57 IN Memoriam Michael Eastwood Gillingham 1949 Michael Eastwood (Gillingham ‘46 to ‘49) passed away on 17 April 2011 in Sydney, Australia, after a stoic battle with illness. His passing marks the end of a man who loved, cared and served his family, friends and the community around him with distinction. Michael was a man of many talents and passionate about life. He led by example and principle, and was a true gentleman who believed in tradition. Michael possessed a keen sense of humour and a great compassion for others. He was approachable and would make time for those who sought his counsel, always keen to ‘get it right’. He led a full and busy life and his lessons to us all were so graciously presented. Michael relished his years at Kearsney. The friends that he had made there were true throughout his life. He played cricket and rugby. In ‘49 he was the Gillingham spor ts captain and set the school record for the 110 yard sprint. He also formed a Lone Scout Troop and was part of the school cadets. He had a stammer, which he eventually overcame, however, there were issues to address in giving clear commands to the cadet band of which Michael became drum major. The Zulu groundsmen gave him the nickname ‘Mbohlane’ meaning, “He who roars!” At the Durban and Districts Schools Band Competition in 1947, Michael led the Kearsney band to 1st place. In the same year Michael achieved the award of a King’s Scout and it was for tuitous that he should have reached that position, as the award that year was made by His Majesty, King George VI. After school, Michael achieved a great deal in his career in civil engineering. He also flew in the South African Air Force on Tiger Moths, Harvards and the illustrious Spitfire. In 1958 Michael joined Sir Alexander Gibb consulting engineers in London and represented the firm for more than 25 years on major projects in Nigeria, the Middle East, Canada and then in South Africa, before opening his own practice in later years.The Hazelmere Dam and the Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme projects bear his name. In 2007, after his wife Fiona passed away, Michael moved to Sydney to join his son Mark. He leaves his sons Mark (‘86) and Craig (‘88) and his wife Antoinette and their two children Matthew and Christopher. His passing is deeply mourned by his family and friends. May he rest peacefully in God’s great house. Mark Eastwood (1986) Ron Irons Past Staff (1971 – 1979) Ron Irons, who taught at Kearsney from 1971 to 1979, died in Pietermaritzburg on 5 July 2011. As a young man Ron qualified as a teacher, and taught for a shor t while at DHS. On the death of his father he returned to Zululand to run the family trading stores. He and his wife Bernice had the good sense to send their four sons Barrie (1967), Anthony (1975), Christopher (1972) and Robin (1971) to Kearsney. When Ron eventually sold the trading stores he and Bernice moved to Hillcrest. In 1971 Ron resumed his teaching career, this time at Kearsney, where Ron taught History and English until 1979. Despite the fact that he was an older man, Ron threw himself with enthusiasm into the coaching of junior cricket and rugby. Kearsney boys will remember Ron Irons as a soft spoken, amiable man who carried out his responsibilities at Kearsney with dedication. Justin Hall (Past Kearsney Staff 1963 – 2003) Joyce Harris Matron of Junior House (1963 - 1967) Mrs Joyce Harris passed away peacefully on 15 November. My mom was matron of Junior house for the five-year period from 1963 to 1967, the duration of my years at Kearsney College. She always fondly remembered the many “homesick” little boys that she mothered during that period. They will have developed into successful, capable and independent adults. Kevin Harris (1967)
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