Tag: Faculty and Staff

Mr. Richard Roberts ~ F-Faculty

Departed ~ 1975 over Christmas break ~ Accidental Asphyxiation

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Mr. Phil Reeves ~ F-Faculty

Departed ~ 6/24/15 ~ Details unknown

Posted By: Debby Stinemetz Caulfield Class of 1970

I received the sad news today that former science teacher Phil Reeves passed away this morning in Marshfield, Massachusetts. He was 87 years old. He had been ill for just three weeks and died peacefully. I talked with his neighbor, Leslie, who has cared for him for the past 20 years. She said that he was greatly loved by everyone in his church family and they all knew how much his connection with the ISB alumni family meant to him. When Phil was in the hospital she wanted everyone to know who this amazing man was and she told everyone about his history as a science teacher beloved 40 years ago and today. Phil teared up and said, “Yes, my students were my children.” Leslie also told me how much he loved to dance at church. I told her we knew all about his dancing prowess as we witnessed it on the Teen Club dance floor at the reunions. A small funeral service will be held on Thursday. Phil was very committed to his Christian faith and wanted any remembrance donations be made to:

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
One Billy Graham Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28201

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Mr. P.E. Rajendra ~ F-Faculty

Departed ~ 8/72

RAJENDRA, P E – MASTER 1920 – 1972

A tribute by Agnes P Thambynayagam

Ponnudurai Emmanuel Rajendra was a teacher, coach and director of physical education and athletics at the International School of Bangkok, Thailand from 1962 until his death in 1972. The ISB honored their beloved teacher by naming their main Gymnasium as ‘Rajendra Hall’. Rajendra was born in Malacca, Malaysia in 1920 to Jaffna Tamil Roman Catholic family. Rajendra’s parents sent their son to Sri Lanka to have his education at Jaffna St Patrick’s College, a Private Catholic School. After high school graduation, Rajendra taught geography and athletics at his Alma Mater, St Patrick’s College from 1940 to 1942. In 1943, Rajendra joined St John’s College, an Anglican Private School, in Jaffna as their Sports Master. In 1945, Rajendra was hired as the Ceylon National Athletic Coach. He graduated from the University of Ceylon (Sri Lanka, Colombo campus) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. He then continued his studies at the University of Iowa in the USA with a full scholarship after he won National championship in Sri Lanka in hurdles and other sporting activities. He earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1951 in Physical Education. In 1962, Rajendra left Sri Lanka to Thailand to work as the Director of Physical Education and Athletics at the International School of Bangkok. The family joined him at the end of school year in 1963.

The article ‘The Roaring Forties – War & Aftermath (1940-47)’ wrote about the Patrician P E Rajendra who taught at St Patrick’s College and then at St John’s College. It stated, “1944 was the year in which those who were fortunate to witness the Inter Collegiate Athletic meet will never forget it. The St. Patrick’s team had been winning the championship for the previous 10 years and were considered invincible. The Johnians were improving and had been runners-up to them the last two years. In 1944, they were being coached by Mr. P. E. Rajendra who was determined to make his team champions. The huge crowd anticipated a keen contest. They were not disappointed. Both teams were neck to neck with 73 points each until the very last event of the day, the 4 x 440 yards relay. After the first 3 laps it looked as though St. Patrick’s would carry the day. They had a 10-yard lead when their captain, Keil, took the baton. But the Johnian anchorman P. Tharmalingam showed true grit and fighting courage and ran the race of his life for his college, just pipping the Patrician at the post. Pandemonium reigned as the crowds surged into the field – and the Johnian supporters hugged and kissed each other with tears of joy running down their cheeks. P. Tharmalingam had earlier won the long jump and A. R. Rasiah had won the high jump and pole vault events while S. Nadarajah won the mile and V. A. Benjamin the low hurdles among the seniors. Of the Juniors, A. W. Yogarajah had come first in the 100 & 220 yds. and also helped in winning the 4 x 100 yds. relay for St. John’s. It was a fitting farewell to Mr. P. E. Rajendra who was leaving the College. Later in life he went on to become a National Athletic Coach and was one of those who helped N. Ethirveerasingam to break the Asian Games High Jump record at Tokyo in 1958 in winning the Gold Medal for Ceylon (Sri Lanka).” (The Roaring Forties – War & Aftermath 1940-47, para 31). Rajendra was undoubtedly one of the most outstanding sportsmen and a coach of the twentieth century Sri Lanka.

