It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic deaths of the beloved parents of Dale Jackson (1998/9F) this weekend (September 2022).  Robert (1966F) and Claudette Jackson tragically died in an accident on a train crossing near their farm in the Karoo area of Beaufort West.

Robert Stewart Jackson was born on 23 September 1948. His father Julius Ronald (1937F) also attended Bishops.  Robert’s son Dale was at Bishops from 1990 – 1998, also in Founders House where he was Head of House and the Second Senior Prefect. 
 

Robert is in the third row from the front, third from the Left.  [This photograph was taken and sent to us by one of Robert's contemporarioes at school, and a close friend, Donald Fraser Bett (1996FH)].

In this photograph Robert is wearing the hat with the green jersey seated at the back.  [This photograph was taken and sent to us by one of Robert's contemporarioes at school, and a close friend, Donald Fraser Bett (1996FH)].

At school, Robert won the Special Biology Prize in 1956; was a House Prefect in Founders and a Student Officer in the Cadet Detachment.  He played for the First XV, got his provincial colours for shooting (two years), and played First Team Tennis. He proceeded to study agriculture at the Grootfontein Agricultural College, married Claudette Purcocks in 1975, and they had three children, Lisa, Dale  and Kim, sadly Lisa was tragically killed in an accident on the farm.  Robert and Claudette farmed the family farm Smokey Grove near Nelspoort north of Beaufort West in the Three Sisters area as one proceeds northward on the N1. 

Robert and Claudette often visited Bishops especially when their children were at school, Dale at Bishops and Kim at Herschel.

Dr Murray had the following to say about them:

Robert and Claudette were always supportive of the events at Bishops and I got to know them when they came to watch their children play sport and visit them at their respective schools in Cape Town, Dale at Bishops and Kim at Herscel.  I will remember them both with much love, as they were kind and considerate and their conversation was engaging and they were very friendly people. 

A more jovial couple I have seldom met. 

Their death comes as a great shock to us.  

They are survived by their children Dale and Kim and their families.  We send our heartfelt condolences to them both and the broader Jackson family who we are thinking of at this very sad time.  

We also remember Robert and Claudette as part of the Karoo ODs, and think of their colleagues from school days and our thoughts are with all of them too at this sad time. 

May Their Dear Souls Rest in Peace.