In Memorium

 

The Garden of Remembrance was upgraded and rededicated on 5 November 2008

 

 

We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the following Old Stithian families on the loss of their loved ones.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers :

 

2012

 

Gerald Maclachlan, father to Travis (1998) and Troy (2001), passed away on 1 June 2012 after battling brain cancer sine 2011.  Gerald was one of the Founder members of the OSA.  His funeral will be held on 8 June 2012 at 4pm in the St Stithians Chapel.

 

2011

 

Jon Hrusa (1984), passionate and former Sunday Times photographer, died   19 December 2011. Over two decades his work won him plenty of accolades, as well as the acclaim of his peers, many of whom - including New York Times photographer Joao Silva, recently back in SA after losing both legs below the knee in Afghanistan last year - bade him farewell at a memorial service in Johannesburg.   Having matriculated from St Stithians College in the mid-1980s, it was during a school biology trip to Namibia that he became enchanted with photography.   He began a distinguished career, with the Pretoria News, Sunday Times and Sportsday.  Photographing sport was undoubtedly his forté, with one former colleague, Raymond Preston of the Sunday Times, ranking him as one of the world's top five cricket shooters.

 

Johann Strauss : Johann’s association with the College started as a parent with all four of his children matriculating at Saints.  He started his involvement through the Parents Association, eventually serving on the St Stithians College Council, as well as performing the function in other capacities such as Chair of the Girls’ College PTA.  He has served on the Trust for a number of years, of which he has been Chair for the past two.

 

His legal background has served the College well, especially regarding the various elements of property and town planning law that has impacted on the College.  Johann played a central role in the restructuring of the Governance structures of the last five years, including the revision of the School Constitution and Trust Deed. 

 
Steyn Krige passed away peacefully on 27 September 2011, after a long illness. Steyn was the second Headmaster of the College from 1962 - 68 and the recently-opened class room block at the Boys' College was named the Krige Block in his honour.

 

Richard Langman, husband to Mandy and father to Jeffrey (2001), Andrew (2004), Ross (2005), Grant (2008), who suddenly past away after a short illness on 15 June 2011.  Richard Langman has had a long association with the school, both through his sons and the old One & All Club.

 

Tommy Gentles, husband to Jean and father to Ian (1983), died suddenly at the end of June 2011.   Tommy was well-known as one of South Africa’s smallest and best Springbok scrumhalves. He was educated at Bishops and played SA Schools cricket in 1949 and 1950.  Ian, his son was an outstanding sportsman – cricket, rugby and athletics – as well as a prefect and a good academics.   Tommy helped coach rugby and was involved in the early Rugby Festivals. 

 

Lizette Fourie suddenly passed away on Friday 8 July 2011, after suffering a series of strokes.  Lizette was a respected member of the isiZulu Dept at the Boys’ College since 1997.  She became the Grade 8 & 9 Director and served on the Boys’ College Executive Committee and she also taught netball to the girls.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her family Jan, Celeste, Anje (2009) and Zandri (Gr 12).

 

Cyril Biddlecombe, father of Devereaux (2009) and Henry (2004) passed away at the end of July 2011.

 

Graeme West (1984) passed away on 23 September 2011after a long illness.

 

Steyn Krige passed away peacefully on 27 September 2011, after a long illness. Steyn was the second Headmaster of the College from 1962 - 68 and the recently-opened class room block at the Boys' College was named the Krige Block in his honour.

  

Mr Cyril Biddlecombe, father of Henry (2004) and Devereaux (2009) passed at the end of July. His funeral was held on Friday 5 August in the Saints Chapel.

 

2010

 

Neil de Quetteville de Gruchy (1961) (or Thomas as he was known to his friends) sadly passed away on 17 December 2010.

 

Peter Lunn (1958) who died suddenly on 10.12.2010. Peter’s neighbour sent the OSA his old OSA blazer pocket badge.

 

The Harvard family - Jeremy’s (1980) father, Richard (one of the founding sponsors of the original One and All) passed away on Thursday, 1 July 2010. A memorial service will take place for him at Swartkop Air Base in Pretoria.

 

The Black family, on the sudden death of Brian Black (1961) on 24 February 2010. Brian’s children Duncan (2006), Nicholas (1990) and Angela (1987) were all at St Stithians at various times. He was captain of the 1st XI cricket team and Vice Captain of the 1st Rugby team. His memorial service took place at St Columbus on 5 March. Brian was a great Hockey parent, as well as being an Old Boy, and never missed a Festival. He was certainly a great ally during my tenure as the Chairman of hockey at Saints.  Contributed by Craig Staveley (1975).

 

The Smith family, on the sudden death of Charel Smith, father of Lloyd-Anthony (2002) and Martin (2006) who died of a heart attack on 17 March 2010, after riding in the Cape Argus cycle race.