A Patrician, Victor Cherubim wrote on June 30, 2020, “Master P E Rajendra was a mentor, teacher and Sports Master of mine at St Patrick’s College when Rev Fr T M F Long was the Rector (1936 -1954). He was an inspiration to Master S F Santiapillai who went to study Library Science and the Dewey system of cataloging in the United States. Master Rajendra, at the turn of the Fifties, had propagated the dream of what one could do to excel in Sports in the States. He helped N. Ethirveerasingam, a Centralite and Ceylon record holder High Jumper, to train in the United States. I am proud to state that Master Rajendra sowed the seed in my mind to enable me to apply for scholarship later to study in the USA. He will always be remembered for his bubbly personality and charisma.” Rajendra Master also sent his own children to the USA for higher education after they graduated from high school in Thailand.

Victor Cherubim wrote again on July 13, 2020, “Our Rector of St Patrick’s College (SPC) Very Rev Fr T M F Long (MA Cantab – University of Cambridge) was diligent in scouting the best talent for Sport. He knew SPC had a good football team at that time and beat other Colleges in Football, JSSA (Jaffna Schools Sports Association) Tournaments. I can remember one Perampalam who was our fullback and was feared by many of our opponents in the Sports field. Master Rajendra was understudy to our College Coach B R Motha, an unassuming quiet man. If I remember right, Argus Tressider, Public Relations Officer, who served under Joseph C. Satterthwaite, US Ambassador at that time, was a good friend of Fr Long and helped Fr Long to get the Jaffna Public Library resourced. Master Rajendra to my knowledge was a confidante of Fr Long and helped him to promote a Carnival at College to get funds for the Jaffna Public Library. Master Rajendra was also involved in SPC Cadet Battalion.” The Jaffna Public Library members remember and honor Rev Fr Long for his initiative in building the Jaffna Public Library. It would be nice if Jaffna people could also honor Rajendra Master who helped Rev Fr Long in raising fund to establish the magnificent Library in Jaffna.

Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam wrote to Ernest Rajendra, “Your dad was my first coach as soon as I qualified for Helsinki games in 1952. Anthony Abeyasinghe advised me to improve the western roll style in 1951. Your dad was my strength coach. He took me with him to a PE teacher coaching camp in April 1952 to Maharagama Teacher Training college where Duncan White was lecturer. I then had three coaches. They were specialist in their areas. In 1955 Brayton Norton from USA was my 4th coach. Mr Rajendra who got his Master’s in Physical Ed and Norton together helped me to apply to University of California in Los Angeles which offered me admission and a Grant-in-Aid where I worked fifteen hours a week for tuition, room and board. In the last year, 1960, I had full scholarship. Many people helped me to feel at home in the USA”. William Clarke wrote to Ernest Rajendra, “Your Dad was my track coach in 1966 and 1967 at ISB. He was also my coach for Softball and Basketball. He was an unforgettable character whose memory stays as a lifetime memory. It is good to learn about his history since 1952 and before”. Rajendra Master had left unforgettable memory in sports and life amongst many of his students.

The International School of Bangkok alumni, students and teachers fondly remember their teacher, coach and director of physical education Master Rajendra. They are so proud that their favorite coach, Rajendra Master, rewrote ISB’s K-12 physical education curriculum and established a sports program that included eleven different varsity sports. During Rajendra Master’s era, the ISB teams participated in Thai and the US armed forces leagues for the first time. The ISB teams also entered for the National Thai School’s Competitions in track & field and Volleyball. Rajendra master’s student David Wilkerson (class of 1971) wrote, “Monday morning would find the indomitable patriarch of sports at ISB, Mr P E Rajendra, walking the length of the field checking for snakes before first period gym.” Khun Rabiab, a Thai staff member for nearly 40 years wrote. “I remember Mr Rajendra who was from Sri Lanka. He was the head of the PE Department and everyone loved him. He was kind to everyone.” Khun Boonterm, the ISB Security Guard for over 40 years wrote, “In the days at Soi 15 (festival) Mr Rajendra’s athletes won almost all sports competitions!” (Ref: From the ISB article, ‘How did Rajendra hall get its name?’)

Ponnudurai Emmanuel Rajendra met a beautiful protestant young teacher Hilda Pushparatnam who studied at Uduvil Girls College and taught at St Patrick’s College primary school. They fell in love and married in Jaffna where Hilda’s family lived. They were blessed with three sons and two daughters. They sent their eldest son Ernest to St John’s College to attend school. Their second son Leo and the youngest son Eric attended St Patrick’s College. Leo’s classmate George Francis wrote, “Leo Rajendra and I sat side by side in fourth grade. We were given separate little desks and green chairs. We became good friends. Leo’s mother Mrs Rajendra taught English to us. Leo looked exactly like his mother. Mrs Rajendra was a sweet teacher that we all loved her very much”. Another classmate Chelvanayagam wrote, “Rajendra Family lived three houses away from my house and I knew the whole family. His father was a professional coach and his mother was a teacher. I walked to school with Leo”. Other classmates of Leo also have fond memory of Leo and their beloved English teacher Mrs Hilda Rajendra.

