In Memoriam: Mr Dieter von Staden (1926–2026)
The Pretoria Boys High School community mourns the passing of Mr Dieter von Staden, an exceptional Old Boy, academic, horticulturist and gentleman whose life embodied humility, curiosity and quiet excellence.
Only a few short weeks ago, the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association and the School had the privilege of visiting Dieter at his home to present him with a special gift in celebration of his remarkable 100th birthday. The visit, led by Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp, was filled with warmth, laughter and treasured stories as Dieter reflected on a century of memories and his lifelong connection to Boys High. It is a memory that the School and Association will forever cherish, and one for which we are deeply grateful.
Dieter attended Pretoria Boys High from Form 2 through to Matric. For several years, he travelled daily from Cullinan, cycling approximately five kilometres to the railway station before catching the early morning train to Loftus Station opposite the School. Later, he stayed with friends and family in Brooklyn during the week. He fondly recalled a very different Pretoria, when many streets in what is now the bustling suburb of Brooklyn were little more than open spaces dotted with a single house.
Following matric, Dieter studied BSc Agriculture, majoring in Horticulture, at the University of Pretoria, where he would spend approximately 45 years as a researcher, lecturer and academic. During his distinguished career, he earned both an MSc in Horticulture and an MSc in Landscape Architecture, contributed to the development of the Tuki and Diki kiwi fruit varieties, and was awarded the State President’s Green Heritage Trophy for excellence in functional landscape design and farmyard beautification.
On 4 October 1952, Dieter married the love of his life, Sannie Rautenbach. Together they shared a lifetime of love and companionship, raising three children and delighting in the lives of their seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A lifelong lover of nature, Dieter spent 50 years living in Waterkloof Ridge before he and Sannie settled in Faerie Glen. Until only a few months ago, he was still driving and remained immensely proud of his beautifully maintained 1963 Volkswagen Beetle. One of the highlights of his life was visiting the Grand Canyon, a memory he often spoke of with great affection.
When asked the secret to reaching 100 years of age, Dieter’s answer was characteristically simple:
“Don’t stress, and you will also reach 100.”
Those words perfectly reflected the calm, gracious and optimistic manner in which he lived his life.
Pretoria Boys High School and the Old Boys Association extend their heartfelt condolences to Sannie, his children, grandchildren, and all whose lives he touched. Dieter leaves behind a remarkable legacy of scholarship, service, kindness and steadfast loyalty to his beloved Boys High.
May he rest in peace.