day that Jacob died, and he made an impact from that one important visit and our family is truly thankful that he came that day.

I have my own personal reasons to dislike the saying ‘everything happens for a reason’ – how can we say this when you’ve lost a loved one. There is a variant of this phrase I prefer to use – ‘we don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.’ These words hold more truth as we travel through life on an unknown, uncharted & unexplored path.

Mr Lemmon helped pave the way for his students to travel along their own unknown, uncharted and unexplored paths with respect, honour and by just truely believing in them.

As I mentioned previous that our family was very honoured to have Mr Lemmon visit our home on the worst day imaginable, the day that Jacob passed away. He came as a teacher and a friend to pay his respects to a past student he fondly remembered. As Jacob’s friends gathered by his bedside they asked him if he’d like to see anyone, besides his family and friends and Jacob stated ‘Mr Lemmon.’ Harry, Chris & Riley contacted the school and asked for Leigh’s phone number, and much to his surprise they told him that he didn’t have a mobile phone. Connections were made to Carmen who then shared the news to her husband that Jacob would like to see him. He walked in to our family room to where Jacob was laying in his bed and made conversations with the boys before making Jacob aware that he was there. I know Jacob knew he was there and how honoured we were to have the pleasure of his visit.

Leigh was mentioned in a letter that Jacob wrote to his future self on a retreat. I will share a little bit of it here, and I’ve also written a blog entry titled ‘an old letter’ on the 20th Aug 2016, here is the link if you wish to read it https://wieckling.com/2016/08/20/an-old-letter/- ‘You should have had or still had a girlfriend if more congratulations, if not keep trying or listen to Mr Lemmon and wait your call.’ I gave a copy of Jacob’s letter that mentioned his favourite teacher to his wife to remind her of what a special teacher he was to his students.

My son Ben was honoured when he was asked by Leigh’s wife Carmen if he could say something at Leigh’s celebration of life. This is what he beautifully wrote and shared…..

Leigh Lemmon’s Eulogy:
I just want to start with my deepest condolences to Leigh’s family and friends and that I am honoured to be able to speak about the impact he had on myself and my family.

When I heard the tragic news of Leigh’s passing there were so many thoughts and memories that raced through my mind, just like many of you here today.

When I first met Leigh or I should say Mr Lemmon, I was an introverted naive teenager in a science class who needed some serious guidance. Like many teenagers, I didn’t realise at the time at how fortunate I was to have Mr Lemmon as a teacher. It’s only until you leave school you really appreciate these moments as you frequently reflect on them every time they are brought up.

Mr Lemmon helped pave the way for his students to travel along their own unknown, uncharted and unexplored paths. You could just tell he had a genuine belief in his students beyond the classroom. And If I am able to be half the teacher he was to all his students I will be very grateful.

After my 2 older sisters, my self and my younger brother Jacob finished school our family was struck with some tragic news as our younger brother Jacob was told he had cancer that was likely to be terminal. Jacob’s friends Harry, Chris and Riley who were also past students of Leigh’s, asked Jacob if he wanted to do, anything or see anyone else in the final days and then name of his favourite teacher Mr Lemmon was mentioned. Jacob’s clear desire to see Leigh in his final moments spoke volumes about the impact he has on the people lucky enough to be gifted with his time and presence.

Despite the challenge of reaching him as Leigh didn’t have a phone at the time, Harry, Chris, and Riley were able to contact Carmen who was able to pass Jacob’s wish to Mr. Lemmon. On the day we soon found out to be Jacob’s last, Leigh walked into our family room and was able to bring some comfort to jacob which was evident in the smile it brought to his face. Leigh also consoled and engaged in meaningful conversations with the boys, showcasing an incredible compassionate and caring nature.

This gesture highlighted the exceptional person Leigh was… a person who went above and beyond for anyone in need, beyond being a teacher and being a genuine friend who paid heartfelt respects to a student who idealised him and has had a lasting impact on, and of course leaving our family forever grateful for the privilege of his visit.

So today, as we say farewell to Mr. Lemmon, we will never forget the warm presence he left on our lives and the lives of so many others. His legacy lives on through the countless students he has inspired and the kindness he showed during the toughest moments. May he rest in peace, knowing the profound impact he had on the world.

After Leigh’s celebration of life I received a message from Carmen to say thank you for sharing with her Jacob’s letter he had written to his future self –

Hi this is Carmen Lemmon
I want to thank you for providing me a copy of Jacob’s letter, Leigh talked of this letter.
I know Jacob’s passing had an impact on Leigh, he found it difficult to overcome. He swore he’d never get close to a student again as the pain was too great. I reminded him that his influence on his students is his greatest role as a teacher and to keep being him.
I have loved hearing all the stories from students who have been inspired by Leigh, it makes his absence a little easier, knowing his life had meaning.
Please thank Benjamin for speaking, he spoke so well, his words really impacted a lot of people.
You are a remarkably strong person. I hope to get the same strength, I know it will come.
Thanks again Debbie xx

Carmen Lemmon xx

The hardest words to read in Jacob’s letter was ‘stay alive.’ Jacob will always be ‘alive’ in me x as will Leigh Lemmon be ‘alive’ and live on in all of us.

Photos used have been shared from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School Albion Park’s Facebook page