Patrician and a sportsman Basil Patrick who was a friend and classmate of Rajendra’s son Leo wrote, “I attended the Group athletic meet held at Jaffna College in 1960 with Leo Rajendra where his Dad P E Rajendra Master was the chief guest and I received my certificate from Rajendra Master”. Jaffna schools honored P E Rajendra Master for his outstanding achievements in sports and scholarly work.

Rajendra family lived at Groussault Road near St Mary’s Cathedral in Jaffna prior to moving to Thailand in 1963. The daughters Christine Indrani Girlie Rajendra (Harrison) and Angeline Rajendra (Behrend) studied at Holy Family Convent, a private Catholic School for girls in Jaffna where I also studied. My family lived at Eachchamoddai, Jaffna since 1959 and I used to pass their house every day when I walked to school. My sister Vimala was in Christine’s class and my sister Antenet was in Angeline’s class. The children were studious and active just like their parents. Their son Leo Rajendra who studied with my husband Michael Thambynayagam followed the footsteps of his father, P E Rajendra Master to become an outstanding sportsman.

Rajendra Masters’ children studied at the International School of Bangkok since January1964 after the family moved to Thailand. Mrs Rajendra taught for a short period in Bangkok and then decided to stay home and take care of her five children. Rajendra Master enjoyed teaching, coaching and being the director of physical education and athletics at the International School of Bangkok. In August 1972, P E Rajendra Master suffered a heart attack and died while visiting Sri Lanka. This was an unexpected irreplaceable loss to the family and friends. I hope Rajendra Master sees all of us with a smile from Heaven.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Mr. Ronald Propp ~ F-Faculty

Departed – c. 1997 ~ Details unknown

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Mrs. Soumy C. Pao ~ ISB Librarian ~ 1957-1976

Departed ~ 27 September 2013

It is with regret that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, SOUMY C PAO on Friday 27 September 2013 at 11:10 am in Samitivej Hospital , Bangkok, Thailand. She passed away peacefully in her sleep and is now with my father enjoying the lfe after.

Soumy C Pao was a woman loved by all who came across her and had the privilege of knowing her, from her days as a UN diplomat’s wife until her days as Head Librarian of International School Bangkok. We all loved her elegant and gracious hospitality to everyone in need.

As her son and speaking for the rest of my family ( brothers Larry, Samson, and sister Patty )…we loved her very much, and cherish the time we had with her. She has passed living a full life at 92 years of age…and with a large family of grandsons and granddaughters she enjoyed the holidays to the fullest.

I wish her happiness in her new afterlife, especially adjoining with my father, Gerson who passed away on 10 April , 2009 and may their spirit be together for eternal life.

Funeral services will be at Wat Tha Tong starting Wednesday 2 Oct – Friday 4 Oct starting at 7:00 pm each night. My mother will be cremated on Saturday 5 October…and her ashes put out to sea on Sunday 6 October.

STANLEY H C PAO / ISB Class of 1968

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Mrs. Mary Shea Novick ~ F-Faculty ~ 1964-1971

Departed ~ 1976 ~ Heart Failure

Mrs. Novick was a first grade teacher at ISB from 1964-1971.

The picture above was taken while Mrs. Novick was the principal of ACS (American Community School Saigon.) The story goes that three guys climbed the water tower just off campus and wrote the message; “The Eyes of Novick are upon us.” There was a website with a picture of the tower named saigon61.com but I can no longer find it today.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Bob Nichols ~ F-Faculty ~ 1978-2004

Departed ~ 2/28/04 ~ Cancer

Former ISB Economics teacher Bob Nichols

Bob Nichols Passed Away Feb. 28
By Betty Yugala

Former ISB Economics teacher Bob Nichols

It is with sadness that I pass on the news to you that Bob Nichols passed away Saturday, February 28, 2004, from a long, painful bout with cancer. He had been a colleague of mine at ISB, in the social studies department, for 25 years (August 1978 through June 2003). I shall miss his humor and wit, and when I look back upon those years, I realize that I learned much from him.

Should anyone wish to send any notes of condolence, you may send them to me and I shall pass them on to Bob’s partner K. Yuthapong. I’m sure it would be comforting to know how much he touched the lives of so many around the world.

