Red Family Mourns: Our deepest condolences to Anne Kerr and family.

Mr Brian Kerr (Torchie), former Deputy Principal for 18 years, passed away yesterday morning (31 May 2018). Mr Kerr dedicated 41 years of teaching to King Edward VII School.

Mr Kerr joined the staff in 1962 as a Mathematics Teacher and soon became HOD and later Deputy Principal of the School in 1985 until his retirement in 2003. He was Housemaster of School House for 22 years.

He was involved in many facets of the School including swimming, hockey, rugby, cricket and dramatics.

The School mourns the loss of Mr Kerr who gave so much of his time and effort to King Edward VII School.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Anne, his daughters and family during this very difficult time.

Tribute & message from Mrs Arlene Mania:
“I remember Brian Kerr as being the perfect gentleman. He had a wicked sense of humour and we often shared jokes, one in particular involved my daughter getting lost in the Drakensberg when her school group were told to turn right at ‘The Big Rock’.
Brian taught Maths at King Edward well, and always with a humorous twist. I remember the PAC man (computer game) emblems (warning about access) above the door to the museum and above the door to his classroom which were his doing. A boy would understand that access to his class meant he was to apply himself to his Maths or bear the consequences (hence Pacman who gobbled up all that stood in his path). Brian was dedicated to the cultural and sports side of the school and apart from being involved in Dramatics – he always supported all the productions that his firm friend Hugh Wilson staged.From stories I heard, Brian and Hugh spent some time overseas pursuing the things that young men of the world do in their youth which required much story telling of the adventures as well as mirth at their various exploits.
Brian had the respect of all who worked with him but he was very approachable and warm in his dealings with staff. You felt that he was a ‘friend’ that really took an interest in you and your life both inside and outside of school.
We salute a fine gentleman and remember him with fondness.”

Following the announcement on twitter yesterday, many wonderful tributes, memories and messages were posted from Old Boys, Staff, Friends and Family:

@KingEdwardPrep Condolences to friends and family. #RIPSir

A gentleman who added great substance to a rabble of us boys! Rest in Peace Mr Kerr. Jonathan.

My condolences to his family and friends 🙌🏽 Bryan Habana.

#RIP Torchie Kerr great educator and housemaster to many @KingEdVIISchool not so fond memories of a well deserved #6ofthebest on first night in #schoolhouse 😉 boy could he #jack Honest Jonny

Torchie had a massively positive influence over me in my life at the school. I’ll also never forget polishing that brass gas bottle! RIP Legend… condolences to his family. Pete De Wet.

The hardest jack I ever received was from him. Boys became men under his watch. Rest In Peace sir. Craig B.

The term “Legend” fits perfectly on Mr Kerr. You will be missed, Sir. RIP. @KingEdVIISchool. Anthony Lord.

A legend of the School and an absolute gentleman. An inspiration and example to all who met him and were taught by him!!! RIP ‘Torchie’. Hansi Klein.

A legend of the King Edward family. Loyalty beyond the call of duty and an inspiration to so many.I trust you are up there joined by so many other great King Edward teachers. RIP Mr “Torchie” Kerr. #sonsofthisplace #StrenueNeil Darroch.

One of the most passionate people I’ve ever met. Converted many boys to gentlemen. Condolences to the family. James Rapoone.

Very sad news. You will always be remembered as a wonderful teacher and housemaster. But most of all as an incredible human being. RIP Sir. Bradley Anderson.

Mr Kerr was a great housemaster and was well versed in the art of giving hidings!! I know because he gave me one nearly every week of my School House year!! David Lovatt.

RIP Sir. Torchie taught respect. Ewan O’Leary.

Extremely sad to read this.. Peter Davidson.

RIP Torchie. Condolences to the Kerr family. Cary Seach.

Serious legend of @KingEdVIISchool RIP Sir! Dan Friedman.

Rest in Peace Torchie. Thanks for the banter about the wrong school shoes I wore, even though they technically weren’t in contravention of the rules. Graeme Lipschitz.

As a std 6 boarder at the old Hills House l still remember him. Corbett if l recall was HM. Sad indeed. RIP. Adv. Martin Williams.

A proper KES master, well liked..jacked our entire class a few times over and in alphabetical order RIP Sir. Richard Clemitson.

@KingEdVIISchool RIP Mr B Kerr. Simon Thorne.

What sad news. Legend of School House.. R.I.P. Sir. Llew Walters.

Sad news. I remember him well, coached me rugby, a good guy. Evan Bloom (1984).

Was my first Hostle Master at School house. Was a great man, fair and always had our best interest at heart. Andre Geel.

R.I.P Sir. STRENUE. Len.

RIP Sir. Gregor Calderwood.

Sad news. Condolences to his family. Legend of a man! Rob Squire.

He was an absolute legend!! Sympathies to his family. Travesty Kruger.

Just some of the outpouring of respect, love and admiration for a much beloved man, educator, mentor and leader. You will be missed Sir, but never forgotten.

RIP SIR – SON OF THIS PLACE.

STRENUE.

(We will update with funeral arrangements when we have them).