By Jackie Clausen
Gareth Shaw, a Makhandan and much-loved member of the Kingswood College community, sadly passed away on 25 July at the young age of 50 after a brave battle with cancer. He was a much-loved Father, Husband, Son, Brother, Teacher, Coach, and True Kingswoodian. He matriculated in 1991 (as Head of Gane House) from Kingswood College and went on to do a BY year in 1992. During his illustrious schooling career, he played for both the 1st XV rugby and 1st XV cricket team. Gareth came from a long line of Old Kingswoodians – his dad, Bob, matriculated in 1965 and his grandfather, Tom, matriculated from the school in 1935. Both his parents, Bob and Sandy, taught at Kingswood College. Gareth, also affectionately known as Bob, went on to teach and to coach 1st XV rugby at this school.
The poem ‘Remember Me’, written in his year book by fellow Old Kingswoodian Roy Hobson seems fitting:
empty room
full of memories
remember me.
Remember me
when I was a child
remember the good
remember the bad
Remember me
as I am leaving
remember the happy
remember the sad
And remember me
when I am forgotten
because I
will remember you
Gareth Shaw meant so much to so many, and our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones at this time.
(Jackie Clausen is the communications officer of Kingswood College).