Mom Bongkojpriya Yugala
Bangkok 10900, Thailand
beyugala at ksc.th dot com

Condolences may also be sent to: Khun Yuthapong Kittiwongpaibul
yuthapong.kittiwongpaibul at jwt dot com

Funeral services were held for Bob on Friday, March 8 from 8:30 a.m to 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis Church on Sathorn Road (next to St. Louis Hospital). Immediately following the church service, Bob’s friends attended the burial ceremony in Si Racha.

In honor of Robert Lee Nichols, who loved Thailand and dedicated his life to the education of children, donations to sponsor a Thai child’s education may be made in lieu of flowers. All contributions will be sent to the Human Development Foundation, a non-profit organization under the auspices of the Redemptorist Fathers Foundation of Thailand. Contributions may also be sent directly to the following address:

Sponsor-a-Child Program
Human Development Foundation
100/11 Kae-Ha Toey 4
Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Email: info at MercyCenter dot org

Tribute to former ISB Economics teacher Bob Nichols
By Freda B. Williams

Mr. Nichol’s Funeral

“Mr. Nichols will be missed by his students who had the greatest respect for him. He was an extraordinarily popular Economics teacher and MUN advisor, and Week Without Walls Sponsor to Golden Buddha Island. He was one of those rare geniuses who had a wicked sense of humor and who could spin a delightful tale. These admirable traits kept his students and his friends in awe, and often in “stitches” of laugher.”

Freda B. Williams
Former ISB English Department Chair and ISB Alumni and Activities Director

Robert Nichols passed away recently after a year and a half struggle with cancer. He was a teacher and friend of ISB for many years, from the late 1970s until 2003. His students, of course, called him Mr. Nichols, some called him Bob, some Nick, and a few Robert. He was my friend and colleague. I called him Mr. Nichols, and he called me, Miss Freda. Ours was a long and interesting friendship and I will miss him dearly. Mr. Nichols will be missed by his students, who had the greatest respect for him. He was an extraordinarily popular Economics teacher and MUN advisor, and Week Without Walls Sponsor to Golden Buddha Island. He was one of those rare geniuses who had a wicked sense of humor and who could spin a delightful tale. These admirable traits kept his students and his friends in awe, and often in “stitches” of laugher.

To be invited to Mr. Nichols’ home for dinner was enviable. And he was the ultimate host for these very formal affairs. He would often assemble some of his most promising International Banking (IB) Economic students, along with other faculty members. Dinner always began with assigned guests giving a toast to his Majesty, the King of Thailand, and to the President of the United States. One guest would always toast the host, then a 5-course dinner would follow. There would be talk of the economic state of the world, politics of Thailand. And always much laughter. If there were guests who were so inclined to entertain, there would also be music at the dinner table.

Serving on the ISB Salaries and Benefits Committee over the years, Mr. Nichols was greatly responsible for many of the fine benefits that ISB teachers enjoy today. As a favorite MUN advisor, he was well respected, not only by the MUN students, but also by the other advisors in the other IASAS schools in Southeast Asia.

Mr. Nichols spoke fluent Thai and had many friends in the Thai community, as well as in Thai politics and Thai society. One of my favorite Mr. Nichols’ “society” stories is the one he use to tell of falling asleep in his room and never making it for dinner during Elizabeth Taylor’s visit to one his mother’s political dinners in New Port.

Susan Dupree, who was also an MUN advisor and a member of the ISB history department, remembered Mr. Nichols in this email: “For me Bob was a man ofmany talents. He had an illustrious career and became well known for his IB knowledge for Economics. As a colleague and economics teacher, I truly enjoyed his guidance and insight about the discipline and his expertise when it came to picking stocks. As a friend, I had many fine evenings with him discussing politics as well as economics. We had some of the same interests, particularly when it came to politics. I truly enjoyed his story telling and was enthralled by his family history. Many balmy evenings were spent sipping Mekong under the stars on his roof-top balcony.”

Over the last year and a half that Mr. Nichols struggled with the cancer monster, he mentioned to me many times that what kept him alive was the love and support of his friends. He was so grateful for the fine professional care that he received from his Thai doctors and nurses, and the support that he received from his former students and so many friends.

