Community mourns death of Parkrand Primary principal

Tributes are pouring in for Brandon Schunke, principal of Parkrand Primary School for almost two decades, who died on January 1.

The 50-year-old principal’s death was Covid-19 related. Schunke grew up in the vicinity of Benoni and attended Benoni High School.

He studied at the Pretoria College of Education (PCE) and Unisa. He obtained a master’s and honour’s degree in education from the University of Pretoria.

The passionate educator started his career at Benoni High School and joined Parkrand Primary in 1997.

He served as head of department, deputy principal and principal of the school and taught history, maths and English. Furthermore, he was involved in drama and coaching hockey, soccer and cricket.

According to his wife, Maryke, he leaves a massive void that can never be filled again.

“It’s an enormous loss. He was the best husband and father in the world and will be dearly missed. My husband always put his family first. He was friendly, caring and always assisted those in need. Brandon was a strong leader and an excellent principal who loved God. He also had a good sense of humour,” said an emotional Maryke.

She added some of his hobbies were reading, hiking and serving others.

“He loved nature, gardening and animals,” she explained.

Chairperson of the student governing body of Parkrand Primary Shobana Manowah expressed her condolences to the family of Schunke.

“He was a man of honour. Parkrand Primary School is a top performing school because of him. The school will never be the same again,” Manowah said.

Deputy principal of the school Santa Ebersohn and spokesperson Brian Korzen are shocked and saddened by Schunke’s death.

“He was a remarkable teacher and principal who did everything in his power to uplift the school. He was precise and wanted everything to be in place. The children and staff loved him and will miss his presence.

“We pray for his family during this trying time and would like them to know that we are here for them,” said Ebersohn.

A private memorial service will be held for Schunke’s family.

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The school would like to dedicate a living memorial to the legacy that Schunke has left behind and requests those who would like to be part of this to donate plants, such as rose bushes, trees, shrubs and ferns.

The donations can be left outside the office and will be used to create a garden of remembrance.

Schunke is survived by his two children, wife, parents, brother and sisters, family and friends.

Some of the tributes posted on Parkrand Primary’s Facebook page: Carina Vinheiras: Today we lost a legend, an irreplaceable human being; a soul who touched the lives of many people. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to his family, friends and all who knew such an amazing man! Refilwe Fifi Mkhize: What an amazing leader Mr Schunke was, a God fearing man who was always fair. The school has great leadership because of him. This is indeed devastating news for the school and for his family. May God give his wife, children and extended family peace through this challenging time … as well as the Parkrand Primary family. May his soul rest in peace.

Tracy Dunn: Such terrible news. Rest in peace, Mr Schunke. You loved and cared for every child in your school. You are going to be missed so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Moya Stewart: Today I have lost not only a colleague and a dear friend, but a most loved cousin. Parkrand Primary was his life. He gave his all to make the school ‘only the best’. Brandon you will be so missed. There will always be a space in our family that will never be filled. Go well, cuz.

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