Some news from Peter Dalbock

Some news from Peter Dalbock ...

Photo taken at Shaka Marine World, while on holiday in Durban, Dec 2010

To my fellow class mates of '72
I have just returned from an International Pastor's Conference and a month long visit with family members in the UK.  Really sorry to have missed the 40^th Reunion – but was thinking about you guys.  I read the contributions to the blog-spot with great interest - and many wonderful memories came flooding back.  The blog is a great idea – and it has been wonderful to "catch up" with some of my old class mates. We become so busy with life that we tend to forget our roots, don't we? But who can ever forget our amazing first rugby team with Cheeky Watson (for whom all would stand and cheer every time he put hands to ball) – and some of our excellent teachers who helped to mould us for the future!
It's hard to believe that it's been forty years, guys – and that we're all close to retirement. Thanks for the photos, Patrick! Good heavens, I could not recognize anyone – except maybe for Isak Smuts and Michael Francis. Life is indeed short – and it's at occasions like this that the reality of our own mortality really hits home! Both mentally and physically, though, I do not feel as if I am becoming old. I manage to keep myself fit through carefully watching my diet, cycling, jogging and going to the gym (weight-training) three times a week – and a little bit of badminton and golf.
On leaving school I went to Rhodes University where I completed a BSc (Biological Sciences) and an HED. While at Rhodes I played in a rock group/dance band called ABACUS - with four other old Graemians (Isak Smuts, Melville Tarr, David and Michael Bilsbury). We had some good times together – and brought in a bit of extra pocket money.

Yes, that's Isak Smuts (with hat), MM Tarr (bless his soul) and the Bilsbury brothers


After Varsity I did my 2-year stint in the army (Oudtshoorn, Pretoria and EP Command) – a chapter in my life I would prefer to forget. Thereafter I began my career in teaching (Queen's College, Jabavu High School - attached to Fort Hare University in Alice - and 15 years at Sea Point High in Cape Town). I taught Biology up to Matric, Physical Science up to Standard 7 – and coached athletics, rugby and badminton to the younger age groups. I eventually became HOD and Deputy Principal at Sea Point High. In 1984 I had the privilege of being approached by Juta & Co. to co-author a Biology textbook series that was used by all the Education Departments in Southern Africa.
While in Cape Town I furthered my interest in music by taking professional lessons in drumming and continuing to play for a number of rock and folk groups. After becoming a committed Christian I decided to use my gifts in the gospel music arena - and played in a no. of gospel music groups (Harvest, Liberty and Spirit of Life). The group "Spirit of Life" was made up of a no. of exceptionally talented vocalists and musicians – and I had the privilege of touring throughout Southern Africa with them – and being invited to tour the Southern States of USA. We also made a no. of studio recordings and cut 2 albums.

I married Robyn Selkirk in 1986 and settled in Tokai, Cape Town (same suburb where Les Green now lives). Robyn works as a Theophostic Counsellor, specialising in psychological problems associated with childhood.

My wife, Robyn and me at her sister's wedding – Dec 1991


In 1993 I decided to change careers after feeling a strong call into pastoral ministry and evangelism. I completed my BTh at Helderberg College, Somerset West - and my MDiv at Andrews University (Michigan, USA). For the past 15 years I have served as a pastor in the Adventist Church in Plumstead (CapeTown); Nahoon (East London) – and at present I am serving a congregation of over 500 members in Silverleaf, Somerset West.
I have two children, Graham and Lisa. My son, Graham completed his BSc (Electrical Engineering) at UCT in 2010. At present he is working for Internet Solutions (a division of Dimension Data) in Bryanston, Johannesburg. My daughter, Lisa is in her first year BA (Psychology).

My two precious children, Graham & Lisa – Photo taken in 2009
I really enjoy my work as a Pastor. It is very challenging, but at the same time very rewarding. There is nothing more satisfying than helping people to connect with their Creator, to understand God's true character, helping them to find meaning in life, and giving them hope in a world where there is so much brokenness, suffering, pain and hopelessness.
I wish you and your families God's richest blessing for the future – and hope to see you at the 50^th reunion when we will all probably be retired and have more free time on our hands.
Sincerely
Peter "Vlam" Dalbock

Some news from Spike Reed

Hi all 1972’ers

I’m sorry I was not able to make the reunion but the thought of having to travel for 50 hrs round-trip was enough to put me off! I travel a lot for work so I try to avoid long haul flights like the plague.

