Retired teachers Michael and Carol Clancy were among up to 39 Australians on the Malaysian Airlines aircraft MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine on Friday claiming the lives of all 298 people on board.

There has been an outpouring of grief since the tragedy and former students, parents and friends have paid tribute to the pair since news emerged they were returning from a European holiday on board the ill-fated flight. 

Mr Clancy’s grieving family released a statement on Tuesday, thanking those who had provided support and offered their condolences.

Mr Clancy’s brother Richard is a nursing research fellow with Hunter New England Health Mental Health and a conjoint associate professor at the University of Newcastle and his two sisters Anne O’Shannessy and Ruth Scott also live in Newcastle. 

Mr Clancy grew up in Taree the son of Joy and Bryan Clancy and was one of five children.

He attended Newcastle Teachers College in the 1970s and during his 35 years as a teacher, he spent a long period working as a volunteer abroad on remote atolls in the Maldives. 

Mr Clancy settled in the Illawarra area and married fellow teacher Carol Malcolm nee Jackson.

‘‘Mick and Carol were both devoted teachers,’’ the statement said.

‘‘Dozens of tributes have been posted by past students, parents and colleagues commenting on their personal commitment to individual students, particularly those with behaviour issues or learning difficulties. 

‘‘He and Carol were both humble and caring people who gave much to the community over many years, touching many lives.’’

The family said they were devastated upon hearing of the crash and the death of their loved ones.

‘‘The community has lost two genuine and inspirational human beings, who contributed to others without fuss,’’ the statement said. 

‘‘We have lost two beautiful members of our family, who will be remembered for their open-hearted approach to life.

‘‘We are focused on supporting each other through this difficult time. We hope that the repatriation is able to completed as soon as possible, so that Mick and Carol can be laid to rest with the dignity and respect they deserve and so the family can move through the grieving process.

‘‘Our hearts go out to all of the other families also affected by this tragedy. The family would like to thank all the people who have provided support and offered their condolences.’’

A sombre school assembly was held at Albion Park Public School on Monday, one of several tributes and memorials planned for the respected couple.