WALTER MACFARLANE  

Member of the St Mary's Board of Directors from 1971 to 1988. 

Walter Macfarlane was educated at Parkview Primary, St John's Preparatory School and St John's College, the University of the Witwatersrand where he majored in English and History and Lincoln College, Oxford where he obtained his professional qualifications. His teaching experience includes teaching at St Peter's Preparatory School, the Dragon School, Oxford and St John's Preparatory School prior to being Headmaster at St Stithians Preparatory School from 1966 to 1983.  

Between 1968 and 1985, Walter's three daughters, Jenny Spinelli, Kathy Kaplan and Alison attended St Mary's.   In 1983 he became Headmaster of St John's College, making him the only man to have attended the school, taught in the Prep. and be Headmaster of the school that played a major role in his life.   In 1994 he retired but in 1997 returned to the profession to be Headmaster at Woodmead Preparatory School until 1998. 

Walter was a member of the St Mary's School Board when Mr Noel Gettliffe (an Old Johannian himself) was Chairman, also Mr Roley Tucker and Mr John Morrison.  During this time the Headmistresses were Miss Wamsley and Mrs Pitt.  His contribution to the Board was mainly educational due his wide associations in the educational world.  In 1982 the St Mary's Old Girls' Association was proud and honoured to have Walter launch the 90 year history of the school. 

A legend in education, Walter will be remembered with gratitude for his large and very personal contribution to St Mary's School.  His ability to see the best in every situation and the great knowledge and wisdom which he shared with those privileged to have been colleagues or pupils has enriched many lives.  Despite his extremely busy life his interest and concern for the welfare of St Mary's never flagged and his happy and friendly disposition will be remembered with affection.  Of Walter, can truly be said, "His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world 'This was a man!' " Walter died in Johannesburg on 15 November 2006 having recently completed the history of St Stithians School, Pridwin School and St John's Preparatory School.  

To his wife, Kim, his daughters and sons we say how privileged and proud we are to be the recipients of Walter's contribution to St Mary's. 

(Written by Sheenagh Harris)