Like most others, I went to the Army in Jan ’73 in Voortrekkerhoogte. Did basics and was selected for officer’s course. Completed officers course in June and the Army asked me to provide 3 preferred postings. My choices were Grahamstown, PE and Oudtshoorn. They posted me to Greeffswalt which is about 80 kms west of Messina (now Musina, I believe), on the Zimbabwe border. Thanks!

I did various things but eventually came into my own in 1981 when I was introduced to computers and have never looked back. I developed software for various customers from ’81 till ’97. A lot of the development involved barcodes and track and trace systems. During that time I developed a keen interest in barcodes.

I moved to England in 1997 and worked for a company that developed and sold specialized (American spell checker!) barcodes. I was offered a job in the USA in 2004 and took up the opportunity. The US company specializes in computerized vision inspection systems using high end industrial cameras and powerful PC’s. Our primary emphasis is on measuring the quality of barcodes at very high speeds; up to a around 1000 per second. I am currently in charge of R&D and have a bunch of hardware and software engineers reporting to me. I also serve on the AIM Global Technical Symbology Committee. The committee sets international standards for barcodes and comprises around 25 barcode experts from around the world.

I have been very fortunate during my working life and have been able to travel to over 30 countries around the world plus about 40 of the 50 US states.

I live in Peachtree City, Georgia which is just south of Atlanta. It is a beautiful, planned city with around 30,000 residents. The city has 160 kms of golf cart trails and you can get all over the city in a golf cart. I even drive a golf cart to work. The Americans think I’m crazy because I choose not to even own a car; I just rent one when I need one.

Some during the next year or so I will be relocating to the Philippines. I will relinquish my responsibility of supporting the entire world and concentrate on Asia. My area of responsibility will be from India to the International Date Line, both Northern and Southern hemispheres. I can’t wait!

Below are a couple pictures showing what I look like (Dec ’11)now as well as the reason I have chosen to support my proposed region out of the Philippines over, say, Singapore, Hong Kong or Malaysia. Both pictures were taken in Cebu, Philippines.

Cheers

Isak sent some photo's from the reunion

Photos from the weekend:

 

On the Templeton Hall stage, back row: Russell Bradfield, Derek Burmester, Brian du Toit, Paul Soper, Izak Smuts, Ian "George" Suttie, Eric "Tubes" Taylor

Front row: Colin Parkins, Patrick Knowles, Rodney Scheepers.

 

At the Graemian Centre: Colin Parkins, Mike Francis, Derek Burmester, Anthony Pote, Ian "George" Suttie, Ella Wagenaar, Cuan King, Izak Smuts, Robin Clayton, Rodney Scheepers, Eric "Tubes" Taylor, Patrick Knowles, Gordon "Harry" Phillips, Brian du Toit.

A few words from Charles Butt

Hello All,

 

Just a few words from me and what I'm up to. At present I am in Singapore working as a Project Manager for Swire Pacific Offshore on a new building program. We are building four new platform supply vessels and at present are in the drawing approval stage. Next year I will be moving to Japan for three years overseeing the actual building of these ships.

The city I will be working in is called Maizuru and as very little english is spoken there I have been hard at work learning Japanese. So in a year I might be able to say hello and goodbye!!

My roots are still in South Africa and hopefully by the time I retire I will be able to reignite my passion for overland traveling and visiting different parts of africa's wild parks before the Asians get at all the Rhino's and other animals they seem to have a passion for.

So... to all the blokes of '72 keep well and healthy.

 

Best Regards,

Charles Butt

Founders Weekend has Arrived

We are looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend.

Selwyn Gill sends his best.

Hi Ian and class of '72

     I would like to wish you all of the best and hope you have a FANTASTIC week end.I am truly sorry not to be joining you but as I am committed to cycle for a charity (a young 11 year boy with muscular dystrophy will benefit),I feel his need is far greater than mine,so I will be doing the ARGUS on Sunday.

It is with great interest to read our blog and see how well everyone seems to have done.I don't remember Richard Jourdain being an athlete at school but he certainly has excelled in the Comrades Marathon etc-pity he is an Aussie now.

Nigel Pitt and I have something in common,in that we married sisters.I married Sharon and have two sons,whilst Nigel married Rose and have a daughter.Both marriages unfortunately ended in divorce but I guess that is life.I now have 4 children,Ryan lives and works in the UK,Gareth is a pilot,Kelly is studying law whilst working for an aviation insurance company and finally an 11 year old son,Keagan.

Whilst I have been a very active sportsman in numerous sports over the years,my only claim to "fame" was playing Premier league cricket for a number of years.Due to an ever increasing problem with my back,I have had to stop participating in all sport other than cycling.I had a spinal fusion in 2006 and a second one in 2008.

