NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A man who was bullied by classmates at Argyle Secondary School in North Vancouver more than four decades ago has received an apology from the school district.  Robin Tomlin says the apology gives him closure and he’s happy.

As a teenager, Tomlin was shocked when he opened his yearbook and found one word next to his picture: Fag.  He says he was so scared of the people who were bullying him at the time that he was afraid to attend his prom.

Along with the apology, Tomlin has received a reprinted yearbook and his own words are next to his picture.

“It says Robin Tomlin, (I want to) meet as many people from all over the world as I can, and I want to be a cowboy,” says Tomlin, adding that he accomplished both of those goals during his life.

The apology was delivered by North Vancouver Superintendent of Schools John Lewis.  “I was pleased to be able to provide a sincere and heart-felt apology on behalf of the entire North Vancouver school district; for the cruel and offensive entry next to Robin’s name.”

“As an organization we can acknowledge, apologize for, and regret the actions of a few individuals caused such prolonged grief to Mr. Tomlin and members of his family,” he adds.

Lewis calls the slur the “terrible action of an individual or perhaps a small group” that caused harm to the man they bullied, and to the reputation of the school.

The district is not investigating who is responsible for the written slur next to Tomlin’s picture in the yearbook.  “We really don’t have the resources to go back 42 years and investigate what transpired at that time,” says Lewis. “I’m sure you can appreciate that.”

Tomlin says he doesn’t want the district tracking those people down.  They can come forward if they want to.  “It’s up to them.  It’s in their conscience, it’s up to them.  If they feel guilty about it, let them come.”

He also isn’t looking for an apology from his former tormenters.  “They know what they did, I know who they are,” Tomlin says.

A small group of supporters showed up at Argyle with candles, including some of Tomlin’s high school friends.

“He’s lovely,” says Vicki Nettles. “He’s just a lovely, lovely gentle soul.”

Tonight, Tomlin and some of those old friends will gather at a bar in North Vancouver to throw a grad party, the celebration he skipped as a teen because of the bullies.