Richmond Hill Middle School students and staff are mourning the loss of science teacher Chip Eckwall, who died at his Savannah home on Saturday. 

Eckwall, 54, taught seventh-grade life sciences at RHMS for 12 years, according to principal William McGrath. 

“The students loved him, he had such a great rapport with students,” McGrath said. “He knew how to build relationships and the parents loved him, too. He had a lot of character and personality—he was just an awesome person.”

McGrath said RHMS is not planning a memorial service at the school but has put in place support outlets for students and staff “during this very difficult time.” 

Eckwall is survived by his wife, Mary P. Eckwall and son Benjamin P. Eckwall. He was preceded in death by a son, Christopher McKinney Eckwall. 

A memorial service is at 4 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church at 520 Washington Ave. in Savannah. The family will receive friends on hour prior to the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made for the STEM Program at RHMS. Donations may be sent directly to the family.

Arrangements are being handled by Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors of Savannah.