I did my military training in Outshoorn and ending up largely with the Grey boys from P.E.It was with great pleasure when I won the 100metres in the Defence Force champs,beating the likes of Paul Leisching and Steve Marais (both Grey boys).I completed my CAIB (SA) and have rarely not been involved in some form of studying in my banking career.For the past 8 years I have been the Regional Head of Forex Sales in the East Cape,a position which I expect to retire in as I will not move back to Gauteng.

I wish you  the very best and I hope to see you all at our 50 year reunion.If anyone is ever in PE,please give me a call.

All the best

Selwyn

Fundraising Hits the R6500 Mark

Thanks to the following fourtiers for your kind donations:

Cuan King
Anthony Pote
Izak Smuts
Mike Mills
Pat Knowles
Paul Soper
Ian Suttie
Nigel Pitt (Data Projector)

It is appreciated, lets keep it up!

Isak Smuts finds old picture

I've just found the 1972 athletics photograph - only 2 matrics in the team -we must have been a slow gang in those days - we'll have to check on our speed this weekend.

Ian (George) Suttie Writes………..

Ian Suttie
Did Military Service in 1973 with 1SAI in Oudtshoorn. Spent 8½ months in the Caprivi Strip (Rodney Scheepers and Bev Long were fellow "grensvegters")
Studied at Graaff-Reinet Teachers' College 1974-1976 and then Paarl Teachers' College in 1977. Had an absolute ball!
Unplanned at the time but the correct decision, started teaching at Graeme in 1978 and have been here ever since, not regretting one moment!
Met Glynis (farming stock from the Komga "sweetveld" and schooled at Clarendon in East London) while a student and got married in 1980. We have two children, Bridget, an Interior Designer, who has recently moved to East London from Jo'burg and Bruce who has opened his own business: "Cool Spark" (Refrigeration, Air-Con and Electrical) also in East London.
Taken over from Titch Searle in more ways than one! In charge of the Junior School for 27 yrs and First X1 Coach for the last 31 yrs!
Heavily involved in the organization and administration of cricket at Provincial and National level. Seen most of the Protea players as schoolboys at various festivals and Nuffield Weeks.
Am a member of the Rotary Club of Grahamstown and when I have a spare moment, do pop into the Grahamstown Club but not as often a Titch though!
Enjoy outdoor pursuits like walking (since a knee replacement in 2010), cycling, play golf and hunting.


Getting a head of steam for the weekend!

Ian and Glynis on West Coast on Holiday

Bruce and Bridget Suttie



Carving a leg of dorper on holiday at Boknes



Patrick Knowles writes ...................

Who would believe that 40 years after walking out of Tempelton Hall after our last matric exam we'd be back again, much wiser, more grey / less hair (at least for Mick Francis), somewhat less recognisable (to be tested this weekend!) and, for some, closer to our retirement years.
A quick synopsis of my life includes a few years of studying, a two year stint in the army, a move to East London as a school teacher, six months touring Europe, Canada and USA, swopping the chalkboard for a financial calculator, one marriage (then a divorce), moving to Johannesburg, many years of playing league squash, coaching soccer, running many, many 10 km races and a dozen or so half marathons, completing a number of 94.7 and Cape Argus cycle races, a couple of knee ops, obtaining my deep sea skippers licence, two wonderful kids, two careers, meeting my life partner ..........
In detail ....... after school I studied at Rhodes and obtained a B.Com degree. I then did my military training which was initially for one year and was then changed to two years. I then returned to Rhodes and obtained a post-graduate education diploma. I started teaching at the Commercial High School (later Stirling High School) in East London in 1980 where I remained until mid-2005.
I then swopped careers and joined United Building Society in East London and moved to Johannesburg (United, later Absa Bank head office) in 1988. I performed various functions at various banks and started specialising in structured trade and commodity finance. Along the way I completed an MBA degree and a few other banking diplomas. I'm currently with Nedbank Capital in Johannesburg and head up the soft commodities department which deals in an array of commodities from cotton, cocoa, rice, sugar, wheat. We finance both the import and export of these commodities in bulk forms (shiploads) mainly to / from other African countries. In the course of business I've visited about 20 different African countries, the least memorable being Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Conga (DRC).
I was married to Marlene Smith (VGHS) but divorced after about 17 years. We had two children, Lyndene and Matthew, both of whom are studying part-time through Unisa. I met my current partner, Gill, about 12 years ago who will be in Grahamstown with me for this 'extended' weekend.
I've generally kept fit over the years in a dual effort to keep my back as flexible as possible and to keep at least some of the extra kilos away. Metabolism unfortunately seems to slow down with age!
Over the years I've been part of many get-togethers with Old Graemians in Johannesburg. The unfortunate thing is that our enthusiasm tends to wane in years that the Graeme rugby team does not participate in the various Easter rugby festivals here in Johannesburg. I occasionally see Mike Mills, Wade Buckley (1973), Garth Butcher (1970), Roy de Wet and Ashley Francis (1970). John Arnold, Nigel Pitt, Richard Jourdain, Bruce Bailey (bless his soul!) and Selwyn Gill also lived here in Johannesburg for many years, with Gerald Brookshaw (1973) and Brian du Toit, "noord van die boerewors kordyn", in Blue Bills country. It's always great to relive memories and chat about the good times at Graeme. I also see David Bilsbury (1973) from time to time who is currently settled in Port Elizabeth – he relived a story of a dog peeing on someone's leg whilst standing to attention on the main field during a cadet parade over the Founders' Weekend!
Whilst the outcome of the Graeme 1 st rugby and cricket teams may wax and wane over the years, the school often amazes me with its successes in other avenues – some years ago Graeme won the national Mintek (Mining Technology) Science quiz and were presented with the trophy here in Johannesburg. Not bad for a small school from the Eastern Cape! I've also picked up that one of the boys obtained Protea colours for bass fishing and another 2 received either provincial or national colours for surf fishing in the seniors event.
Anyhow, I'm certainly looking forward to seeing you guys again this weekend. Let's make the most of it. The next reunion will probably be our 50^th which scares the hell out of me!
I've enclosed a few photos of myself / family and a few other Old Graemians you might recognise. Some of the photos are from the 2010 Soccer World Cup, hence the regalia.



