9 May 1953 — 02 December 2021
It is with great sadness that we inform the school and Old Boys Association of the peaceful passing of Len after a short illness, bravely born. Len, a true “Boys High Boy”, matriculated in 1970, as a day boy from Arcadia House.
After school, Len graduated as a professional civil engineer from Pretoria University. Some years after gaining practical experience he started his own construction and property business, Kerr Projects, in Pretoria. Notwithstanding a severely debilitating stroke in 2008, Len’s fighting spirit and determination enabled him to get back into business.
Len’s association with PBHS continued for many years after matriculating, with his two sons, Rodney (1999) and Donovan (2001) matriculating at the school. In addition, he was an active and energetic member of the school’s governing body for many years. Never shying away from hard work his “public” figure could be seen managing and running the best “boerie” rolls at home rugby matches in the mid to late nineties! I was privileged, along with many friends, to have attended regular Old Boys dinners and stand, with Len, to sing “Forty Years on”!
Len would have been embarrassed to read any mention of his philanthropic contributions to the school, so I’ll only mention that his name is on more than one plaque on the school grounds, that his wife vividly recalls having to order “Roan Red” bricks for Pollock Campus, and that the foundations of the Sloan’s Hatfield family home lie buried somewhere under a Boy’s High rugby field.
Len was a key driver and organiser of our Class of 1970’s 50-year reunion, which he recently attended as a “one year delayed” reunion due to covid 19 restrictions. He was an initiator of our Class of 1970 book, which is soon to be published.
In addition to being the epitome of the Boys High Boy spirit, Len was a wonderful family man, married to Clare for 45 years this December, father to two sons, and a proud grandfather. A loyal, supportive, and trusted friend to many. I am honoured to say Len was my friend.
Rest in peace mate until we meet again.
Graham Sterley
