The Old Diocesan Issue 12 - Magazine - Page 124
Oddjobs & other lessons
Remembering Alan Douglas (1935-2026), College staff (1965-1988,
1991-1999), schoolmaster, housemaster, past master, Olympian onderwyser,
rugby and cricket administrator, questionable referee, early tea enthusiast,
champion of miscellaneous duties
120 | THE OLD DIOCESAN
He was from a wiser, less harried
age, one of a coterie of stalwart
teachers who nurtured skill,
character, discipline and respect.
Together, they were like the great
pines along the Bishops Avenue
– strong, dependable, unwavering.
When one of his peers passed
away, Alan used to say, “Hulle kap
nou in ons se bos.”
And now, this great tree has
fallen himself.
Rest in peace, Alan. Your
memory will always be cherished.
Alan Douglas holding the revered Bradshaw Cup in the iconic Olympic Sports
Club. Photographed by friend and past pupil Craig Wilson, October 2022.
RECOLLECTIONS FROM JOHN DOBSON (1985K), TIM RICHMAN (1995B),
JOHAN VAN ZYL (1995G) AND CRAIG WILSON (1982S)
O
f all that era of oldschool past masters
who coloured the halls
of Bishops with such
character during the last quarter
of the 20th century, perhaps none
was held in greater affection than
Alan Douglas. These were the
teachers who taught us as much in
life as in their lessons. The mystery
of Fisher, the dry wit of Gardener,
the sly wit of De Kock. The deadpan
authority of Dobbo, the limping
gravitas of Basil and Tank…
Then there was Mr Douglas.
Oddjob.
A character.
A teacher with a wetende glimlag.
Who only mildly disapproved
when you tried to get away with
Jasper die Rugbyheld or Trompie en
die Boksombende for Standard 9
mondeling. Who entertained his
class by scratching his ear over
his head with his opposite hand,
musing knowingly while gazing
out the window into the middle
distance – no doubt contemplating
his impending tea and sandwiches.
And who thoughtfully dispensed
with a watch so that when we told
him, “Dis tyd, meneer,” he could
pretend not to know it was still
10 minutes till break. We may
have got first dibs on the pool
table in our rec rooms, but he
had the staff room to himself.
Alan lived and taught by values
that echoed the school’s ethos and
the spirit of St Francis of Assisi –
kindness, tolerance and decency.