Patrick at a Casual Beach Wedding at Glen Navar, near East London





 Garth Butcher (1970) and Mike Mills at a 2010 Soccer World Cup Party





Patrick and kids (Lyndene & Matthew) and Gillian at Soccer City after the 2010 Worldcup Netherlands / Denmark game:






David Bilsbury, his wife and Patrick at Umtata River Mouth, Transkei (with compulsory hats!)






Wade Buckley (1973)



A message from Brian du Toit

To all my fellow classmates and friends.  During our formative years at school I think the mutual feeling was to finish up with school as soon as possible and then enjoy life doing what grown-ups do.  If it was as simple as that!   In retrospect I think I should have stayed around longer and enjoyed the protected life of a youngster.    I left Grahamstown in 1973 on a troop train to Oudsthoorn together with a number of our classmates.  What an experience that was – a real wake up call for the future.  After completing a year of compulsory National Service I joined for an extra year on a voluntary basis with the benefits that were offered at the time and was stationed in Grahamstown.  On completing my National Service I worked as an insurance clerk, merchandiser for Cadbury’s and a sales representative for Kimberly Clarke in Port Elizabeth.  After two and a half years I decided that the business rat race was not for me and decided to join the Permanent Force in 1977.  Coming from a military family and background this appealed to me.  I  was initially stationed at Ladysmith Natal and then was transferred to the Military Academy at Saldhana Bay, the faculty of Military Science of Stellenbosch University,  and completed a B Mil BA degree majoring in Political Science and Military History.  After spending two further years at Katima Mulilo in the Eastern Caprivi of the then South West Africa, I was transferred to Pretoria where I  served  most of my career, including three years of detached duty in Venda. I decided on an early retirement in October 2011 after having been in a Colonel’s post for 14 years and have subsequently settled in Beachview Port Elizabeth.  I was involved with military intelligence, public relations as a media relations officer for the SA Army and then the main effort and last part of my career has been involved with change management in the Army, leadership, command and management development.  I was responsible for the development of leadership strategy in the SA Army and compiled the current SA Army Doctrine of Leadership, Command and Management.  I had the opportunity to visit the UK, Westpoint Military Academy in the USA, Israel and Sweden. I have three children of my own and an extended family of four children, all with their own children.  Needless to say a very large and rowdy family when all of us are together.   After school I played rugby for many years and managed to be selected for the SADF rugby trials and rugby trials in South West Africa.  I have been playing league squash for the last twenty years and now have focused my sporting attention on golf. (Much easier on the knees).  On a sporting administrative level I was involved in squash management since 1993 as SANDF Squash Chairman and received the Squash SA Honours award in 2008. Currently I have become a real pensioner enjoying golf twice a week and keeping myself busy with odds and ends at the house.  I have also acquired a SAQA qualification in Education and Training and my intention is to get involved in this field.  We have been active members of the Presbyterian church and intend becoming involved with counseling in our new congregation. It is to be an interesting weekend ahead,  to meet old faces again that I most probably will not remember from school days, so please forgive me beforehand.  My best wishes to those who cannot make it and God’s richest blessings for all. May I conclude by paying homage to the 2^nd XV of 1972.  We were a great team and could have successfully taken on many 1^st XV’s from other schools. To all my classmates I salute you.

