Dear King Edward VII School Community,

It is with great sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of Mr Norman McFarland yesterday.

Norman McFarland taught at King Edward VII School from 1967 to 1986.

He was a revered rugby coach, Physical Education and History teacher.

Our deepest condolences go to his family during this difficult time.

Please see attached article from the 1986 School magazine.

DCP Lovatt

Headmaster

Tribute By Michael Faber

Norman McFarland passed away on Tuesday 9^th April, a week short of his 80^th birthday.

Norman was a legendary schoolboy rugby coach who was known throughout the country for his innovative coaching style and unique brand of rugby. He coached The Reds, St. John’s, Pretoria Boys High, Transvaal Schools at Craven Week and had a successful stint at Wits University in the late 80s/early 90s. The cornerstone of Norman’s coaching was ball handling – he believed that every player regardless of position should be able to give and take a pass and it was this that set his teams apart. He studied the laws and at one stage played with very effective 3 and 5-man scrums which completely confused the opposition.

He arrived at King Edwards in 1967 with a broad Northern Irish accent that he never lost. Initially he was a physical education teacher but later headed up the guidance department. His real passion was rugby and some say it was he who put King Edwards on the rugby map. He became master-in-charge of rugby in 1971 and produced three unbeaten teams in his next 15 years in charge. He instilled the passion for the red jersey and was the person who started the tradition of players sleeping with it under their pillow the night before a game. He had a way with young men and gave us the confidence to believe in ourselves. His quiet words before a game when he would grasp your face in his hands and look you in the eye as he gave you gentle words of encouragement is something I won’t forget. His other policy was to not speak to players straight after the game when emotions are high – win or lose – rather analyze performances once everyone had calmed down and had a day to think about it.

He loved road running and he used to be seen running all over Johannesburg with that characteristic running style and twitch of his neck.

He was senior housemaster at Buxton for his last 7 years where together with his wife Myrtle (who passed away in 2017 after 55 years of marriage), he took good care of the boarders and potato pie became part of the set menu.

After leaving the school in 1986, he joined St. John’s College. After a short stint at St. John’s, he joined Pretoria Boys High School in 1990. He returned to St. Johns until his retirement in the late 2000s. The King Edwards headmaster at the time, Mr Michael Fennell persuaded him to come back and coach at the school which he did for a few seasons before returning to St. John’s where he was still coaching the U16 age group with great success up until the time of his death.

He is survived by his son Stephen who matriculated from KES in 1981 and lives and teaches in Perth and his daughter Janet who teaches at St. Mary’s School in Waverley.

Our sincere condolences to Steve, Janet and families.

Bryan Babington Magennis

7 September 1929 – 20 February 2019

One of the greatest Old Edwardians of all time died a fortnight ago.

Here are excerpts from the eulogies and tributes from his sons, Sean and Greg, daughter Cara and friends, Hugh Moffat and Steve Jaspan.

“I believe he would have described his life as a grand adventure.  He loved nature, the outdoors, fishing, breeding dogs, racing pigeons, volunteering for his beloved Old Edwardians and people from all walks of life.

“He packed a tremendous amount of living into his nearly 90 years.  He always left people with a feeling of warmth, he listened to and cared about people.  He had a unique set of gifts and he chose to live life on his terms while always striving to do the right thing.  He lived a life that mattered and gave of himself unconditionally” (Sean Magennis).

Bryan had a very successful business career including as CEO and co-founder of  Anglo Dutch Ltd – a highly successful office furniture manufacturer (1962-1979).  He established the California Branch of Haller Systems (Swiss Office Furniture) and helped his lifelong friends Guy and Jane Matthews open The Coach House, the famed Country Hotel near Tzaneen.  As MD of the Renwick Executive Search Operations  his teambuilding and business acumen came to the fore.  He gathered people, stories and friendships.

“In response to Bryan’s death there was an outpouring of calls, emails and letters from all corners of the globe.  Here is a selection of words taken from these letters to describe him:  Best friend, loyal, selfless, grit, a true gentleman, coach, trusted advisor, mentor, confidante, loving friend, devoted husband, proud father” (Sean Magennis).

Bryan managed the Old Jeds rugby side in the late 1950s and early 60s and he engendered fantastic team spirit.  His friend, Hugh Moffat, who played for the team remembers they played hard but had great camaraderie with team songs, pub games and jokes.

“There was the fun-loving Bryan, but there was also the extremely hard-working, astute and wise Bryan.

“Bryan was dedicated to his club and former school and served a term as President of the Club (1971-1974).  When the club ran into financial difficulty Bryan played a huge role in saving the Club and the Society.  What a monument to him.  He donated the Sportsman  of the Year Trophy.  The Bryan Magennis Trophy is awarded annually.  It was fitting that the Club flag was lowered to half-mast on the day he died” (Hugh Moffat).

In the late 1980’s when Old Eds Executive was contemplating selling the Club’s Houghton property to the City of Johannesburg, the so-called White Knights stepped in to prevent this sale and the potential loss of this incredibly valuable property.  Bryan stepped up “to provide advice and wise counsel and help facilitate a pragmatic deal with the (then) Health and Racquet Club Group.

“He handled (this role) with diplomacy and finesse that I believe were hallmarks of an exceptional and special person and during my term of office as Executive Chairman of Old Eds his advice was invaluable as we fought to save the Society from extinction.  In this era when ethics and integrity seen no longer to be cornerstones of South African Society, he was a man that held us to the highest standards but always with warmth, compassion and humanity”. (Steve Jaspan).

“His presence was calming, assured, deeply curious, always a glint in his eye, along with a joyous smile.  His voice and spirit were that of an adventurer and a pioneer, a confidence builder of  the highest order.

His actions were bold, sincere, fair and rooted in moving forwards to a worthwhile end”(Greg Magennis).

Bryan deeply loved and was immensely proud of his family and “the apples did not fall far from the tree.  They are very special people”(Hugh Moffat).

It was a life well lived and the respect and love he earned were testament to a truly wonderful man.

Rest in Peace Bryan.

Our heartfelt condolences go to the Magennis Family and Friends.