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I am very sorry to report that Rex Butland has passed away at his home in England.
I did not know Rex well at DHS, but I remember him as a good guy who would always be ready with a friendly greeting even though we were not close. However, since becoming involved in arranging the class 50th anniversary of our matriculation in 2023, Rex and I have maintained occasional contacts. Most recently we communicated about the 60th anniversary commemoration, when Rex told me he was having health problems, and would not be able to attend (he attended the 50th anniversary commemoration, and I fortunately managed to catch up with him personally at that time).
Because I am ill equipped to comment any further about Rex, I asked Malcom Hilcove to write a short obituary. He and Rex were in the same class, and Malcolm has been in recent contact with Rex. So with thanks to Malcolm, here is what he wrote:
I first met Rex in 5th form through my friendship with Chris Johnson, both Durban North boys. One of Rex’s teenage girlfriends was Sue Knightsbridge, who was my wife Peggy’s roommate in their first year at Varsity in ‘Maritzburg.
It’s amazing how early friendships can be rekindled, because after leaving school I did not see Rex until our 50th DHS Reunion in 2013 and we just seemed to pick up where we left off 50 years before. He had then emigrated to the U.K. where he practiced as an architect.
When we visited Rex and his second wife, Joanne, there in 2015, he very kindly gave Peggy and me and my niece Hayley and her fiancée, Carl, a tour of some of the amazing church re-designs he had done, including the church at which Princess Margaret had worshipped.
After all those years we had established a warm friendship with Rex. In fact, we’d hoped to visit him and Joanne again this summer in the U.K. but sadly, that is not to be.
Rex was a man of faith, character and integrity and Peggy and I will miss him greatly.
Malcolm Hilcove
The following comments on Rex were published in the recent edition of the Oldie:
It is with great Sadness that Rex Butland has passed away 05.01.2025. May he rest in eternal peace. You were much loved and will be missed. – Simon Butland.
So so sad to hear of the passing of Rex. One of life's lovely people! Sending love and best wishes to the whole family – Matthew Potts
Thoughts and Prayers with the Butland family.. RIP REX – Vernon Goss
Very sad news. My condolences to the Butland family. Rex was a very good friend in our school days – Dave Hudson
So sad to hear. What a true gentleman Rex was. Lots of fond memories growing up with Rex in Durban North and time spent at DHS together. – Stuart Donkin Snr
Rest in peace Rex.
With best regards to all classmates,
Stuart “Mossie” Clark
February 8, 2025
lgclarx@aol.com
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