Some News from Mike Francis

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the contributions to the blog from fellow members of the Class of 72 to date and hope to read more before the reunion.

I studied part time at Rhodes for a BPrac degree from 1973 — 1978 while doing articles at the same time with Green & Truter (The Late Joe Truter was my principal and also an Old Graemian).

I spent 1979 and 1980 in military training (1979 basic training and officers course in Kimberley and 1980 giving tutorials at Fort Hare trying to win the hearts and minds of the people).

Then moved to East London and joined F W Cooper & Rein as a PA.

In 1983 I joined Marshall Kaplan as junior partner with Steve Clarke (also an Old Rhodian) who remains my partner. Steve and I bought the practice from Louis Kaplan and continued in partnership until 2004 when we amalgamated with Bax Incorporated to form Bax Kaplan Incorporated where I am now the senior partner, specializing in conveyancing and commercial work.

On the sporting front I played tennis for Rhodes and SA Universities. Also played for Border for 10 plus years — and was president of Border Veterans Tennis for 10 plus years.

I had a hip replacement about five years ago and unfortunately my tennis days are over and I now try my hand, very unsuccessfully, at golf.
I joined Gately Rotary Club in 1992 and I am a past President and the holder of a Paul Harris award and a Paul Harris Sapphire Award.

I have a daughter, Pippa, from my first marriage who is now 25 years old. I have been married to Lee for 9 years and she has a daughter, Jayd, who is in Grade 12. Pippa, like her Dad, partied her way through a B.A. at Rhodes and Honours (Cum Laude) at Stellenbosch in Journalism. She is travelling the world — presently teaching English in South Korea.

I still enjoy keeping fit, playing golf, fishing at Riet River and hunting in the winter months with Steve Clarke, Denville Tarr and Ben Ford (both also Old Graemians).

Look forward to seeing you all at the Reunion.

Andre Koetser

Fellow Fortiers

Bev Koetser ( Andre's Wife) Has kindly agreed to us publishing the email that was sent to the school. We will be thinking of her and her family's tragic loss as we gather next weekend.

Regards Ian (George)

It is with a deep sense of sadness that I wish to inform you of the passing of one of your fellow Old Graemians - i.e. Andre Koetser passed away 10 May 2011.

Andre was a Hostel Prefect and matriculated from Graeme College at the end of 1972. He attended the then PE Teacher's College for three years. Thereafter he taught Physed, English and Maths  to Grade 7's at the Charlo Primary School in Charlo Port Elizabeth for 5 years. During that time he was also an EP Athletics Coach and President of the Eastern Province Lifesaving Committee.

During 1981 he decided to leave the teaching profession and joined South African Breweries in Newlands Cape Town as a Training Officer. He was soon promoted to the post of Training Manager and after completing further studies, to the post of Industrial Relations Manager. During his 5 years at Newlands Brewery he continued with coaching Life Saving and was also the Chairman of the Western Province Life Saving Committee. During 1986 Andre accepted a transfer to the Southern Associated Maltings in Caledon, which was a subsidiary of South African Breweries, as Human Resources and Industrial Relations Consultant. It was during his 5th year in Caledon that Andre was asked to take a touring group around the Maltings plant. On one of these tours he suffered a major asthma attack by breathing in the barley dust while it was being immersed in water. He was rushed to the hospital but suffered 3 cardiac arrests and with the 3rd one came a form of brain damage due to lack of oxygen to the brain.

Andre was left a quadriplegic with mild brain damage, he also had a form of blindness due to the incident where he could no longer read or write or watch any tv. He also had a speech impediment. He lay like this for 21 years and 3 months suffering much. His family tried to do what was humanly possible to assist him but he never returned to being like his old self. Eventually he developed pneumonia during April 2011 and sadly passed away on 10 May 2011.

During his time of illness and despite his quality of life being very poor, Andre was extremely brave and never lost his keen sense of humour - always being ready to either tell or listen to a joke. He remained a shining example to his children and indeed to all those who knew him.

Andre leaves behind his wife Beverley, three sons - Robert, Gary and Dale who are all married, his parents and six grandchildren.

He was a wonderful husband, a brilliant father and always so very proud of the school he had attended - Graeme College!

 

Thank you

Sincerely

Bev Koetser