John Gaylard (1958S) sent us the sad news that his brother, Peter Gordon Gaylard (1959S, had passed away from pneumonia in Plettenberg Bay on 4 February 2024.  He had been battling lung cancer for some time. 

Peter, was a world-renowned expert in platinum group metals.  He was a chemical engineer by profession and studied at the University of Witwatersrand. His corporate career included 28 years service with Impala Platinum Mines. From there he went to the University of Cape Town where he became adjunct professor of chemical engineering.

During his working life he held the following positions:

• Independent Non-Executive Director at BK One Ltd.
• Board member of Directors at BK One Ltd.
• Non-Executive Director by Wesizwe Platinum Ltd.
• Adjunct Professor-Chemical Engineering Department by University of Cape Town
• Research Director by Amira International Ltd.
• He also served on the board at Africa Wide Mineral Prospecting & Exploration Pty Ltd. and Bakubung Minerals.

After his retirment he was very involved in his community, doing much good work as Chairperson of the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers' Association from 2019 to 2023, and committee member for almost a decade before becoming chairperson. 

In an article from the Plett-Knysna Herald written by Chris van Gass, he was described as a fair, objective and honest gentleman.  The current Chairperson, Steve Pattinson, had this to say:

We all respected Peter immensely and appreciated his guidance and commitment to Plett and to good goverance.

A beautiful service was held for Peter on Thursday, 8 February, at St Peter's Anglican Church where he had been a church warden and part of the choir. 

Peter is survived by his wife, Mary, three children and four grandchildren. 

Our sincerest condolences to his family and close friends.