It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Bruce Brammer Chalmers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
Bruce Brammer Chalmers entered St John's College in 1984, his Upper Four year. Bruce made an immediate impact in Clayton House and the College due to his prodigious sporting ability and imposing athletic frame, becoming one of the most accomplished Johannian sportsmen of that era. He achieved first team and provincial colours in swimming, water polo and rugby, and was awarded his Honours Blazer for these three sports. He was also awarded national colours in water polo and life-saving. Bruce represented the First XV for three years, captaining the Blues in 1985 and 1986 as an impactful loose forward. Even though he had only been at the College for a short while, his leadership potential was recognised and he was appointed as Second Prefect in 1986.
Bruce loved St John's College. His family soon embraced the Johannian ethos, and his mother famously created the "½" jersey worn by the First XV ball boy. It is a tradition that Bruce was very proud of having started, and he spoke warmly about seeing the ball boy run onto Burger Field as he live-streamed College games from afar.
Fittingly, Bruce moved into teaching and coaching and eventually travelled to the Far East, where he taught English. He remained in contact with his 1986 group via WhatsApp and was a regular contributor to the group chat. We were all aware of his health challenges, which significantly limited his ability to travel and prevented him from joining us at our reunions.
In three weeks' time, when we meet for our 40th Reunion, we will raise a glass to Bruce Chalmers in celebration of his contribution to our College, and bow our heads in respect as his name is read at the Gaudy Day Chapel service.
May his dear soul rest in peace.
