Dr. Stefan Fourie (1986K), son of Steyn Fourie, sent us the following message:

We would like to inform the ODU that my father, Steyn Fourie (who taught at Bishops Prep from 1974 – 1995), passed away n the Strand on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.

Steyn joined Bishops Prep in 1974 from Oranjemund Private School. During his time at Bishops, he taught Afrikaans and was Head of the Afrikaans Department. He was housemaster of Charlton from 1981 – 1987 and was involved in a wide range of extra–murals. He was also a WP Masters athlete for four decades (40 – 80), finishing his last competition when he was 80.

Together with his wife Ina (2020), they formed a formidable team at the Prep. There is a bench on Stanmore Field with the following inscription:

“You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord – 2 Chron 19:9”

That they have done.

We found the following snippet (taken from the Headmaster's speech at the leavers dinner) in the Bishops Prep Magazine (March 2015):

Ina and Steyn Fourie taught at the school from 1974. Steyn was Charlton Housemaster for a number of years and the bench in the corner of Stanmore field was donated by them.

They are afrikaans teaching legends. “Lankie Plankie” was Steyn’s weapon of choice when pupils were out of line. Some of your fathers here might remember them and maybe even “Lankie Plankie”

Steyn's wife, Ina, passed away in 2021.  She had a softer touch, and was remembered for spending countless hours on the tennis courts, and for never handing out any pink papers in the 27 years that she taught!  She was very dedicated and always took a sincere interest in everyone.

Steyn leaves behind his son Stefan (1986K), daughter Ronel and grandchildren Stephen (2018K), Jean Luc (2020K), Daneel, Frances and Anouk.