Generations of Aberdeen students have paid tribute to a beloved former teacher.
Charlie Crow worked for more than 50 years as a teacher, which included a 30 year stint at Harlaw Academy where he taught history, modern studies and psychology.
He was also Aberdeen’s first ever guidance teacher and continued working as a supply teacher until earlier this year.
Mr Crow died peacefully in hospital at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Monday morning and many of his students, who affectionately referred to him as ‘Mannie Crow,’ have already paid tribute.
Keith Donaldson went to Harlaw Academy in 1986 and said Mr Crow “made a massive impact” on his schooling career.
He said: “I had him just one period a week for my modern studies class in my third year. He found out I had dyslexia after marking one of my essays.
“I was so fortunate he picked it up and that I was able to learn how to cope with it throughout the rest of school.
“I later studied computer science at university and I was am so grateful for his part in that.
“I sent him an email back in 2005 and he not only remembered who I was, but also called me back for a big chat.
“He was an amazing teacher to so many people.”
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When he wasn’t teaching, Mr Crow spent his evenings teaching classes at Aberdeen’s old prison, Craiginches, and DJ-ing alongside his son, Austin.
The Austin and Co Disco has operated for 28 years, playing major hotels and clubs in Aberdeen.
Their Feel Like Dancing club, specifically for people with learning difficulties, plays on average to 270 people every month.
Mr Crow’s brother-in-law, George, spoke of the lasting effect his relative would leave on the community.
He said: “He set up the disco with Austin, his son with learning difficulties, who just adores music.
“The disco has been a great success for so many people and we would really like to keep it going.”
“Charlie was a dedicated teacher and a wonderful man. I felt so welcomed when I came into the family years ago.
“He also loved his garden. It was his pride and joy and you would really have to see it to believe it. It is just stunning.”
John Phetheam, a friend of the Crow family, added: “Charlie was the leading light of our disco and a superstar DJ on the stage and behind the mic. He was always ready with a joke and a song and a smile for everyone.
“In his long and acclaimed career he was ‘a legend’, a ‘one in million’ teacher.
“He was often entertaining, sometimes rebellious, but always loyal and inspirational to countless pupils and even some of their own children.”
Last year, Mr Crow was treated to afternoon tea with Aberdeen’s Lord Provost in honour of his years of service.
He attended the event with his late wife Freida and his son Austin.
When asked what advice he would give to new teachers coming into the profession, Mr Crow said: “I’m a great believer that education is easy if you’ve got a happy class.
“I’m renowned for my stories and I use them to make a point and to get the kids to understand as much as they can, particularly in this changing world.
“You have to enjoy the company of younger children. It can be challenging but it’s certainly worthwhile.”
