Philip Gooley will be remembered as a man passionate about his family, education, singing, football and his garden.
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The father-of-four, known to most as Phil, has died at the age of 72.
Mr Gooley worked in education for 53 years in a career that moved him from teacher to principal and departmental roles.
He worked in the Riverina and Hunter regions, teaching at Coolamon and Narrandera before being appointed as a principal at Toronto Public School, near Newcastle.
In 1991, Mr Gooley was appointed as the home school liaison officer at the department’s Riverina regional office in Wagga.
Three years later, he became principal at Junee North Public School and in 2000 took on the same role at Tolland Public.
In 2002, he returned to the regional office, before retiring in 2005
Mr Gooley’s retirement lasted just seven weeks before he returned to his beloved education system in a series of temporary roles that lasted for 12 years.
“It was 53 years of caring for and educating and supporting staff in the same environment,” according to former colleague Colin Parker.
“He was always very student-focused and showed the utmost caring and respect.”
Jim Rowarth, another former colleague, remembers Mr Gooley as innovative and “a real thinker”.
“He also also utterly devoted to his family,” Mr Rowarth said.
Marrar Football Club president Terry Langtry said Mr Gooley, a past president of the club, was held in the highest regard.
“The club will miss him,” Mr Langtry said.
Mr Gooley, a former Wagga High School student, was also a member of the Wagga City Rugby Men’s Choir.
Choir director Judy Ferguson, who also worked in the education system, remembers her friend as “just a great person”.
“He was passionate and committed about everything he did,” Mrs Ferguson said.
“He gave everything to public education; as a teacher and principal and through his work at the district office.”
Mr Gooley is survived by his wife Christine. He is the father and father-in-law of Damien, Rebecca and Mick, Lesley-Jane and Mitchell and Emily and Ethan.
A funeral service for Mr Gooley will be held on Saturday at Alan Harris McDonald at 11am.
The men’s choir will sing during the service.
