Obituary: Alan "Takkie" Harry Wilcock (1942–2025)
13th Headmaster of St John’s College
The St John’s College community mourns the passing of Alan "Takkie" Harry Wilcock, the 13th Headmaster of the College and a dedicated servant of education whose remarkable four-decade journey at St John’s shaped the lives of generations of Johannians.
Alan joined St John’s in 1967 as a young 23-year-old Geography teacher, after being encouraged by Frank Simmonds to apply. His interview with then-Headmaster Deane Yates began a lifetime of devoted service to the College. Alan was not only an inspiring Geography (and Latin) teacher but also a man of immense integrity, humility, and quiet leadership. He served in almost every conceivable role at the College: as Housemaster of Hill (1973), Senior Assistant Master (1983), Second Master (1989) and Acting Headmaster (1997) before being formally inducted as Headmaster in 1998, during a period of significant transition before reverting back to his position as Second Master in 1999 until his retirement from teaching in 2006.
Alan was Headmaster of St John's College in its Centenary year, 1998, and addressed Old Johannian's at dinners across South Africa, as well as in London, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, and New York, where he was always warmly received by all who had crossed his path.
As Roger Cameron, 14th Headmaster of St John’s College, said in his farewell tribute in 2007, "Alan Wilcock has shaped and influenced the lives of thousands of Johannians — and what a magnificent influence that has been."
His name is etched into the chapel wall alongside others who have served the College for more than 20 years, though his 40-year legacy truly deserves to be engraved twice. As Headmaster, Alan led with deep faith, moral clarity, and a quiet strength. He was well respected by staff and students alike for his example and his deeply personal care for the people in his charge.
Alan’s legacy at St John’s extends beyond the classroom and boardroom. He was a stalwart of the Game Reserves, the staff cricket team, and was known for his role as wicketkeeper in memorable matches, including international "tours" to Botswana and Swaziland. It was on one such occasion in Gaberone, with a little background orchestration from Walter Andrewes and David Wilkinson (Thomson 1964 | Sixth Form 1965), that Alan began his romance with the scorer, Miss Genevieve Irwin.
Alan proposed at a champagne brunch at No 5 Elm Street, nervously rolling and re-rolling his tie and swapping his hanky from one pocket to the other. Gen accepted graciously, and a long and happy marriage followed, a partnership that many consider his finest achievement. Their teamwork and shared commitment to education and faith were admired by all who knew them.
"Alan and I were great pals. I was honoured to have known him and worked alongside him as a colleague. I was delighted and so pleased to have been asked to be his best man at their wedding. What a wonderful servant of the College," remembered David.
Alan was also the regular referee for the Goalgetters, the staff soccer team that played against the boys, ground staff, and schools such as King Edward VII School, St Stithians, and others. His sporting flair extended to snooker, where he was a formidable player at the old Union Billiards Club, alongside Walter Andrewes.
After retiring from St John’s in 2007, Alan continued his vocation in education by supporting Rob McCaulay at St Patrick's College in Kokstad. He and Gen later moved to Pennington, where they enjoyed a quieter life by the sea. He served as a Lay Minister in the Anglican Church in both Kokstad and Pennington, showing his continued dedication and commitment to serving out his Christian faith.
In 2015, Alan was awarded the Golden Eagle, along with his great pal David Wilkinson (Thomson 1964 | Sixth Form 1965), in recognition of his valued and lasting contribution to education, as nominated by his fellow Old Johannians.
The late Bishop of Johannesburg and Visitor to St John’s College, The Right Revd Duncan Buchanan (Hill 1952), reflected on Alan’s appointment as Headmaster, and captured it best: "Under-girding all of that is a humility which knows no need for self-aggrandisement; only a desire to serve. I count it as one of the deep privileges of my life to know you as a friend..."
Alan Wilcock's life was one of quiet greatness. He enriched our community not only through his breadth of knowledge and leadership but by the example of a life lived with dignity, faith, and unwavering commitment to others. He will be remembered with deep affection and immense gratitude.
Our thoughts are with Gen, their daughter Carol and her husband Walid, Wendy's husband Nick, grandsons Oliver, Daniel and Jason, and their extended family at this time.
Requiescat in pace. “Their achievements are built into the lives of other men.”
The Memorial Service will take place in the Memorial Chapel at St John's College during the College Mass on Thursday, 19 June 2025 at 07h30. Kindly confirm your attendance via https://sjc.co.za/AHWilcock
