A Tribute to Dr Graeme Shuker

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr Graeme Shuker (Finningley, 1948), a man whose life was deeply interwoven with the story and spirit of Kearsney College. Dr Shuker passed away peacefully in the early hours of 13 July 2025.

Graeme Shuker was only ten years old when he came to Kearsney as a Standard 4 (Grade 6) pupil in 1941, and he was intricately involved in the College in the 84 years that followed. Dr Shuker was a Kearsney College pupil, Old Boy, a past Chairman of the Board, past Chairman of the Trust, an Honorary Life Trust Member and Honorary Life Vice-President of the KCOB, a wise and trusted counsellor to Kearsney’s Headmasters and staff, a generous benefactor, and a proud parent and grandparent of Kearsney boys. Above all, he was a man of honour, integrity, and immense service. His unwavering love for the College was evident in every chapter of his life.

Remarkably, Dr Shuker had met all eight Headmasters of Kearsney College, a testament to his enduring commitment to the school over generations. Even in his 90s, his passion for the College never faded. He loved returning to campus to watch cricket and rugby, always taking great pride in the boys and their efforts. Just last year, he attended his 76th Reunion during Founders Weekend – an extraordinary milestone and a joyful celebration of lifelong connection.

Dr Shuker was a great man – an honourable man, a selfless man, a family man, and a community man. His contributions to Kearsney and beyond were generous and far- reaching, quietly shaping lives and leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on – in the values he embodied, in the people he inspired, and in the place he held so dear.

We extend our deepest condolences to his children, Iain, Bruce and Jane, his grandchildren, his extended family and his friends.

Rest in peace, Dr Shuker. Thank you for everything.

With heartfelt condolences,
David Polkinghorne (Chairman of the Trust)
Ian Bamber (Chairman of the Board)
Mhlangenkululeko Siwisa (KCOB President)
Patrick Lees (Headmaster)