The 2023 Chronicle

whom he would very affectionately refer.

buggers at their 60th gaudy a few years ago. It was amazing to hear them talk of their school days after so long. Something Cecil really valued and enjoyed was the party that the Saddler Belts family threw for him for his 80th birthday. Overall, Cecil was a builder of the business and of relationships. He believed that a good reputation was one that was built up over time, and he had strong Christian values. He was just a really good guy with a great sense of humour. He really cared about people. Cecil leaves his wife, Jenny, his son Andrew (Farfield 1986-1990) and his family, who now run Saddler Belts, and his daughter Louise and family, who are based in the UK.

FENWICK, CECIL JOHN Born 1942, Died 2023 Michaelhouse, 1956-1959

It was extremely touching and rewarding when accompanying Donald in Eshowe’s streets to witness him being regularly thanked by locals he had treated and healed many years before. It was astonishing how he remembered each one and their ailment and he would enquire about their health. Donald had a unique way when engaging with people. He was genuinely interested in their lives, he would celebrate their successes, enrich them with stories and, more than anything, he made them better! He cherished the Eshowe community and was full of praise for the roles each played. The interesting and varied individuals in Eshowe, young and old, catered for his many interests and he loved them. He appreciated how affectionately he was treated by the farming community and how warmly and wonderfully he was embraced by farmers of every age. He took a real interest in farming affairs and keenly felt their pain and joy! His years after retiring at 90 were happy and he was very content in his house and in the garden he had made beautiful. His mind remained razor sharp right to the end. The visit of a rare bird to his garden never passed him by, and the flowering of an unusual plant species always gave him tremendous satisfaction. Donald added so much to the lives of those in his community and way beyond, and will be sorely missed but always very fondly remembered. Michaelhouse played an unusually important part in his life, and whilst he underplayed his pride when receiving the prestigious St Michael’s Award in 2014, it meant so much to him! I was extremely fortunate as his son to have been able to enjoy a special weekend with Donald when attending the Super Gaudy in 2022. He was 92 at the time, fit and of very sound mind, and I treasure the very special memories of the two of us reacquainting ourselves with the place he truly adored! Donald is survived by his sons Andrew and Martin and daughters Jennifer, Susan and Caroline.

Cecil John Fenwick was born in Eshowe, KZN, in 1942. He was the son of a magistrate and the family moved around to various towns during his childhood. These towns were mainly in the country, where people become close friends and family was important. He spent many happy years going fishing and hunting with his dogs. He was in Farfield, like his dad, John Fenwick, had been, and made great friends and deepened his love for nature and the outdoors. Cecil got into sales in the pharmaceutical industry after school and he was fluent in Zulu his whole life, which helped when it came to selling his goods. There was much driving and he remembered fondly all the various places he had been in his early career. He loved seeing different parts of our beautiful South Africa. He met his wife, Jenny, in Durban in those early years, and spent the rest of his life in La Lucia in Durban. In later years he was to set up a business, reconditioning oil drums. After nearly two decades in the drum reconditioning business, he and his business partners split up and he needed to start again. After trying a few ventures, he went to an auction and bought a few machines to make leather belts, at the age of 49. Saddler Belts & Leathercraft was started in 1990, around 34 years ago. Jenny has been by his side the whole way, and is still working in the business. Some of the handful of people that started with him are also still at Saddler Belts. Over the years at Saddler Belts, Cecil made a number of great friends in the industry. He loved keeping in touch with his friends and family, and did this from time to time. In recent years he took a step back from Saddler Belts and had some wonderful trips with Jenny to see his family in the UK and to go on birding trips and to game reserves. He was a keen birder and had many friends in birding circles. He also used to go on hunting trips with his son, Andrew, and friends. He loved going to Old Boys’ Days and catching up with old friends. There were two tables of old

Hamba Kahle, Dad – Faan

Written by Andrew Fenwick

FERGUSON, ROBERT IAN Born 1953, Died 2023 Michaelhouse 1967-1971

Rob was born in Zambia on 4 September 1953. He died in Kalk Bay, Cape Town, on 26 October 2023 shortly after turning 70. He had lived there with his wife Trish.. Rob came to Michaelhouse from Cordwalles in 1967 and, being the fantastic sportsman that he was, immediately made his mark on the school. He could play any ball sport with ease, and played first team in rugby (for three years), cricket, hockey, squash, tennis (I think), and also excelled at athletics. About the only thing he couldn’t do was swim very well. He probably also tested Buzzy Gaithorne, Busdriver Thomson and a few other teachers in his time, given that he spent more time on the sports field than focusing on the academic side of things. After school Rob completed a Batchelor of Commerce degree at Natal University and later added an MBA from UCT to his CV. Whilst a student he played rugby for Natal on many occasions at wing or centre, including games against the 1974 British lions for Natal and for the SA Barbarians against them. The infamous Natal game was remembered for Tommy Bedford’s “last outpost” speech at the after-party

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