A former Archway teacher and lifelong friend of fellow South African countryman Desmond Tutu has passed away at the age of 87.
Much-loved Brian Oosthuysen died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family, at Resthaven Care home on Sunday.
Born in South Africa, Brian became firm friends with legendary former South African archbishop Desmond Tutu, whom he met in 1962 as the pair embarked on a divinity degree as mature students at King’s College, London. They met again in 1986 and again in South Africa in 2015.
Carole, also a former Archway teacher, told Stroud Times: “Brian lived a good, useful life and worked hard for his constituents as a parish and county councillor, for political changes he believed in and for all his students at Archway School. All of this work was informed by his strong faith and sense of justice, begun in his early years fighting against apartheid.
“But most of all, he lived to make his family happy, and was deeply loved, by all his great grandchildren, grandchildren, sons-in-law, children, and of course by me.
“We want to thank the carers at Resthaven for compassionate, diligent, expert care over the last two and half years – we couldn’t have asked for more.
“And to all the people who have visited, or sent messages, thank you.
“Brian’s was a life well-lived, full of love to the end.
“He was the love of my life.”
Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher led the tributes to the former Archway School teacher and Labour stalwart: “I am deeply saddened to learn that Brian Oosthuysen passed away.
“Brian devoted his life to public service and progressive politics. He went to university in London with Desmond Tutu (they were both from South Africa), in the early 1960s and became lifelong friends. Like Tutu, he believed strongly in the Zulu concept of ‘ubuntu’, emphasising the importance of family and community, rather than the individual.
“He was a dedicated teacher and worked at Archway School for nearly twenty years. He was a school governor, and a parish and county councillor. Brian was also active in both the Labour and Cooperative Parties, Amnesty International, the Trussell Trust and many other social and community organisations.
“Family was everything to Brian. My love and thoughts go to Carole and their children and grandchildren.
“Our community has lost a wonderful man – but we were very lucky to have known him.”
Former Gloucestershire and England cricketer Jack Russell, a former pupil of Brian’s at Archway, said: “He was a great housemaster He had an unquenchable enthusiasm for everything, especially sport. I will always be grateful for the encouragement he gave me at Archway School. Will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”
Brian served on Gloucestershire County Council for 14 years, from 2005 until 2009 and again from 2011 to 2021.
He was a member of Amnesty International, a governor of Archway School, chair of governors at Gastrells Primary School, a trustee of Stroud Women’s Refuge, and Stroud District Together With Refugees and a member of the congregation of Rodborough Tabernacle and he curated and led the Stroud Holocaust Memorial event.
Tributes were also paid by members from all political parties at Shire Hall and all present observed a minute’s silence.
The funeral for Brian will be held on Tuesday, July 29 at 11am at the Rodborough Tabernacle.
