Friends and colleagues yesterday remembered Nathan Irwin, 33, as a well-loved and respected teacher at St Stanislaus’ College.

Staff and students at the school were devastated by the death of a man they described as dedicated, compassionate and generous with his time.

“He was a very good teacher. A thoroughly decent man,” headmaster John Edwards said.

Mr Edwards said the whole school community was greatly saddened by the loss and felt deep grief for Mr Irwin’s wife Lorraine and sons Ben, three, and Jake, 18 months.

The tragedy happened at around 2pm while Mr Irwin was using a chainsaw to fell a tree on his block of land on Macabees Road. It is believed he fell about 13 metres (40 feet) to the base of the tree.

NSW Ambulance Service duty inspector Rhys Dive said two crews, including intensive care paramedics, were dispatched from Bathurst.

An ambulance performing a transfer was also diverted from Lithgow when the seriousness of the accident became apparent.

Inspector Dive said Mr Irwin received significant injuries to his head, spine, pelvis and legs in the fall. CPR was already in progress when paramedics arrived.

The intensive care paramedics continued to provide CPR at the scene but Mr Irwin’s injuries were too great and despite their best efforts they were unable to revive him.

It is believed Mr Irwin was clearing the land in preparation for building a new home on the block.

Police attended and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

A cabinet maker by trade, Mr Irwin taught metals and engineering to Year 11 and 12 students at St Stanislaus’ College.

He was also heavily involved in the school’s equestrian activities and, most recently, helped create sets for the school production of Godspell which opened this week.

Mr Irwin came to the school several years ago after completing his trade and teaching qualifications. Mr Edwards said he was instrumental in the construction of Stannies’ trade training centre.

“He realised its potential and had the skill, interest and passion to make the best use of it,” Mr Edwards said.

“The boys had great respect for him.

“He had a genuine love for what he was doing and enjoyed sharing it. Nathan also showed great compassion and empathy for others.

“These are the qualities that made him a very good teacher.

“He was a thoroughly decent sort of man.”

Staff at the school now wish to band together to support his young family.

“They want to honour him and share with his young sons what they know of him,” Mr Edwards said. “We want to share with them our high estimation of him both as a teacher and as a man.”