Many PNBHS Old Boys have led rich and full lives and in this section, we pay tribute to those who have passed on. May they rest in peace.

Darryl Algie | PNBHS 1965-1967

Darryl died in July 2020. He initially had his own farm after leaving school and later moved on to his own contracting business in the Wairarapa. Darryl is survived by his wife Chrissie, his two sons, Jonathan (8791) and Sam (9091), who both went to College House and his daughter.

Dr James Huang | PNBHS 2007-2011 

James tragically died in a car accident on the outskirts of Palmerston North in mid-August this year. The former PNBHS Scholarship winner had completed his medical studies at Otago University. James and another young doctor were killed in the accident, both worked in the Palmerston North Hospital's Emergency Department. They both had begun their medical careers as junior doctors in Gisborne and had moved to Palmerston North late 2019.

One of James' colleagues said he remembered him "as an intelligent, diligent and respectful friend and doctor who would always go out of his way to advocate for his patients to ensure they received optimal medical care".

"He will be remembered by most due to his exceptional humility, sincerity and kindness towards everyone around him".

"His passing is a great loss to not just the medical profession, but to a wider community who had the privilege of having him in their lives".

Click here to view an article about James

Frank Butler | PNBHS 1950-1951

Frank passed away in August this year. His grandfather, Mr J A Butler, presented the Butler Cup for Shand Shield cricket to the school.

Mr Jack Thornton (Staff Member) PNBHS 1973-1990 

The former Head of the Science Department, Jack Thornton died earlier this year in Ashhurst, where he had lived since arriving in New Zealand from Wales.

Jack "Hop-A-Long Chemistry" will be remembered for his impressive chemistry shows at assembly. It was as a chemistry teacher that Jack was an 'expert'. As with other areas of his life, Jack was a perfectionist and the Chemistry Department showed that he was an outstanding Head of the Science Department.

His involvement in co-curricular activities included weight training where he established a well-attended club 'C' block. He was a prominent weightlifting coach in his sporting days and coached the Welsh team at the 1966 Commonwealth Games. Badminton was another sport Jack was teacher-in-charge of.

After suffering from polio as a child, Jack was left with one leg shorter than the other, but he never let this stop him from being involved with any activity. Although actually from Lancashire, Jack Thornton spent much of his adult life in North Wales before coming to NZ in 1973.

Both here and in Wales, fly fishing has been a major interest in Jack's life and continued this until ill-health meant he had to stop. Travel was another interest for Jack and his wife Janet. They enjoyed visiting places outside the usual "tourist circuit".

Both Jack and Janet were avid collectors. Jack had what was considered NZ's largest private collection of microscopes. He also had other old scientific instruments, like balances and bronze weights. Jack was an active trader of stamps. Janet collected dolls prams and thimbles.

Jack had a container installed at the back of his section to 'house' chemicals that were too expensive to dump. He would never throw anything out.

Jack was admired at PNBHS for his consistent emphasis on high-quality teaching for students as a top priority.

Mike Keys | PNBHS 1962-1966

We sadly inform the Old Boys' community of the sudden death of Mike Keys (6266) in Taupo. Mike was Deputy Head Prefect in 1966. His contribution to the school was an outstanding one. This includes being the President of the school's Debating Club, Vice President of Interact, Captain of 1st XI football, Captain of the school tennis team and was on the Gordon club committee. Mike was also first in 7th form History. On leaving school he studied law at Victoria University and practiced law in Wellington for two years before returning to Palmerston North in 1972 and joining Fitzherbert Rowe, where he remained until retiring in 2009. Mike and his wife Liz (a former science teacher at PNBHS) moved to Taupo and continued their active outdoors lifestyle of tramping, tennis, golf and biking.

Mike was highly regarded in the legal profession for his high integrity and well-respected in his people-focused practice. He specialized in family structures, trust administration, commercial and rural property.

Mike's funeral was held in Taupo on 6 August.

Neil "Legs" Anderson | PNBHS 1946-1950

Nail passed away in October of this year. He was in 1st XI cricket for two years and a member of Albion club. Neil represented Manawatu in basketball and was also a very keen golfer. He was a well-respected teacher at PN Intermediate Normal School for many years before becoming the principal of Tokomaru School 1974-91, a position he held until he retired. He remained life-long friends with the 1950 1st XI captain, Les Scott, who also became a teacher. Les died last year in Christchurch.