Harry Solkow ('42)
by Freddy Hirsch (’46)
26–03–1925 - 09-01-2007
Harry Solkow, the eldest son of immigrant parents, arrived
at SACS from Vredenburg as a Junior School border at the
age of eight in 1933. From an early age he showed great
enthusiasm and promise as a sportsman, an area where he
would later excel.
A natural yet reluctant athlete, he represented the school
team in the middle distances between 1939 – 1942.
An all-rounder, he was awarded the Victor Ladorum as an
under 15 and again under 19 athlete. His passion from
a young age was rugby, where he represented each of the
Under-13A, Under-15A and Under-16A teams. During 1941
and 1942 he represented the 1st XV.
After matriculating at the end of 1942, Harry joined
the South African Air Force and saw service in North Africa
and Italy as a Sergeant-Major in 24 Squadron. He served
as an air gunner in the Marauder fighter bomber squadron.
On conclusion of the War, Harry returned to Cape Town
and started what was to become a life long vocation in
the clothing industry. He represented The African Trading
Company, Peerless Shirts, House of Monatic and to his
retirement in the early nineties, Rex Trueform. Harry
would be described as highly respected and loyal gentleman
with integrity from another era by colleagues and customers
alike.
In December 1957 Harry and Pam were married in Cape Town.
Their three sons, Richard, Stuart and Paul, all attended
school, and matriculated, at SACS during the late 70’s
and early 80’s. Following in their father’s
footsteps, each of the boys were keen and active sportsmen.
Richard and Paul represented WP Waterpolo, while Stuart
represented the Western Province Under-20 Rugby team in
1980. Pam and Harry never missed an opportunity of supporting
their sons on the playing fields and in the swimming pools,
often offering the “misguided” school master
much unwanted advice.
The Solkow’s are a very close family who enjoy a
wide circle of friends. Harry Solkow will be sorely missed
by all those who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing
him - a true gentleman and principled man.
Our sympathy goes out to Pam and the Solkow family on
the passing of a long standing and dear friend.
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Tribute to Denis Leite ('55)
by Rodney Mazinter (’53)
“Money may be the husk of many things but not the
kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine,
but not health; acquaintance, but not friends; servants,
but not loyalty; days of joy, but not peace or happiness”
-Henrik Ibsen
Denis Leite, (class of 1955, who passed away October
2007) was not a wealthy man in monetary terms, but he
had had an appetite and loyalty for everything to do with
SACS. Hundreds of old boys down the years counted him
as a friend and one hopes that this gave him a modicum
of peace and happiness in an otherwise routine life. He
was a skilled table tennis player and enthusiast throughout
his life and represented the school at a time when it
was blessed by luminaries such as David Ticktin, Peter
Morgan and Ronnie Shell, at least two of whom became national
champions and went on to represent their country.
Whenever the school or Old Boys Union needed help in
organising, or someone serving, at a function the first
person they called upon, and who never said no, was Denis.
He was a well recognised figure at reunions, valedictory
gatherings or school celebrations, quietly getting on
with ensuring that things went smoothly.
Denis never lost touch with the boys of ‘55. He
followed their careers, their achievements, their joys
and, sometimes, disappointments. If ever an old boy from
the matric class of ‘55 needed to know what had happened
to this or the other Old Boy, they just had to ask Denis.
He once said to me, when I complimented him on his continued
interest, that he found his joy in other people; he did
not care, he said, if he was “useless” at achieving
great things. I replied in Robert Louis Stevenson’s
words, “No man is useless who has a friend, and if
we are loved we are indispensable.”
Denis was loved and indispensable. Farewell our good
friend.
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Tribute to Sid Kiel (1916-2007)
by John Ince (’54), Executive Director of the
SACS Old Boys Union, on Wednesday 25 July 2007
It was Mark Anthony who said, “There’s a great
spirit gone.”
Sadly these words ring true for all of us present today!
I prefer to re-phrase these words and say: “A dear
friend has left us and passed on….”
