William John . (Bill) Trewern

So many crack up memories. The crack of his golf club graphite shaft being whacked on his desk to command student's attention. Wondering if this teacher had been running sprints all morning? He certainly looks like he's been exercising... He loved Rusty's First XI making the Gillette Cup so he could dish out razors on the spot and threaten a dry shave in the corridor outside his office - not sure if he ever followed through. But beneath any initial imposing fear, it was soon clear he knew how to get the absolute best out of young men be it on the golf course or classroom. All with his booming sense of humour. We all enjoyed our time under him. Cheers Sav, I mean Sir.

I remember being taught by Bill during the 80s and how clear and focussed he was as a teacher. Best speed to the Universe and thank you for everything you did for me.

Since learning of Bill's death, I have found myself reflecting a great deal on the times I spent with him and the really positive influence he had on me, and on so many others. I was one of Bill's OBHS golfers in the late 80s and early 90s. He called me "The Big Goose". In return, I addressed him, naturally, as "The Sav" (which reminds me of one of Bill's great gags: asking boys new to his orbit if they knew about his 3 letter nickname beginning with "S", which he would then clarify as being "Sir"). I have particular memories of Bill driving us all around the lower South Island in a HiAce van, and following us around frozen Central Otago courses as we played one tournament or another. On the road, Bill's larger-than-life presence fully occupied the driver's seat, from where he would regale us for hours with all sorts of tall (and sometimes serious) stories; occassionally even while watching the road ahead. It was the sports master/pupil relationship just as it should be. It was serious stuff, but always conducted with good humour and never overbearingly. Bill had a wonderful ability to make you feel, as a 15- or 16-year-old, as though you could be a champion, even when your handicap knew otherwise. I admired Bill greatly and will remember him with enormous warmth and respect. Jonathan Brook London

Sav getting angry was probably the highlight of my days at OBHS

Rest easy Bill. Plenty to thank you for, mostly for your significant contribution to golf. Memories of some good and not so good times on the countless golf trips, my favourite being the time you ran the school van out of gas on the Kilmog, in the middle of the night, leaving a few of us to door knock for help. Best wishes to the family.

I first met Bill when he came to Dunedin North Intermediate with Paul Kirkpatrick. I was just starting golf — I wasn’t even at OBHS yet and was probably only a 23-handicapper. He talked with me for about ten minutes and asked if I wanted to go on some golf trips. Two months later my dad passed away. I was 12. One of the only things I remember from that day is getting up to walk out of the funeral, looking up, and seeing this teacher I’d only met for ten minutes standing there. Bill had never even met my father. I remember thinking, What is he doing here? He didn’t have to show up for a kid he barely knew. Maybe he already knew I’d lean into golf after that, and that I’d end up on the OBHS high school golf team. Whatever the reason, he was there. That loyalty is why, years later when I got married, Bill was one of the first people on the list. He never needed to do any of it — and he never asked why. Thank you for always being there.

I pass on my condolences to the Family. My interactions with Mr Trewern (Sir) were all at OBHS but his impact was clearly wider reaching. His guidance was always appreciated. A true legend of our community. The certainly don't make them like Sav anymore.

Very sorry to hear of Bills passing. I first meet Bill nearly 60 years ago, we had some great times over the years, junior golf coaching ,academys , selecting golf teams, taking teams away,he was was alawys at important golf tournys amazing great fella ,Bill will be sadly missed . an I will miss our discussions on why when an how . Rest in Piece Billy Boy

Hi Ann We are sorry we can't be with you today but are thinking of you We will miss the booming laughter that comes from 103 when every Bill was in residence We will catch up next time you are up RIP Bill

Such sad news to hear of the passing of Bill. Incredibly fond memories of trips away as a junior, the amount of care and time he put into Otago junior golfers was truly admirable. A genuine role model and mentor to me starting out in the golf workforce, I definitely would not be where I am today without his guidance along the way. I will never forget the trips to Cambridge managing the junior team with Bill, getting all the boys to bed then sitting down with numerous Krombacher pilseners listening to all the stories and wisdom he provided. Thoughts are with you Ann and the rest of the family, a huge gap left but the influence he made on so many will live on. Michael Ormandy London

Bill, thank you for being far more than just a teacher. Through your encouragement and passion for golf, you helped spark a love of the game that has stayed with me throughout my life. More importantly, through golf you introduced me to many of my Old Mates, friendships that have stood the test of time and for which I will be forever grateful. Some of my fondest memories are the countless van trips around Otago, filled with laughter, camaraderie, stories, and the sort of adventures that seemed ordinary at the time but have become treasured memories. Those experiences helped shape who I am and gave me friendships that continue to enrich my life today. Thank you for the time, guidance, and opportunities you gave us. Your influence reached far beyond the golf course, and your legacy lives on in the many lives and friendships you helped create. You will be remembered with great respect, gratitude, and affection. Ferg

Very sad to hear of Bill's passing, a true gentlemen and servant to golf Otago and OBHS. I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with Bill over the years through OBHS and Golf Otago. Many great chats and stories, I'll never forgot the time we were playing the national intercollegiate in Wellington and Bill took all of us student to the driving range, whilst pulling into park he hit the accelerator instead of the brake and plowed straight into the fence, we all lost it! But a quick albeit stern talking to quickly shut us up. Thank you for everything Rest easy! Mark Brooks (Jupiter, Florida)