The 2023 Chronicle

and for the punch-up initiated by an attack by JPR Williams on a prone Bedford – Rob consistently claimed that his lack of participation in the ensuing brawl was not due to a lack of courage on his part but by having been laid out just before by a late tackle. He also played for Western Transvaal whilst in the army. Rob had all the ability to become a rugby Springbok but didn’t take the game seriously enough – he felt training was overrated! Rob had a diverse and incredibly interesting working life, including being a director of Boardmans in his younger days, opening the first McDonald’s franchises in SA, and working for And Beyond in their safari operations in South America and Tanzania. Family was everything to Rob. He leaves behind his wife Trish to whom he was married for 42 years, his son Roy, who lives in Chicago, and daughter Cath, who lives in London, and their families. They are both fine young people of whom Rob can be justly proud. Rob was also very close to his brother Mark (OM 1973 1976), his sister Lyndy, and the rest of the extended Ferguson clan. Rob, happiest in the bush or fishing the beaches of the Eastern Cape, was an amazing human. He had a strong moral compass and wasn’t afraid to express his views on what he thought was right and wrong. In some ways unconventional and a bit of a maverick, he was kind, warm and empathetic, with a lovely sense of humour. No doubt many who knew Rob would have been on the receiving end of his teasing humour. A family man to his core, he loved teasing the grandchildren in the family and they couldn’t get enough of him. One of his favourite tricks with the kids in the family was to tell them he would give them R100 if he could break two eggs on their head. He would place the R100 on the table and duly crack the first egg on the first head – but then claim he was too tired to crack the second! At school he wrote regular letters to his sister Lyndy. They always contained a rhyme or riddle. One of his favourites: Which car was mentioned in the Bible? “Joshua’s triumph was heard throughout the land.”

an amazing husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend Rob was – one of the very best. We are so deeply sorry for your loss, and we pray you will find peace in your hearts.

chairman of both at various stages.

He played sport until his last days and studied almost into his 90s.

He was married to Sorel Morris, who herself was highly recognised in the medical field as a neuro paediatrician.

Written by Bruce Robertson (1968 -1971)

He was a devoted father and husband.

GARVIN, MICHAEL Born 1934, Died 2023 Michaelhouse, 1947-1950

He is survived by David and Trevor and their families.

Michael was born in London and emigrated with his parents and two sisters to SA in 1947.

Written by Neville Gotlieb

HIGGINS, RICHARD FRANKLIN SCOTT Born 1943, Died 2023 Michaelhouse, 1956-1958

He became a pupil of Michaelhouse in 1947 and completed his studies in 1950.

He played first team squash, hockey cricket and football. He was a sports all- rounder.

Aged 80 years of Port Erin. Died peacefully on Friday 2 June at Noble’s Hospital, Braddan. Dearly loved husband of Penny, loved dad of Emma and Genevieve, father-in-law of Hugh and Ben and a much-loved grandad of Duncan, Harry, Ellie and Roxie. The funeral service was held at Malew Parish Church on Thursday 22 June. It was requested that donations be made in lieu of flowers to Parkinson’s Disease Society, Isle of Man, or Manx Wildlife Trust, Isle of Man.

Academically he was also in the first team. He was blessed with much talent.

I met Michael in early 1951. He was hitching to the beach one Saturday afternoon and I was fortunate to have borrowed the family car. I picked him up as one did in those days. We started talking: girls, sport and politics. Our friendship started that day and lasted over 72 years. I was actually a year ahead of Michael. He was a Fresher at UCT, and I had just moved into second year. He was good looking and charming and all my lady friends at UCT were captivated by this new man. He had it made without trying! Michael was a very keen scholar throughout his life. His business card is absolutely filled with capital letters showing his various degrees from universities around the world. As a career, he became a property developer with his father and then alone – they were both seriously successful. He gave enormous amounts of time and energy to charity work, including the Junior Chamber of Commerce and Community Chest. In fact he was

PHILLIPS, TREVOR DARRYL Born 1971, Died 2023 Michaelhouse, 1985-1989

Trevor was born in Johannesburg on 29 April 1971.

He attended St Peter’s Preparatory School from 1982 to 1984 and matriculated from Michaelhouse in 1989. At Michaelhouse, he was an active member of the Venture Club and other societies, winning the Richard Hedden Memorial Award (community service), the Tim Patrick Memorial Prize (for an exceptional contribution to society work) and the MR Butcher Outward Bound award. He was also secretary/treasurer of the Theatre Club.

He was a server in Chapel and later the

Trish, Roy, Cath, Mark and Lyndy, what

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