Sid was one of SACS’s greatest sons – admired,
respected and loved by generations of Old Boys who came
to know him.
His passing marks the end of a glorious era.
As a boy at SACS he was immensely popular among his peers
and made his mark not only as a scholar, but also as a
most talented and successful sportsman. Others will speak
on his great sporting achievements. Suffice for me to
say that he represented South Africa at athletics while
still at school.
He qualified as a medical doctor from UCT and also made
a great impression on all who knew him there – it
was not only his sporting prowess but also his character
and personality that won him many admirers.
Sid’s charismatic personality and strength of character
enhanced his relationships with young and old.
He was a thorough gentleman of great charm and invincible
goodwill towards his fellow man. His approach to his profession
and his dealings with people reflected his humility and
humanity.
Sid joined up and served in the SA Medical Corps during
the 2nd World War. Here again he won many friends and
admirers for his compassionate and encouraging manner
in dealing with the injured and sick on the battlefield.
He started his professional practice on the Atlantic
seaboard after the war, in the Sea Point and Camps Bay
areas. His patients adored and respected him and soon
other colleagues joined his thriving practice, some of
whom will speak today.
Sid always remained loyal to his alma mater and the Old
Boys Union -right to his very last years. He enjoyed attending
functions and meeting his old friends. Whatever the occasion
– a formal dinner, watching a game of rugby, cricket
or athletics or attending a Commem Day or even a class
re-union, - old and young friends would gather around
Sid to shake his hand. He had a friendly word for everyone.
Some rare, special quality in his make-up, seemed to
reach out to others. His warm, happy manner enhanced his
communication with all he encountered and he always acknowledged
his friends with much enthusiasm, ease and sincerity.
The Old Boys’ Union honoured Sid by electing him
a Hon Life Vice President for his many distinguished achievements
and his loyalty to the Union. The High School also recognised
his outstanding contribution to medicine, sport and life
and bestowed upon him the “Spectemur Agendo Award”.
Then there was Sid – the family man. He loved you
dearly Jean – he often spoke of his love for you,
Jean, and particularly of the great support you gave him.
Sue and Barn – he loved you both deeply and was
so very proud of you and your families.
As we honour and celebrate the life of this great man
and SACS Old Boy, today our thoughts and prayers turn
to Jean and all the family. We extend our heartfelt sympathy
to them.
This, then, was Sid, the human being – Sid whom
we salute today!
His character, his friendly nature and his values lie
in honesty, in integrity, goodness and truthfulness.
And so, as we bid farewell to Sid, we should be thoughtful
of his many fine qualities with gratitude; we shall treasure
his rich heritage.
Sid had the true simplicity of heart that everywhere
marks great men for what they are, and with his passing
a light has gone out in the world of SACS and beyond.
Thank you!
John Ince
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Rex Simpson ('49)
by classmates Ben Rabinowitz and Kenneth Penkin
We were saddened to read of the death of Rex Orr Simpson.
He was with us in junior school from 1945 and high school
from 1946 to 1949 in which year we all matriculated. Rex
(who was taller than any of us) was a most outstanding
Cadet Officer and in matric was by far the best officer.
He was a prefect, played 1st team rugby and was in the
1949 athletics team.
He was unique in our class for being a member of the
athletic team which competed in the Triangular.
He had two professions after he left school. He did not
enjoy being an attorney and then took up medicine at UCT
achieving degrees in both, practised as an attorney, but
eventually chose to follow a career in medicine, entering
general practice and then transitioning to medical administration.
He took up the post of Deputy Medical Superintendent at
Groote Schuur Hospital after which he moved to the Red
Cross Hospital as Medical Superintendent. A move to East
London saw him take up the position of Medical Superintendent
at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital. After a period he was appointed
Head Medical Director of Health Services for the Eastern
Cape. His love of Cape Town saw him return to take up
the position of Chief Medical Superintendent of Tygerberg
Hospital. Upon completion of this tenure he re-entered
general practice and remained in this field on a part-time
and locum basis until his retirement in 2006.
