KEITH CHARLES RICHARDSON - 1950 - 2026

Keith was at Bishops in the Prep from 1959 - 1963 (Charlton); and in the College from 1964 - 1968 (Ogilvie).

In his Matric year, he was a Corporal in the Cadet Corps, a member of the Historical Society with Sir Wilfred Robinson, played First Team Hockey, Badminton and was a regular member of the College Cross-Country side from 1965 - 68.

After leaving Bishops he went to UCT where he studied to be a teacher reading Latin and History as his major subjects. 

He later went on to read for an MEd at Exeter University in the UK.

His first teaching post was as a Latin and History teacher at Wynberg Boys’ High School where he came in 1975.  Apart from a brief period away from the school, he went on to devote four decades to the institution.

He was thoroughly involved on the sports field, coaching the 1st Team hockey and cricket at Wynberg and later Plumstead High School, going on to coach Western Province u18 level at both sports.

He served for ten years as a SA Schools hockey selector, which included the privilege of attending the Barcelona Olympics as a member of the SA Hockey Coaching squad.

It was while he was at Plumstead that he applied for a Vice Principal position at WBHS, followed four years later as Deputy Head.

After acting as Principal for six months in 1998, he was subsequently appointed as the 13th Headmaster of Wynberg - a position he served in for seventeen years until his retirement in 2015.

After retiring at the end of 2015, he accepted a position at the Principals Academy, an initiative started by another OD, Rick Haw (W 1966). Since retirement, he has also served on the Boards of several educational trusts including the Jacques Kallis Foundation, Unogwaja, Bright Start and Masicorp.

During this time, he authored a book on educating boys entitled ‘After the Wax Melts’.

Since 2017, he has managed the annual Abe Bailey tour to the UK on behalf of the Abe Bailey Trust.

In 2018, he accepted an offer to act as interim principal for 15 months at Springfield Convent.

Keith was married to Pippa (daughter of Brian Torr S 1943) and their son, Alberto, was a member of the Bishops post Matric class in 2008.

Keith remained attached to his school, serving as a Council member.  Recently, he addressed the Bishops staff at the mid-year conference in the Mallett centre, sharing aspects of his education philosophy.

Keith was a true educationist; it was in his genes.  His deep insights and wisdom always made one feel that he was interested in the individual. 

Keith's career in education was significant for those who had the good fortune of being under his mentorship, and unique in the way he engaged as a true humanist, who through inquiry, left all who came into contact with him, empowered.        

It is with deep sadness that the ODU and Bishops announce the death of a great son of Bishops, Keith Richardson, a true friend and educationist.

The ODU and Bishops Communities send their deepest sympathies to his wife Pippa and son Toto.

RIP Keith Richardson,

REQUIESCAT IN PACE.