Dear ODs

The family of Tony van Ryneveld inform you sadly of the passing of Tony yesterday morning. He passed away peacefully at his home in Tokai, surrounded by his family. He was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago, and his health deteriorated rapidly during the recent period.

Tony was at Bishops for all of his schooling years. In his school-leaving report, his housemaster wrote "No words of mine can do justice to all that he has brought to his house as Head Prefect. He is a boy in a thousand, his achievements are many and varied. A brilliant athlete, he has been outstanding as captain of school football and cricket, and academically extremely able. He took the 1st Class in his matric, he is yet one of the most modest people I have ever met. Indeed, it is his impression of sound Christian character which will always remain most vividly in spite of the brilliance of his attainment. He is a charming friendly person and I have always been able to rely on his judgement. I have made use of this often enough, for he has an old voice on young shoulders. It is quite impossible to say how much his house will miss him next year. He will go far, he has my wishes for the future".

The Headmaster H.J Kidd added, "I really cant add anything more, but he has always given 1st Class service, 1st Class brain, and 1st Class character to the school".

Tony married Lil in 1955 and produced four sons, all of whom went to Bishops. Tony adored coming back to Bishops afterwards to watch various events taking place at the school and to see the development of the facilities. He served on the OD Union Committee, contributing his business skills and wisdom to the various projects which he became involved, and was gracious in his contributions anything Bishops.

Memorial Service will be held at Christchurch, Constantia, on Wednesday 5th September at 2pm.