Andrew Janisch passed away suddenly on 29 July 2016 in Cape Town.
Andrew was the youngest of three brothers at PBHS, following Chris (1984) and Michael (1986). His contribution to the life of the school was significant. He played first team cricket (opening the batting, and narrowly missing selection to the Nuffield Week side in his matric year) and first team hockey. He was an extremely talented guitarist, and a founder member of the Dixie Band. His academics were also strong, although he was smart enough to judge just how hard he had to work!
What stands out most from his school years, though, were the many lasting bonds of friendship that he forged. His friends describe him as easy-going, open, loyal and great fun to be around. He attracted people to himself naturally. Almost effortlessly, he stood out from the crowd. In many ways, Andrew was mature beyond his years while at school.
After school, he studied electrical engineering at UCT. He was to remain centred in Cape Town for the rest of his life. After working off his university bursary, he decided to follow his dream of becoming a professional musician. He was a prolific songwriter and produced a number of albums, both with his band “Woodshed” and on a solo basis. A few of his songs hit the national charts in the late 1990s. He was also an accomplished and popular guitar teacher.
After ten years of full-time music, he took up a job with a Cape Town-based NGO, Sustainable Energy Africa. This allowed him to combine his engineering training with his passion for environmental protection and social justice. A major focus of his work was promoting the use of solar water heaters in urban building codes. This led him ultimately to a position in the Energy and Climate Change team of the City of Cape Town, where he developed and implemented energy policy in the local government sphere.
Above all of this, Andrew was a family man, a devoted husband to Dee and father to Julian (17) and Erin (14). He was an active runner (he completed his second Two Oceans 56km marathon just four months before his death) and a veteran of a number of Cape Town Cycle Tours. He continued to play and teach music. The turnout at his memorial service – which would have filled the venue two times over – bears witness to the many circles in which he was known and loved. He lived his life with conviction but devoid of judgement over others – rich testament to the depth of his person.
Andrew adds to the long list of fine men that PBHS has produced. His life, though short, was lived to the full. We are all the better for it.Michael Janisch (Brother) Matric 1986