Class of 1968 and 1970
7th OCTOBER 1951 – 10th June 2021
Headmaster Desmond Abernethy often referred to the “unknown boy”, with reference to the non-first team sportsman, or the boy who was neither in Form 5A, nor a prefect. Unlikely known to few but his classmates. Sometimes the Boss reference was to the “common boy”, but never disrespectfully, rather extolling the unsung boy as the backbone of the school. Brian Haynes-Smart in 1968, in Form 5, was most likely such a boy.
This all changed as Brian, after spending the better part of 1969 doing his National Service, returned to school in 1970 to Form 5C, to improve his marks. No longer a boy, but now a street wise man, Brian was well known by all in the school as the guy who daily parked his VW Beetle outside Rissik House, (a very handy place to keep all your mates’ smokes, and the latest SCOPE magazine). Brian’s return to PBHS, not only made him classmate of his brother Donald (Don), but in addition my classmate and friend.
The Boss now had a non-conformist to deal with, in a pupil whose 6 o’clock shadow would be visible by first break and also having to manage a hot debate about scholars being allowed to drive to school.
With a ready smile and a positive, outgoing disposition, Brian was popular with both teachers and boys. While not admitting it, even the Boss had a soft spot for Brian (my opinion is derived from the fact that in line with the prevailing fashion, but not school policy, Brian got away with ‘lamb chop’ sideburns).
While working in the stationary shop at the commencement of the 1998 school year , I was delighted to see that broad smile of an old friend as Brian brought Comrie (who would become a School House boarder) to continue in the family tradition. Needless to say, I immediately co-opted Brian onto the Parents Association, where we served together for the next four years. Brian was always the life and soul of the PA braai team at home rugby fixtures, during which period over 6 tons of boerierolls, were sold to raise funds for the ambulance service.
Now Headmaster Bill Schroder had to deal with Brian’s third stint at PBHS and was appreciative of the large effort Brian put in on behalf of the school, particularly in the runup to the Centenary celebrations.
In 2010 the class of 1970, returned to the school to celebrate 40 years on. A successful event that saw the return of 60 Old boys, facilitated by the hard work of the organizing committee on which Brian was an active member bringing him in touch with many of his old classmates.
In 2019 from his home in Sutton Coldfield in the UK, Brian took on the task of organizing the 2020, 50th reunion, a difficult task as his health was failing, and he was mourning the loss of his dear wife Diane. The Covid-19 induced postponement of the 50th reunion was a blow to Brian, as he was aware that his health would not hold out, for him to raise a glass once again with his old friends.
Brian Haynes-Smart passed away after a long battle with cancer, leaving a legacy dispelling the myth, that there are, and never were, common Pretoria Boys High School Boys, but Boys High men to the core.
So as the Last Post sounds, and your flag is lowered,
REST IN PEACE,
RESPECTED FRIEND,
In memory of a good man by Leonard Sloan.