During Digby’s school years, he and his parents lived in the small mining town of Penge (near Burgersfort in the old “Eastern Transvaal”) and as such Digby attended boarding school from Grade 1 to Matric.
Whilst at PBHS from 1955 to 1959, Digby was in Rissik House, and it was during this time that he developed a deep love for the school. He was a passionate and versatile sportsman, and represented the School in Athletics, Cricket and Rugby. A cartilage injury in Matric cut his rugby and athletics careers short, but on leaving school he remained an active cricketer (Wicket-Keeper & Batsman) took up golf and played in the Hans-Merensky Classic Pro-Am for a few years, and later took to tennis.
A few years after matriculating Digby married Rosalind Frith, and their union produced 2 children (Steven & Linda) and 3 grandchildren (Adrian, Matthew and Daniel). Steven also attended PBHS, but at Solomon House, and not Rissik! Digby would often joke that at least one of his grandsons would have to attend School House just to “balance things out”, but this was sadly never to be. Digby spent most of his working life in the transport industry, specialising in Human Resources and Training. Although initially based in Pretoria and Johannesburg, in 1976 he and his family moved to Pietersburg (now Polokwane). In 1980 he and Rosalind were unfortunately divorced, after which he spent a few years in Phalaborwa, finally retiring to Warner Beach, near Durban.
After leaving school, Digby immediately joined the Old Boys’ Association, and remained an active member, attending numerous lunches dinners and functions over the years. The last “major” event he attended was his “50-Years-On” in 2009. The last function he attended was in fact the Durban Branch Luncheon held at Kearsney College on the 4th March 2011, just 4 days prior to his passing.
While on retirement, Digby became active in the St Winifreds Methodist Church, and it was here that he met Maureen Proctor, who became his soul-mate. Digby and Maureen lived life to the fullest, and it was this relationship that gave him peace and tranquillity as the years progressed. Digby and Maureen were also avid tennis players, and it was while playing tennis on the 8th March 2011 that he suffered a terminal heart attack.
May he rest in peace.