PHILIP THOMAS AYRE WHEELER  
 

Philip Wheeler (1970G) sadly passed away on 2nd March, 2026.

After commencing his education at Forres Pre-primary school, Philip attended Rondebosch Preparatory School and then transferred to Bishops. He was a house prefect in Gray House in his final year (1970) and was a keen member of the Bishops Special Choir. He was also an excellent shot and was awarded his colours for rifle shooting, as Captain of Shooting in his Matric Year.  In addition, Philip was the Cadet Company Sergeant Major for the College Cadet Detachment, also in his Matric Year.

After leaving Bishops, Philip followed a career in finance and spent many years with Syfrets Trust (which ultimately became part of Nedbank) where he held senior management positions managing the money market and later private banking. He also held positions with other finance and investment companies and, for a while (around 2005), served as General Manager at Bishops. Philip served his community as Chairman of Cape Town Child Welfare and as Chairman of Ward 52.

Philip and Kathy also spent a few years living in Oxford, England, while their younger son, Richard, studied at Oxford Brookes University. Their elder son, Michael, practices as a Family Physician in Alberta, Canada and, in April 2025, Philip, Kathy and Richard all travelled to Canada to attend the wedding of Michael to a young Canadian lady, Kathleen Vasselin.

Philip was an expert in and collector of antiques. He acquired these skills from both his parents and from being self-taught and spent a lot of time engrossed in this pastime. His wife, Kathy, is also a leading expert in this field and has a doctorate in History.

Philip is deeply mourned by his wife, Kathy (Caradoc-Davies), his two sons, Michael and Richard (who are also ODs), as well as other family members and numerous close friends and colleagues.

The ODU and ODs around the world send their deepest condolences to Kathy, Michael and Richard.

Requiescat in Pace.

The Celebration of the Life of Philip Wheeler - 29.5.1952 - 2 .3.2026 - will take place on Wednesday 11th March at 2:30PM at the Brooke Chapel at Bishops Diocesan College, 65 Campground Road, Rondebosch and afterwards at The Mitre.