His daughter tells us that during his active retirement,
as during his life, he embraced his many passions with
vigour. He somehow managed to find time for the following
numerous pursuits – walking on the mountain, enduring
passion about nature, ornithology, writing, studying French
and, most importantly, spending time with his family.
The latter was the pursuit he considered the most rewarding
of all.
His second wife Rozanne passed away in 2002 after an
illness bravely borne and he is survived by a son and
daughter from his first marriage, Rex and Romey and grandson
Joe, and his and Rozanne's children, Tammy and Quinn.
A man of firm, gentleness who strode the earth with compassionate
ease. A life well lived by a man much respected and loved.
We were happy to see Rex at our 50th anniversary in 1999.
We will sorely miss him.
From Ben Rabinowitz and Kenneth Penkin”
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Tribute to John (Joe) Ireland –
Head Prefect (1961)
by Prof Dave Beatty (A Colleague)
John Dale Ireland was born on the 7th of January 1944
in Cape Town. He lived with his parents in Bethlehem in
the Orange Free State until he was eight years old. His
parents divorced and he moved with his mother to Cape
Town where he went to Tamboerskloof Primary School before
entering SACS in standard four.
At SACS he excelled in everything and his early leadership
qualities based on the values and principles instilled
by his mother soon became apparent. He was class captain
for every year of his school life and head boy in his
final year. He attracted equal respect from his class
mates and the teachers and never shield away from responsibility
or a principled stand. When the school moved from Gardens
to Newlands in his second last year he was remembered
for the high role he played in bridging this transition
in the senior boarding house Rosedale.
Robin Douglas who was deputy head boy and scrum half
of the first team tells the story of a touring match against
Michaelhouse in Natal which was marred by excessive fighting
in the tight five. The main culprit was John’s own
prop and when things were clearly out of hand John shouted
from the bottom of a maul. “Ref, stop the game”,
he then cornered his errant player and said for all to
hear “If you don’t stop this now, and if the
ref doesn’t throw you off – I will.”
This story illustrates the exceptional qualities that
made him captain of every rugby team and head boy in 1961.
He excelled in athletics and boxing and academically,
going on to study medicine at UCT where he graduated MBChB
in 1967.
At University John loved medicine and applied himself
with the passion and hardwork that was to mark a life
long career in academic medicine. On the sporting field
at UCT John continued to excel and demonstrate his exceptional
talents as a team player. He played for Western Province
under 20, captained UCT under 19A for two years and played
in the first team.
He was Club captain of UCT Rugby Club and Cecil Moss
remembers him as an outstanding leader who enjoyed the
support and respect of players and coaches.
At Medical School he captained his class’s rugby
team which won five consecutive interclass competitions,
an achievement never equalled or passed.
John met Jenny when they were seventeen and sixteen,
just before going to medical school. Thus began a forty
seven year long love that was made in heaven. They were
devoted to each other and married two weeks after John
graduated as a doctor on the 28th of December 1967. Together
they built a family and a home based on love, respect
and caring that endured and grew each year. John’s
first love and passion was his family. Their twin daughters
Amber and Kerryn born in 1970 were showered with love
and caring. The family did everything together and their
hospitability was legendary.
John was in charge of building cars, remember the Triumphs
that he lovingly restored – building his home and
restoring antique Cape Dutch Furniture and Jenny was in
charge of John. His granddaughter Tara now nearly five
years old was the light of his life and called him Chubba
a title he loved. We cannot imagine how difficult and
sad it is for them now.
John’s second love was his work. After internship
at Groote Schuur and military service he started work
as a senior house officer in Paediatrics at Red Cross
Children’s Hospital and began a thirty seven year
career in paediatrics and caring for sick children. He
qualified as a paediatrician in 1972 and took up an appointment
as a consultant at the hospital and a lecturer at UCT.
Those leadership qualities that he developed and refined
at school, at Universtiy and on the Rugby field were soon
evident at the hospital and were recognised by successive
promotions culminating in being awarded ad hominem professorship
by UCT in 1998. He worked with the same passion and commitment
right up to the week before he died.
