Community mourns the loss of an honourable educator
Alberton High School and the Alberton community will forever remember the late Christopher ‘Stoffie’ Denyssen for his gentle nature and lasting impact in the lives of others.
In the early hours of November 27, Alberton High learned of the heartbreaking news that one of its staff members Denyssen had passed away.
Tributes and condolences continue to pour in from Alberton High School and loved ones following the sudden passing of the late teacher Christopher ‘Stoffie’ Denyssen.
He had been in hospital for a week before succumbing to a heart attack.
The 58-year-old father of two lived in Henley on Klip for many years before moving to Alberton. He had been in the area for about five years. Through the years at the school, he impacted so many lives.
Denyssen has taught at the school for at least two decades in the English department and has also scooped several awards.
Respected by many
Most people who have sent their condolences, describe him as a man who was kind and generous with his thoughts, words and wisdom.
He also inspired people to become English teachers because of his impact in the classroom, especially those in their matric year.
Lyn Ferreira, head of the department for English said to learn of his death was a shock to them since he was out of the hospital and said that he was feeling better.
“He had such an incredible wealth of knowledge. He was like a fountain of knowledge. Anybody could go to him for anything and he knew what to say. You would always find him with his crossword puzzle. And he developed learners’ knowledge via the crosswords and his love for reading,” she said.
Ferreira described Denyssen as a gentleman who came from an old school of shaking hands, one who was very humble. She said he was easy to talk to and also had a good ear.
His former learner and now HOD for mathematics, Oscar van Platen, said Denyssen was involved in sport for a few years with cricket, rugby as well as softball and athletics.
“He knew his English literature backwards and he would be able to guide you to be able to say something. I remember he used to love taking his girls on holiday, camping and fishing. He would also grow his own fresh produce and he used to love cooking. That’s what brought him happiness and also spending time with his girls. He had so many friends here at the school, because of his wisdom and caring nature,” he said.
