Retired deputy director of school education and literacy department, Virupakshgouda M Patil, passed away in Dharwad early Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 74 and is survived by a son and two daughters. Patil had an illustrious career, serving as the block education officer, education officer, DDPI, and principal of the district institute of education and training in Dharwad, Hubballi, and Belagavi. He also served as vice-president of the Dharwad District Lawn Tennis Association. His last rites were performed at Hosayallapur burial ground on Tuesday noon.