I am writing to inform you, and the Association, of the passing of my father – Denis Vlismas (Class of 1952).
Pretoria Boys High was such an integral part of my father’s life, and as such it became a great part of my own as I also attended the school he so dearly loved. I have fond memories of the dinners he and I used to attend together.
My father was part of the organising committee for the school’s first ever 70-year reunion in 2022, together with Pierre Viljoen and Ron Sutherland. It was a source of great joy for my father to also have had the late Mr Bill Schroder there, with whom he shared a close friendship.
I was also privileged to be with him when he was invited to toast absent friends at the 2023 dinner. His words that evening were, “We first met here as boys in Form 1, and that is something all of us have in common – this school where we came together from all parts of South Africa to become what is known proudly as a Boys High boy. To those who aren’t with us here, but are always bound to be with us by this great school, thank you for your friendship.”
After school, my dad went on to represent Northern Transvaal and South Africa in water polo, and also coached the South African Water Polo team. And through the lessons of service to others he learnt at Boys High, he went on to serve with Round Table and Lions for many years, and was a Charter Member and President of the Lions Club Arcadia.
He was so very loved and will be dearly missed by his children, Brian, Nicole and Michael, his family (including grandchildren and great grandchildren), and his friends – from his son, Michael. RIP Denis.