John and I met in C dorm of Rissik House (PBHS) a day or two before the onset on the 1959 school year.
From the start he had a presence being quiet, well-mannered and calm.
He was also adventurous but seemed to have a knack of avoiding trouble while the rest of us new-boys solicited and endured frequent canings from the house prefects.
He secured his position in the U13A rugby and cricket teams, seemingly without effort, and went on to represent the A teams in those key sports right through his successful school career.
His election as head boy of Rissik House and of the School in 1963 came as no surprise to us. He embodied the ethos of the School and its values and beliefs. He took on the onerous tasks of his position with energy and commitment.
Over this time, he and I developed a core bond built on mutual support, liking and shared experiences.
After his army year, John obtained an honours degree in psychology at the University of Natal and soon thereafter an MBL from Wits. Thereafter he worked for Delta Manganese in Nelspruit and went on to be one of the first franchisees of the Keg restaurant group. He was consequently involved in resort management, most recently in Hazyview.
John is survived by Heather his wife and his children Catherine and Andrew.
Louis von Broembsen