In the early hours of 20 March Wynberg Girls High lost a friend and the teaching profession lost an academic. From his first days at university, John took advantage of what there was to be absorbed. He was equally at home in English lectures and in the science laboratories.His quest for knowledge and his willingness to learn new skills continued throughout his life. He enjoyed sharing the subject of his research or reading with colleagues and pupils alike. He would preface a gem of information with "Do you know...?"

John taught in Rhodesia and in Cape Town; he was Principal of Boston House College. He ran a scout troop and travelled to an international jamboree. John also patented a maths game and wrote a science manual. He was a man of many talents. John's introduction to WGHS was as one of the A level chemistry teachers and then last year he joined the fulltime staff, mainly in the Computer Department. John was very happy at Wynberg and we were enriched by his erudition, gentleness, wry wit and sense of fair play.

May God grant him peace and give support to Cecelia and their sons and families.

Daphne Jaaback