John Michael Verster of the Class of 1964 passed away on September 14 in Hermanus following a lengthy battle with Prostate Cancer.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, two sisters, two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
The son of Oliver John (known as Tim) and Natalie Carole (known as Bordie), John was born in Krugersdorp in 1947 and grew up in Pretoria. He was initially schooled at the former Mrs van Bergen’s Milner Street prep in Waterkloof, followed by two years at Brooklyn Primary and two at Arcadia Primary.
Graduating to Boys High in 1960, he proudly became a member of the ‘German Class’.
After matriculating, John completed his first degree at the University of Pretoria, in Economics, Psychology and English. This was followed by an Honours degree at University of Stellenbosch, then a master’s in psychological measurement and doctorate in cognitive science, both completed through UNISA.
He commenced his working career at the National Institute of Personnel Research in Johannesburg headed then by Dr Simon Biesheuvel, where he met and married Biesheuvel’s daughter Mary Ann. She eventually became head of the Management Development unit at Wits Business School, among other roles.
Dr Simon Biesheuvel was a prominent commentator on the social and political importance of race problems and more specifically the study of race, culture and the psychology of African personality under the South African climate of apartheid and its development at all cultural levels.
At the NIPR John’ focus was on research and research leadership; he published widely on research themes involving human development and social change; and was the recipient of national and international awards for research excellence. He was also a NATO-sponsored member of an international Advanced Study Institute aimed at promoting peace through inter-cultural understanding.
Recruited to Standard Bank in the mid-1980s, he spent 15 years there as Human Resources Director, and was sponsored to Harvard Business School in the US, where he completed the Advanced Management Programme for global business leaders.
On leaving the banking group he was appointed an emeritus professor at the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
John and Mary Ann retired to Hermanus several years ago, he became involved with the Whale Coast Conservation Foundation of the Western Cape, and served as chairman of a public benefit organisation, Hlumelelisa, dedicated to giving failed citizens a fresh start in life. His role there was interwoven with another eminent PBHS Old Boy, Paul Bruns.
Leon Kok