I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7

A memorial service celebrating the life of the late Mr T.W. Phillips (former Principal and Chairman) was held on Friday, May 24, 2013 in the Sir Kirby Laing Auditorium at 9 a.m. Members of the Board of Management, the Principal, Mr L. Tindale, close friends, staff, former members of staff and students of Wynberg-Allen School joined the immediate family to express gratitude for the life of a visionary who was known for his uprightness, fortitude and thoughtfulness.

The service started with the Opening Prayer conducted by Ms Nirmala Fenn, member of the Board of Management and the Bible reading by Mr P. Radcliffe (Headmaster). Two hymns- “O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder” and “Blessed assurance, Jesus Is Mine” - the favourites of the late Mr T.W. Phillips had been selected as the congregational hymns for the occasion.

Mr K. Singha(Chairman of the Board of Management), Commander  Hugh Gantzer (a celebrated travel writer and maker of travel documentaries), Mrs Melanie Lobo (the late Mr T.W. Phillips’ daughter  and an alumna of the school) , Mr R. Brijnath ( a close friend of the family) , Mr P. Radcliffe and Mr L. Tindale eloquently spoke on the occasion about  the late Mr T.W. Phillips as a dedicated educationist, an able and decisive administrator, a kind and considerate friend, a man of indomitable will,  a man with the knack for creating leaders and axioms to live by, with courage to brave the most daunting of challenges as well as a person known for his inimitable wit and unshakable faith in the abiding love of the Almighty.

The School Choir presented two hymns on the occasion –“When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound” and “Nearer, My God, to Thee”.

The service concluded with the singing of the congregational hymn and those gathered moved for tea, truly enriched by the life of a legend who will, for years to come, continue to inspire them to “be up and doing , With a heart for any fate” always achieving, always  pursuing and learning to work hard and to wait.

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