This man was larger than life, he was an exceptionally
talented doctor dedicated to helping each and every patient.
As a colleague he never blew his own trumpet and provided
the most honest and genuine support and mentorship to
all.
His ability as a teacher was legendary and his skill
in bringing out the best in students, and in imparting
to others the values that we so admired in him, was extraordinary.
He showed exceptional vision and single handed drive
in pioneering paediatric primary health care and the role
that special training for paediatric nurses could play
in this in the eighties. He anticipated the need to integrate
the work of the teaching hospitals with the clinics and
regional hospitals. And he saw that the key to success
was the paediatric nurse. His programme trained nearly
2000 nurses who worked throughout the Western Cape and
the Eastern Cape reducing childhood mortality on a dramatic
scale. He was invited to lecture and advise throughout
the country and was the main author of three editions
of the seminal Book “Paediatric Primary Care”.
In 1982 the university awarded him a doctorate for his
thesis “The Training and Use of the Paediatric Clinical
Nurse in Southern Africa”.
His work with paediatric nurse training was controversial
in certain quarters because it was way ahead of its time
but if the tenants that he researched and proposed had
been followed we would not be in the precarious position
we now find ourselves.
He loved teaching and his ward rounds with registrars,
house officers, medical students, nurses, dieticians,
social workers and physiotherapists were a joy to watch.
He would preside towering over the group, questioning,
assisting, delving and taking bets with the registrar
(usually a crunchie or a peppermint crisp) about who was
right or wrong on a certain point. At the end he would
go to the books and bring back the proof. He loved peppermint
crisps.
He was always the ally and support of the patient bringing
them into the discussion and making sure that we all knew
that the patients interests, worries and concerns came
first.
Joe conducted the Friday 12:00 meeting in similar style.
This was the highlight of the weekly academic programme
at the hospital where students and trainees would present
problem or illustrative cases for discussion. Joe would
stride in dressed in black and remind us forcefully that
we had to support the Stormers the next day and then conduct
the meeting bringing every one into the discussion and
ending by summing up the learning points.
In the nineties he took over as head of the Gastroenterology,
Liver Disease and Cystic Fibrosis services at the hospital.
New technologies were emerging and Joe was required to
learn how to do endoscopies. He asked me how he could
learn to do this as someone without surgical experience.
I replied that someone who could restore cars and furniture,
build houses and Kreepy Krawlies had all the credentials.
So he went to Groote Schuur every week to work with the
surgeons and gastro-enterologists until he mastered the
technology and then he proceeded to teach everyone in
the team how to do it.
I don’t know anyone who has given more to the hospital,
who has influenced more young (and old) people by example
and who is more loved by all those who work there. His
patients worshipped him because he listened, he cared,
he consulted and he put their needs first.
In his ward B2 he created (and equipped and furnished)
a special room that catered for the special needs of the
older cystic fibrosis patients and their families.
For the last ten years Joe annually visited Bahrain to
do locum work as he did at Red Cross, he became a much
loved colleague at the Awali hospital.
We tend to forget (because Joe made light of it) how
much he and his family went through in the last years,
a cardiac stent, a horrendous gall bladder operation,
the onset of diabetes and over the last eight months this
cancer. He was the first to reassure everyone that he
would be fine and to carefully explain how he was coping
and managing. He never complained and his first concern
was to put us at ease and that he did right to the end.
Joe was an emotional man, he could cry with his patients
and he loved poems. He loved to laugh and for others to
laugh with him. He had a fine sense of humour. He was
strong and fiercely protective of his family and friends.
He was a humble man freely distributing credit to others
and I never heard him say a cruel word against anyone.
He was a wise man and his advice was sought by all. He
could diffuse tension when people were creating all sorts
of stupid nonsense with a comment, “Tokkie we shouldn’t
hak about kak”
He filled the room, brought out the best in people and
we shall remember him for all these attributes.
It is fitting to end by quoting from Shakespeare the
words of Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar,
“His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in
him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world:
“This was a man!”.
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