PETER EDWARD BLAINE REYNOLDS RIP

Peter Reynolds was at Bishops from 1942 - 1950.  He matriculated from School House.  He served as a Corporal in the College Cadet Corps.  He represented the First XV in 1949 and in 1950.  He represented the school in the Inter Schools Athletics.  After school he proceeded to UCT to read Law, after which he was admitted as an attorney, the profession he worked in.  

The following tribute to Peter Reynolds was written by the joint senior partners of Webber Wentzel on Friday 16 January 2026 the date Peter died. It was sent in by UK OD Peter Arthur (1965W), who knew him well. Of Peter Reynolds, Peter Arthur writes:

"He was an excellent media lawyer and a thoroughly decent individual." 

Thanks also to Nicky Bicket of the UK Branch (1973F), for informing the ODU.

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It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Peter Reynolds earlier this morning (16 January 2026). Peter joined Webber Wentzel in 1979, served as Senior Partner from 1993 to 1998 and retired from the firm in 2002.

Born in London, Peter was brought back to South Africa by his mother, who was South African, following the death of his father in 1939. He attended Diocesan College and later registered for a part-time degree at the University of Cape Town. He completed his articles at Fairbridge Arderne & Lawton before opening his own practice in Queenstown with a colleague, where he practised as a criminal lawyer for three and a half years – an experience he later acknowledged he did not enjoy. After relocating to Johannesburg, he joined Van Hulsteyn Feltham & Ford, intent on becoming a corporate lawyer and ultimately joining Webber Wentzel.

Peter joined Webber Wentzel in 1979 and was closely involved in the firm’s work for editors, journalists and publications at a time when press freedom in South Africa was under significant pressure. His work in this area was principled, courageous and deeply consequential.

In March 1993, Peter was appointed Senior Partner of Webber Wentzel. He held the view that the role of the lawyer had evolved – from one who simply took instructions and offered opinions to one who was expected to be an integral part of a client’s business. Lawyers, in his view, needed to be both legal experts and astute business people. His term as Senior Partner came to an end in 1998.

Soft-spoken and modest, Peter was regarded as a gentleman in the old-fashioned sense of the word. He was known for his integrity, courage and dry, self-deprecating humour. He disliked the telephone and seldom used it.

When the firm celebrated its 125th anniversary, Peter captured our ethos perfectly when he said:

“We stand for honesty, integrity, fair play for all, justice, freedom and democracy – yes – all those good things, but never forgetting our considerable debt to the community in which we exist and have our business and that we strive for excellence of service to our clients – rich and poor.”

Following his retirement, Peter relocated to The Crags, where he dedicated his time to pro bono legal work and charitable causes, remaining true to his lifelong commitment to justice and service.

Peter leaves behind a legacy that is woven deeply into the firm’s history and values.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

The ODU sends its deepest condolences to Peter's family.

Requiescat in Pace.