 

David Zipp (2004) passed away on 1 April 2010 in Canada, after a long battle with lung cancer.

 

Rilee Palmer’s (2008), whose mom was tragically killed while trying to cross the Riverside Bridge in Bryanston.

 

Ofhani (2007) and Kangi Negota (2000) whose mother Maria passed away on Sunday 18th April 2010 after a long illness.

 

Cricket coach Bob Jones who was at St Stithians Boys’ Prep and College around 1992/3, passed away Sunday 9 May 2010. He was highly respected at St Stithians, as well as throughout the top schools in South Africa. Messages of condolence can be sent to his daughter Danielle Bowman at d.bowman71@btinternet.com.

 

2009  

 

Alan Chapman (1969) died in August 2009 after a long battle with throat cancer.

 

Siteshan Chetty (2005) died in a car accident in August 2009 while on holiday in Kwa Zulu Natal.

Alyce Clifford, Tim Clifford's wife and mother of Kieran Clifford (1989), passed away on Friday 24 July after a short ilness, in Pietermaritzburg.  The funeral took place on 28 July at the Catholic Cathedral in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg.

 

Paul (2006) and Andrew (2002) Sprenger's uncle Dr Michael Sprenger, passed away in June 2009. A memorial service was held on 25th June at St David's Chapel Inanda.

 

The Burge Family - Gower (1969), Richard (2006), Peter (2008) and Nicholas, on the death of their uncle and brother of Gower, Robert Burge (1971).

 

Michael (2003) and Zandri (2005) Brune whose father Reinhold died tragically at the 26th St Stithians Easter Festival when his parachute did not open.  He has for many years been part of the opening proceedings at the Festival as part of the skydiving team.  Please send your messages to ronsmemories@gmail.com.

 

Gil Ferreira, an Afrikaans teacher at Saints from 1977 until the early 80's, who taught many pupils in Zimbabwe and in SA over an extended teaching career.  These included golfing great Nick Price.  He was rated by pupils many times over as one of the best teachers they have ever had.  He was also instrumental in getting Saints to gear up on Waterpolo back in the 70's.  Gil passed away peacefully on 2 April 2009 at Olivedale Clinic after suffering a severe stroke. It was apt that Gil would go quickly, that he would not suffer, as he gave so much of himself to all he knew. He never wanted anything in return, and never expected any recognition for what he did for others. Thousands of people will mourn the passing of this truly amazing, unassuming, man. He will be sorely missed. Gil leaves behind: His sons, Daniel, Peter & Gilbert. His ex-wife and life long friend, Alta.  His grandchildren, Laura, Michael, Mikaela, Gabriella, Matylda & one on the way. His daughters (in-law), Maria, Aleksandra & Marlize. His siblings, Pieter, Magda & Flip. Many cousins, nephews and nieces, 1000’s of friends, ex Pupils and acquaintances whose lives he touched over many years.  http://www.gilferreira.net   Mark Risely (1977) passed away on 15 March 2009 after a brave battle with cancer.  Simon Buys (1978) delivered the eulogy at his funeral.  Tribute by Daniel Erasmus (1973)

 

Eric Lipsett, past long serving and beloved Chemistry teacher at Saints, passed away on 11 March 2009.  A tree planting ceremony took place in his honour on 3 September 2009 at Mount Stephens and was attended by his wife and son Brian (1973) and Mr Mark Henning delivered a message.

 

2008

 

Paul Elliott (1968), passed away on 27 November 2008 after a heart attack.

 

Chris Hewitt (2002), passed away on 29 October 2008 in a microlight accident.

 

Kiall Levendale (2007), passed away on 26 October 2008 in a car accident.

 

Daniel du Toit (2005), passed away on 27 September 2008 in a car accident.

 

Douglas Brodie (1968), passed away on 7 September 2008 after a motorbike accident.

 

Silumko Njenje (2006), passed away in a car accident on 12 July 2008.

 

Benjamin Magowan (1999), passed away suddenly on 25 June 2008 after an asthma attack.

 

Koji Katsuta (1992), passed away in March 2008 at the age of 31. He attended St Stithians between 1989 and 1992 where he started to develop his talent for art. After he left St Stithians College, he joined an art school in Tokyo, but left for New York to satisfy his thirst for art and enhance his talent at a more professional institute. After graduation, he worked for design institutes. An exhibition of his art took place in New York from 3-14 June 2008 at the New Century Artists Galleries, 530 West 25th Street, Suite 406, New York.

 

Graham Crichton (1972), passed away in February 2008 from cancer.

 

Kevin Botha (2000), passed away on 13 February 2008 after being in a coma for more than a year after a car accident.

 

Christopher Cook (1957), passed away on 11 January 2008 from emphysema.