Peter Bosman  - 26 October 1963 – 29 August 2026

Pete Bosman (1981O) who matriculated from Bishops in 1981 as a member of Ogilvie House, passed away on 29 August 2026 after a battle with bladder cancer.

At school, Pete was an excellent sportsman. He was vice-captain of the unbeaten Bishops First XI hockey team in 1981 and was selected to represent Western Province Schools that year. He was also a keen Extra dinghy sailor and an enthusiastic hiker, developing a lifelong love of mountains and the outdoors. Music was another important part of his school years and Pete played in the Bishops Brass Band for several years and was also a pianist and singer.

Creativity ultimately became the defining thread of Pete’s professional life. He built a highly respected career as a book designer and art director, working with organisations including Struik Publishing and earning recognition for the quality and remarkable range of his work. Among his notable projects were the major scholarly volumes on the Cape Orchids of South Africa, his work on Top Treks of the World, Elinor Sisulu’s Walter and Albertina Sisulu: In Our Lifetime, and André Odendaal’s The Story of an African Game: Black Cricketers and the Unmasking of One of Cricket's Myths.’

These books covered subjects that resonated with Pete — botany, mountaineering, the neglected history of black cricket and the complexities and injustices of multiracial sport in an Apartheid society.

In 2019, Pete joined the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, eventually becoming its Head of Design and Production. There he combined his considerable design talent with his strong interest in humanitarian and social issues. Colleagues remembered not only his professional excellence, but also his kindness, patience and warmth.

Pete had an unusually varied life, encompassing art, sport, sailing, mountains and music. He leaves behind an enduring body of creative work and is remembered with great affection by his family, friends and colleagues.

He is survived by Michelle; his daughters, Keely and Mira; his twin sons, Emmet and Teague; and his older brother, Mike (1978O).

The ODU and Bishops send their deepest sympathies to Michelle, Keely, Mira, Emmet, Teague and his brother Mike. 

Rest in Peace Pete!