7 September 2026
A tribute to Bill Trewern
Written by Des Smith
Billy T, Tussock, Savaloy or just Sav, Cherio. These were some of Bill’s nick names.
There are a large number of old boys who were taught by Bill either in Room 212 at the top of the McIndoe or in the prefab, Room 46 on the Green. I am sure you will remember on the first day of the year attending his class. You lined up outside his room until you were told to move inside.
The first thing he would say to the class “What is my nick name”. No one would utter a word – they all knew the answer but were too scared to say anything.
Bill said again “What is my nick name”. Silence.
OK, I will give you a clue. It begins with S and has 3 letters. Deadly silence.
He turned to the Black Board with his piece of chalk and in large bold letters he wrote S I R.
“Just call me SIR.”
He was a clever man and an outstanding teacher. He was fully involved outside the classroom with a number of sports, the Mount Aspiring programme and with Outdoor Education. He just loved the school and what it stood for.
Those boys who were fortunate enough to have been taught by Bill knew that if they worked hard and followed Bill’s guidelines, they would pass their exams with flying colours. His lessons were well prepared and his presentation was superb, all in his own unique style.
He loved being involved with activities outside the classroom no more so than with his golf teams. He built up the golf club over many years to be one of the strongest in the country. This did not happen by chance. When students entered the 3rd form, he would take a van load of juniors on weekend golf trips to many parts of the South Island. It was all about enjoyment, experiencing different courses and learning the fundamentals of the game. Bill helped grow the school's golf teams, saying the trick was to get the juniors to link with the seniors and learn good habits.
There were 14 guys who have turned professional which he was involved with. Players like Greg Turner, Mahal Pearce and Alan Rose. Bill said they loved the game and that is why they were so good.
My two sons were Captain of the school golf team during their time at OBHS. Bill would instil in them that golf was based on the four Ps - patience, practice, perseverance and play for the present.
Don’t worry about what has happened or what is in the future.
The OBHS school side won the NZ Schools Championships on two occasions and were invited to attend the World Schools’ Championships in Scotland in the 1990s. They finished second once.
Bill also made a significant contribution to Basketball at the school. He was teacher in charge for a number of years and just as you would expect his organisation was outstanding. He was also a NZ Badge referee, controlling representative fixtures throughout the country. Refereeing basketball was right up his alley as he acted just like he did in the classroom, as an entertainer and the players loved his antics. While he did not have a great knowledge of Rugby he still was prepared to help out where he could with his favourite sideline encouragement to his team being ‘Tackle’. He also looked after a junior Cricket team with his claim to fame when umpiring was giving the opposition best batter out lbw from square leg!!
He was a popular and well respected, Manager of School House from 1980 – 1984 where he continued to devote all his energies to the boys ensuring they were given the best opportunity to be successful both inside and outside the classroom. Hostel Manager is a challenging role particularly when you are teaching full time at school, however Bill took the extra work load in his stride.
Bill loved taking groups to our lodge at Mount Aspiring. The boys really enjoyed his company as they saw him in a different light. Even after he retired, he continued to organise all the food for the 4th form groups. One of the bunk rooms at the lodge has been named after him in recognition of his outstanding work over many years in assisting with this incredible programme.
We have lost a special man. He loved the school, he cared for the boys, he was an amazing coach and administrator and was one of our best teachers in the classroom. He was always a hand up not hand out person, never asking for anything in return.
We will all miss you, Bill. Rest in peace my friend.
Des Smith MNZM
See the many tributes left to Bill on the Hope and Son's website: https://hopeandsons.co.nz/funeral/trewernwilliamjohnbill-1-FIN53015936/
