A longtime high school teacher in Burlington, who guided students that went on to succeed at provincial, national and international auto body repair competitions, has died.

Ronald John Postma, 55, died unexpectedly on July 5 at his cottage on the shore of Chandos Lake in North Kawartha, Ont., northeast of Peterborough.

Born in Trenton, Ont. in 1960, Mr. Postma became a member of the Ontario College of Trades in March 1991 and worked as an expert auto body mechanic at Aldershot Collision, Vaughn Collision, City Automotive and Burlington Aro Motors.

In 1998, he became certified at the University of Toronto in the teaching of Technology Studies.

He taught at the former General Brock High School for about five years and later at Robert Bateman H.S. when it opened in 2004, on the site of the former Lord Elgin H.S.

Mr. Postma taught at Bateman for a couple of years before back problems put him on medical leave.

“….He was a technically gifted teacher and his students appreciated his teaching skills,” stated part of his obituary.

“Ron appeared physically dominating but was a gentle giant. He loved the lakeside cottage environment by building on the lakeshore, enjoying water surface sports, swimming and scuba diving. He enjoyed business and vacation travel. He and his family made frequent winter trips to Florida,” the obituary added.

Several people made comments about Mr. Postma on the Smith’s Funeral Homes website.

“As neighbours on Lake Chandos to the Postmas, we raised our kids together. Ron was always sincerely interested in others lives, especially our kids Zach and Erica. We have many wonderful memories of boating, picnics on the beach, spending time together. He’s very much loved and missed already. Chandos will not be the same without him,” said Cam and Cheryl Davis.