The Old Diocesan Issue 12 - Magazine - Page 112
OBITUARIES
running, sometimes during lunch,
from Roeland Street up to the
Molteno Dam on the slopes of
Table Mountain, or up to Lion’s
Head. He was back at his desk
by 2.15pm – not a minute later!
Our condolences go to his
lifelong partner Marylyn, and
all his family and friends.
RUSSELL
NELSON
(1973-2026)
Born in
Newlands in
1973, Russell
Nelson was
a proud product of Bishops, where
he excelled as a sportsman in both
rugby and basketball. His passion for
rugby carried him to an impressive
first-class career, representing
Boland, the Bulls and Ulster, before
concluding his playing days with
a memorable stint in Portugal.
After hanging up his boots, Russell
joined his father, Don (1957G), at the
family publishing house. There, his
love for books and retail flourished,
particularly through his involvement
with The Book People. Most recently,
he published 25 Great South African
Rugby Schools, a testament to his
deep connection to the sport and
its heritage in South Africa. (See
the wonderful extract in Issue 8.)
Russell was a kind-hearted
family man who cherished his wife
Caroline and doted on his children.
Full of ideas, he enjoyed thoughtful
conversations about life, politics and
everything in between. A larger-than-
“He will be remembered
with great respect by
teammates, supporters
and all who had the
privilege of knowing him.”
–Ulster Rugby statement
108 | THE OLD DIOCESAN
life personality with a commanding
presence, he brought warmth,
enthusiasm and generosity wherever
he went. He will be missed by his
former teammates, countless friends
and his loving family – Caroline, his
sons Marc (2021G) and Adam, his
stepdaughter Emma, and his parents,
Don and Babs. But his legacy in
sport and in the lives he touched
will endure. Rest in peace, Russell.
Adapted from a tribute by Russell’s
friend Anton De Waal (1991O).
ROBERT ROWAND
(1943-2025)
Robert De Villiers Rowand was
a much-loved family man, warmly
regarded in his social circles. He had
a distinguished career in insurance,
with spells in New York and London,
before spending the bulk of his
working life in Johannesburg.
In the early 1980s, together with
Marius Barnard (brother of Chris) and
his own brother, the late Don Rowand
(1955F), Robert developed the
concept of “dread disease insurance”,
which offered clients cover in the
event of heart attack, stroke, cancer
or coronary bypass surgery. Now
widely known as critical illness cover,
the expanded concept has become
a staple of international insurance.
At Bishops from 1952 to 1961,
Robert was a school prefect and
member of the Ten Club. He became,
among other things, a proud OD and
an enthusiastic reader of The Old
Diocesan. He played a central role
in keeping his 1961 matric class
connected, organising gatherings
that sustained friendships over the
decades. In 2011, he hosted their 50th
reunion at his home in Constantia.
He was the great-uncle of Andre Sale
(2017F) and Jack (2019B) and Tom
Rowand (2023F), and the father-inlaw of Tim Richman (1995B). Our
condolences to his daughters Leigh
and Julia, and his extended family.
Robert Rowand.
ABDUL-AZIZ “CASSA”
CASSIEM
(1973-2025)
Affectionately known as Coach
Cassa, Abdul-Aziz Cassiem was a
father figure to many a Bishops boy,
and a mentor to countless young
hockey players. His dedication to
Bishops hockey was unwavering and
spanned all levels of the game. He
approached each team with passion,
consistency and respect, treating
every player equally and honouring
the game that gave him so much.
A talented player himself, Cassa
represented WP Juniors, Unicorns
Hockey Club, SASSSA and Central
Hockey Club. It was in coaching,
however, that his true gift shone,
shaping lives, building character and
instilling a deep love for the game.
Cassa Cassiem with his sons, SA
hockey stars Mustapha and Dayaan.
