By TBHS | Posted: Monday November 30, 2020
Timaru Boys' has been saddened by the passing of esteemed Old Boy, Jim Wakefield, a generous benefactor and supporter of our school.
JIm Wakefield attended Timaru Boys' High School from 1947 to 1951. He achieved well academically, and was prominent in sporting activities and leadership responsibilities. He was a school prefect in 1951 and company sergeant major in the cadet corps. Jim had two years in the First Cricket XI, where he was noted as an all-rounder, winning the Allison Cup for best bowling performance in 1951. He also played rugby for the Second XV for two years, and represented the school at athletics.
In 1951 Jim Wakefield was awarded the McKenzie Scholarship, which helped him to complete tertiary education. Throughout his business life, he always expressed appreciation for this award.
Fifty years later, in 2001, he established the Wakefield Scholarship to help a new generation of TBHS students to achieve tertiary education. Jim Wakefield maintained a lifelong practical interest in the School and its Old Boys.
Sustaining a successful career as an accountant and company director, Jim was appointed as a Member of the NZ Order of Merit in 2012 for services to harness racing.
His philanthropic generosity is upheld through the Ravenscar Trust and we look forward to the completion of the proposed Ravenscar House Museum in Christchurch which will house a significant collection of New Zealand art, sculpture, modernist furniture and classical antiquities.
The school sincerely extends our condolences to the Wakefield family.
