Tributes have been paid to a popular and respected Paisley photography lecturer who died suddenly.
Robert Tabor was the curriculum and quality leader for photography and media at West College Scotland at its Paisley campus.
He passed away at home with his family on December 27 aged 54.
Aside from his family, wife Lynn and son Callum, Robert’s passion was photography and helping his students become the best they could be.
He had worked at the college for several years when it was previously Reid Kerr College, and many current and former students have paid tribute to him.
Angela Pignatelli, assistant principal of creativity and skills at WCS said: “Robert’s subject was his passion and he worked tirelessly to ensure that all students received the best possible experience during their time with us.
“He was a hugely well-connected individual who sought to bring numerous external opportunities to the college to enrich the experience of his students and the wider reputation of WCS.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear this tragic news. His drive, creativity, innovative thinking, support and hard work were hugely appreciated by his immediate team, the students, his cross-campus colleagues, the wider college community and friends here at West College Scotland.
“Our thoughts are with Lynn and Callum at this extremely difficult time.”
Photography lecturer Angie Isac added: “During the Christmas break I received the tragic news that my colleague, but more than that, my friend, Robert Tabor, had suddenly passed away.
“A friend, who supported me, believed in me and encouraged me to give my very best in being part of the team at WCS.
“I’ll miss the chats and the coffee where he would talk often about his son Callum and I would go on about my new rescue dog SiriLuna.
“He was great a friend who always had time for me but a great lecturer too, who always put the students first’. He’ll be sorely missed.”
Robert was keen on using the social media site Instagram to share his students’ work and his final post at the end of term in December was the message to students to enjoy their break, but to come back in 2022 with cameras in hand.
Current student Will Cosh said: “To me Robert will be a legend of a man, since meeting him in NC and to get to my final year in HND where he knew I want to be a tutor after university. Robert had my back and kept me on the right path.
“He will be missed by many not just for being a tutor but for being an amazing human being.”
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Another, Ronnie Murphy, said: “I didn’t actually know Robert that long, but long enough to know what a great teacher he was, what a great photographer he was and what a kind gentle soul he had. He used to always end his replies to your messages with “- Best, Robert” - don’t think there have been truer words written.
Robert also leaves behind his siblings Heather and Andrew.
His funeral will take place at Woodside Crematorium, Paisley, on Wednesday, January 26 at 1.30pm to which all family and friends are invited.
The family have asked for no flowers, and donations instead to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
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