Below is a photo of Graham Raubenheimer (on the left) with the 50th Reunion organising team at a meeting at the Durban Club (compliments of Nigel Hollis). Others in the photo are Geoff Caruth (standing), Graham Morrison (back to camera) and Mike Buchanan.

Graham was a true legend. Despite his many outstanding achievements, he was always thoughtful, considerate and humble. We met socially on occasion, and he was always delightful company. He dealt with life's many challenges in a dignified and positive manner. May he rest in peace.

Me, Graham and Richard Dent in 2017

Graham with a bunch of DHS Old Boys (Mike Bolstridge, Mike Mun-Gavin, Mike Buchanan, Nigel Hollis, Don Atkinson, Stan Coffey and Denzil Andrews in 2016

Graham looking mischievous - together with Geoff Caruth and Stan Coffee in 2016

Graham - looking somewhat startled - with Gerry Haynes - at a braai at our home on the Berea in 2015

Our German Shepherd, Saxon, pleading with Graham for another piece of biltong (we always had to bribe Saxon not to bite our guests :))

Graham looking more relaxed - with Gerry Haynes (anyone know how Gerry is doing?)

Francois Everson directed me to a post made by John van der Linde's wife, Elenora, on 5 October 2024. She was sadly announcing his recent death. This was what she posted:

It is with much shock and deep grief I have tell you that my beloved husband and brave Hero passed away 4th August.
It was very sudden and due to him being in hospital for tests for weakness in legs. It took the "specialists" a week to discover he had blocked arteries in his legs. The strain of blood supply led to heart arrest.
He had recently had a pet scan and was totally cancer free and all his body organs in excellent condition.
Such a tragic way to die.
Kind regards
Ellenora Van Der Linde

Oct 05, 2024 at 12:58 PM

Can I request that all those who knew John post their tributes here as soon as possible

Francois Everson directed me to a post made by John van der Linde's wife, Ellenora, on 5 October 2024. She was sadly announcing his recent death. This was what she posted:

It is with much shock and deep grief I have tell you that my beloved husband and brave Hero passed away 4th August.
It was very sudden and due to him being in hospital for tests for weakness in legs. It took the "specialists" a week to discover he had blocked arteries in his legs. The strain of blood supply led to heart arrest.
He had recently had a pet scan and was totally cancer free and all his body organs in excellent condition.
Such a tragic way to die.
Kind regards
Ellenora Van Der Linde

Oct 05, 2024 at 12:58 PM

Can I request that all those who knew John post their tributes here as soon as possible? Thank you.

The previous link I posted for Jonnie's Memorial Service missed the start. This is another link which contains the whole service:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1129870581449693&rdid=YkCydMNbLthK4ibo

Thanks for this info, John. This means that the Gordon Smith who died must be the one who Geoff Caruth reported had died in the UK recently. Geoff - can I ask how you heard of the UK Gordon Smith's death - and do you know what he died of - and any of his family details? Gladys Botha, whose email address Gordon had been using for years, contacted me primarily to ask us to unsubscribe her from our Class list - and she only revealed that he had died when I asked her why.

Posted on: Feb 22, 2024 at 1:44 AM

Hi Paddy. Just tried calling you to say that Felicity and I won't be able to get up to see you in Broadbeach this time. We'd love to connect with you both when you're back in Aus again, and perhaps you could consider visiting Sydney then, as you'd be very welcome to stay with us in our retirement village in Waitara. I hope that the rest of your stay goes well and that Kathleen's trip on 7 March is enjoyable. Also hope your time with your son is a blessing. Thanks again for making the effort to connect with us. Hope we can connect next time you visit Aus. Kind regards, Cedric

Thank you for your excellent tribute Jonathan. I also believe that Theobald was one of the top three teachers I encountered at school. The other two were Geoff Chater, who brought history alive in a very special way, and Mrs Lonsdale, who taught English (and good manners) at Underberg boarding school. She was such a legend, and one of the most caring people I've had the privilege of knowing.

Cedric, have you moved from Tassie to Sydney? Coming over to Brissie for 2-3 months in November. All my 3 kids and their families have all recently moved from Melbourne, Sydney and Geelong.

Ian Tayfield kindly sent me this information:

"I only recently became aware that Peter passed away during 2020. He had been living in Brisbane Australia for quite some years. I believe his passing was a result of brain cancer. Regards all. Ian."