Mr Reeler announced to the students and staff at Assembly today (07 September 2023) the sad passing of one of Bishops' true greats, Mr Raymond David Ackerman (10 March 1931 - 06 September 2023).  

Mr Reeler delivered the following message: 

"Mr Ackerman matriculated from Bishops in 1948 and played fullback in the First XV.  His service to others began at school where he initiated a programme to help educate the support staff.

He is best known for his role in building Pick 'n Pay, an iconic South African retail business, but those who knew him well, know of his countless efforts to help those in need through his generosity and kindness.

He was a regular visitor to the school, the most recent being attending the First XV game against Wynberg.

Mr Ackerman supported Bishops not only financially but with messages of encouragement and by being at the school often to show his support.

We send our deepest condolences to his wife Wendy, children Gareth, Kathy, Suzanne and Jonathan as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren and give thanks for the extraordinary life of a special man.

The Jewish faith has a word that best describes Mr Ackerman - a "mensch".  This is a person of integrity, morality, dignity, with a sense of what is right and responsible.  Mr Ackerman was indeed a true mensch and we honour his memory here today and through the flying of our school flag at half-mast.

I ask you to stand now in a moment of silence to honour his memory."  

In addition to Mr Reeler's tribute to Mr Ackerman, the school released a communique today announcing his sad passing, sending condolences to Mrs Wendy Ackerman and their four children, of whom two attended Bishops, Gareth (1975S) and Jonathan (1984S).  Two of Mr Ackerman's grandsons also attended Bishops, Nicholas (2004S) and Benjamin (2008S) as well as his surviving brother Bruce (1961G) and the other sibling, the Late Kenneth Ackerman, who matriculated in 1945.  

Below is the announcement from the school to the Bishops community placed on their Facebook Page:

Raymond Ackerman: Requiescat in Pace!

[Photo credit, from the ODU Website on the occasion of the ODU AGM held in March 2023.  Quoted are words spoken there by Raymond Ackerman].