Sarel Cilliers High School is mourning the passing of ex-teacher Ed Rawlinson, who taught at the school for 15 years before retiring.
Mr Rawlinson came to Dundee in 1999 from Estcourt and in 2000 began teaching motor mechanics at Sarel Cilliers High, later teaching Technology to the junior grades, as well as Social Science. He retired from teaching in February 2015.
Mr Rawlinson will be remembered as being the school bus driver for many years, waking up at the crack of dawn to ferry children from as far as Dannhauser, Durnacol and Dundee, always giving a cheery wave as he passed you on the road.
He was a familiar figure in the school workshops, and his passion for all things mechanical was infectious and inspired many students to take up mechanics as their own career.
He was often surrounded by curious students as he attempted to revive and stir into life some ancient mechanical implement, and when successful, there was great jubilation and cheering. He had a magical touch with machines and could repair almost anything. He was a quiet, reserved man who was extremely knowledgeable about a great many things, often with first-hand experience of his subject.
Mr Rawlinson had a great love of motorcycles as well, going back to his youth, and often came to school on an ancient vintage hybrid, wearing an equally ancient helmet. He was a travelling museum timepiece and was known for always having an interesting old vintage car or motorcycle as his mode of transport. He was unconventional and often eccentric, sometimes with a quick temper, with many a story to tell once you got him talking.
He had many experiences and many adventures in his eventful life. He was always ready to participate in school events and will forever be known as the unbeaten champion of the school ‘Vreet ‘n Meter’ eating competitions, where he would out-perform the newest staff members, much to the hysterical delight of the schoolchildren.
“It is with great sadness that Mr Rawlinson will no longer be here to enthrall us with his many tales. He will be fondly remembered by many a scholar and colleague. Our condolences to his wife, Jean, whom he married in 1991, and his family,” said acting principal Y Soobramoney.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
