TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Abertillery headteacher and “servant of sport” who died last week.

“True gentleman” Martin Lewis was a former captain of Abertillery Cricket Club, captained and coached Cwmtillery RFC and coached Blaenau Gwent RFC.

He was headmaster Cwm Primary and then Queen Street Primary for 12 years up until his retirement in 1998.

The father-of-two sadly died last Thursday, August 13 from cancer aged 76.

Wife Pat and their two daughters Julia Swain and Paula Lewis described Mr Lewis as an inspiration who had a “wicked sense of humour”.

Ms Swain said: “I always remember he said to me, you can do anything you want to as long as you put your mind to it. It was that kind of message, there were no limits.

“He was very practical. If there was a problem, he would solve it.”

Daughter Paula Lewis, who followed in her dad’s footsteps to become a teacher, said: “A lot of other heads used to remember him as a sort of mentor.”

Tributes have poured in over Facebook to Mr Lewis, who was described as a “remarkable man” who “did more than his share for his community”.

Gill Clark wrote: “Sad news indeed, our community is poorer for his passing. He touched and influenced many lives in a positive way and he will be remembered.”

Former Queen Street Primary pupil Antony Partridge wrote: “He gave me lots of encouragement as a youngster and made me feel as though I was capable of anything, and that is something that always stuck with me.”

Mr Lewis was born in 1938 and went to Queen Street Primary and then Abertillery Grammar School before completing his national service and training as a teacher in Exeter.

He met wife Pat at a service in Tabernacle Church, Abertillery, and after years of writing letters and sending parcels to each other while he was away at college, the couple were married in 1963.

The maths and art teacher taught at many schools in the area including Pontllanfraith, Cwm and Ty-Sign Primary School in Risca. He also ran Cwmtillery Youth Club.

Wife Pat said: “The tributes from the community have been very nice, but surprising. It is nice to think people thought of him.”

The funeral for Mr Lewis is being held on Friday, August 28 at St Michael’s Church, Abertillery at 10.15am and then at Croesyceiliog crematorium for 11.30.

Any donations are asked to be made at Hospice of the Valleys, who Mr Lewis received care from at home, in lieu of flowers.