Mr. Nichols hated being the center of attention and would be very unhappy with Miss Freda for writing this article about him for the alumni newsletter, but he had a forgiving heart, and I know that there are many alumni who will want to stop for a moment when they read this article, and think of their dear sweet Economics “Ahjon” with fondest memories and greatest affection.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Peggy Ladd ~ F-Faculty ~ ’63 – ’65

Departed ~ 10/16/03 ~ Details Unknown

Your memorial website is beautifully presented I’ve never seen one like it and of course I would love my mom to be remembered on it. In her Memorial service Robin Flocken quoted this from somewhere and my mother lived according to it. Gracious living and gracious dying.

Meeting one another as friends especially if they are strangers making room for each other to become who we are called to be
striving to understand and appreciate what is good and positive in all of us holding one up for prayer and concern; building up community by – honoring the past – respecting the present – caring for the future…..and delighting in the company of being together.

Margaret McAlpine Ladd passed away on October 16 2003 after a prolonged illness. Margaret was better known as Peggy and she taught Freshman English at ISB in 1963 and 1964. She traveled extensively through out Europe, Asia and the USA with her children and husband James Ladd of 56 years. They retired in Cazenovia, NY in 1970 where Margaret served as the town historian for 13 years. She had a passion for nature and art and passed that interest onto her 2 children Jim Ladd of Albuquerque NM, her daughter Ann Ladd Ferencz of White Plains, NY, and her grandchildren Jude and Kate.
Thank You,

Ann

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Mr. J. E. Le Pallec ~ F-Faculty ~ 1962-1965

Departed ~ 1965 ~ Details Unknown

From: Gary Earney
To: GBNF_ISB@isbnetwork.com

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 4:46 PM
Subject: Some one to add to GBNF

Hi, this is Gary Earney, Class of 1965. I just joined the ISBNetWork.com. I would like to add one of our long-ago professors–Mr. J. E. Le Pallec, who taught French II, III and IV at least for 1962-65.

Mr. Le Pallec graduated from Anger University, in France, with a B.A. I remember him as a wonderful French teacher during my 3 years at ISB, caring but demanding, and with a great sense of humor. He had lived in Thailand for quite some years by then, and was fluent in Thai. I remember him fondly. He enriched my experience at ISB. The other French teacher at the time was Madame Francoise Pundarik, who taught French I.

After I graduated in 1965, I worked as a civilian for the US Navy in Bangkok, with the OICC/SEA office on Silom road. During that time, Mr. Le Pallec died during some type of altercation at his home; the Bangkok World carried an extensive article on it at the time. I remember sitting in High School Principal Shelton Marlow’s office shortly thereafter, discussing with him and other students what could be done. Although I lived in Bangkok for many months thereafter, leaving for college at Oregon State University’s College of Forestry in June 1966, I was never able to discover more information about Mr. Le Pallec’s passing.

Thank you for adding Mr. Le Pallec to the GBNF listing. I really appreciate your work, and David’s, on this effort. It brings closure to a lot of us who wonder over the years, whatever happened to….

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Edward Ed Kelsey ~ F-Faculty ~ 1995-2011

Departed ~ 8/11/15 ~ Details unknown

Dear ISB friends, Barbara Kalis sent me this sad letter from Andy Davies that came this morning. Our hearts go out to Ida and Matt.
Freda Britt Williams

Dear ISB Faculty and Staff ,

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Ed Kelsey passed away yesterday. Ed worked at ISB as a HS Math teacher and coach from 1995 to 2011 and was a huge inspiration to us all. Ed was a master teacher, a passionate and talented coach, a wonderful father, a caring colleague, and a great friend to many at ISB.

Ed is survived by his very loving wife, Ida (who served as our MS librarian from 1995 to 2012) and his son, Matt, who graduated from ISB and now teaches internationally. I know that Ida and Matt will be in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of a wonderful husband and father. I will be in touch again when I know more about funeral arrangements.

Andy Davies, ISB Head of School, International School Bangkok

From: Shauna Anderson

To: Ida Kelsey August 14 at 7:10am
Ida,

as I intently look at your and Ed’s faces in your cover photo, I am struck by the pure joy I see on your faces, which at the same time brings tears to my eyes. I spent many an hour in Ed’s classroom talking to him about the art of teaching mathematics and being disciplined while training for my marathon and him for his triathlons. Ed’s joy, zeal for life, sense of humor and CHARACTER have impacted me more than I think he knew. One of my fondest memories of him was when he said, “let’s go for run” in a small Thai town when we were chaperones during the Habitat for Humanity Bike & Build trip. Ed was a rabbit (he NEVER went slowly) and I was a turtle, but I agreed to go. He adjusted his pace enough to push me but not make me feel defeated. I am forever grateful for his support and encouragement and saddened beyond words to hear of his passing. You and Matt are in my thoughts and prayers.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com