It is with a heavy heart that the family of former educator Reginald Stumke announced his death at the age of 90 from natural causes.
The former resident of Edenhaven Retirement Village leaves behind five children, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Reginald grew up in Maraisburg and attended Krugersdorp High School before pursuing a career in the drawing office at SA Railways and then working at the sawmills.
He met his late wife, Lorraine Hazel Bailey, at SA Railways and married her on December 6, 1952.
After studying teaching part-time, Reginald became a teacher and then the deputy principal of Germiston Technical College.
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His daughter, Glenda Osborn, said her dad retired for a while and took up teaching again at the Mandoren Private School in Kempton Park until he was 79.
He wrote technical courses, moderated exam papers and was the author of a book illustrating the history of the St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Germiston.
Not only did he dedicate his life to the academic and technical fields, but was also a member and elder of the St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
At the church, Reginald taught communion classes and conducted sermons from time to time.
After suffering a stroke in 2014, he underwent rehabilitation and moved to Edenhaven Retirement Village, where he was to be joined by his wife.
Glenda said while at the home her father continued to touch the lives of others.
“We are so proud to hear that he touched their lives and was a true gentleman to the very end.
“He thoroughly enjoyed the game Conundrums, proving to be a worthy opponent and overjoyed when their group won.
“Although he had lost most of his sight, it did not stop him from exercising his intelligence.”
The family thanked Edenhaven Retirement Home for looking after their father with care and finesse.
“Thank you to all his friends at Edenhaven for being there for him, for assisting where you could without complaint. You have all been a blessing in his life and may God bless you all.”
The family also thanked Dr Kahn for caring for Reginald and for being his friend.
“Dad, you were a wonderful husband and father to Marilyn, Dianne, Michael, Glenda and Carin, and your grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored you.”