A gentleman and a giant, an advocate for nonracial sport and a dedicated teacher.
This is how Westering High School senior deputy principal Richard Dolley was described on Thursday after losing his battle with Covid-19 on Wednesday night.
Dolley, a member of the Eastern Province Cricket board, was 61.
His death came as a huge shock to those in teaching and sporting circles.
Westering High principal Stewart Hayward described Dolley as a giant in education and sport, adding that his involvement was felt across the metro, province and country.
“He fulfilled a very important role at Westering as director of sport and resources.
“His love for sports was evident.
“He served the community on multiple sporting bodies and associations and worked relentlessly to get youngsters involved in sport because he truly understood its value,” the school said in a statement.
“For Westering High and his family, his impact was that of a gigantic father with a heart filled with love, compassion and commitment.
“He will be remembered for his ready smile, endless jokes and his big heart for those less fortunate.”
Hayward said Dolley’s vegetable garden at the school would serve as a living memorial to his passion to make life easier for those in need.
Before joining Westering in November 2016, Dolley taught at Grey High School.
Grey High staff and pupils also expressed profound sadness at the news of his death.
“Dolley served Grey for many years and contributed immensely to the academic, sporting and cultural life of the school.
“As a life orientation teacher, he made his lessons interesting and fun,” the school said.
“He was widely respected for his contribution to cricket in the Eastern Cape and nationally.
“He was a gregarious, outgoing senior staff member who served as an HOD and Thurlow housemaster.”
Cricket SA acting chief executive Pholetsi Moseki said Dolley had been in the prime of his life as a cricket administrator and educator.
Eastern Province Cricket chief executive Dr Mark Williams said Dolley was a sportsman of excellence, competitive but one who understood the spirit of sport.
“He will be missed by many in the cricket fraternity, particularly in the Eastern Cape in our schools cricket.
“He served EP Cricket with dedication in the best interests of the game,” Williams said.
Dolley’s brother, Gary, described his sibling as an “exceptional gentleman” and a true family man who always put the needs of his family first.
“It was an honour to have played cricket and hockey alongside my brother. He was the best.”
Dolley had a distinguished cricket career as an all-rounder, representing Eastern Province under the SA Cricket Board in 36 first-class matches between 1982 and 1991.
He scored more than 1,100 runs and took 100 wickets.
His playing career came to an end just before unification when cricketers of all backgrounds were finally given the opportunity to represent the official provincial and national teams.
Dolley leaves behind his wife, Bernadette, and sons, Brad and Corbyn.
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