Obituary: Mr Keven Johnstone (Staff, 1987 - 2000)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Keven Johnstone, a dedicated and influential member of the Stamford School community. Keven joined the staff in 1987 as a member of the PE department, where he ran Athletics, Cross-Country, and assisted with Rugby. Coming from an all-boys grammar school in Coventry, he quickly set high standards that the boys at Stamford rose to meet.

In 1990, Keven took over from Mr. Barton as Head of Physical Education and Games, continuing to develop all aspects of sport within the school. He introduced Physical Education as an academic subject at GCSE level, where students excelled under his rigorous teaching and in-depth knowledge. Although he made numerous attempts to introduce A-level PE, it was only in the year he left that this opportunity finally became available to the 6th formers.

Keven’s impact on sports at Stamford was profound. He took most major sports teams to high levels of achievement and was instrumental in discovering and introducing Iwan Thomas MBE (OS 92) to the world of athletics. A keen athlete and sportsman himself, Keven frequently joined in with pupils, demonstrating his fitness and skills in various sports, including rugby, squash, badminton, table tennis, and golf, where his handicap was once as low as two. His rugby skills, in particular, left a lasting impression on many students.

Beyond sports, Keven was involved in all aspects of school life, including the C.C.F. and adventurous training, Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, Choral Society, Drama productions, and the staff cricket team. He also participated in staff charity runs such as the Coast-to-Coast and the Viking Way. As a 6th form tutor and heavily involved in boarding, Keven became Housemaster of Browne House in 1997 and Head of Rugby. He organized four major rugby tours, including the first-ever school tour of the South Pacific Islands in 1998, where his leadership and enthusiasm were unmatched.

Keven’s immense workload and key contributions to nearly all aspects of Stamford School will be remembered fondly. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who were lucky enough to know him.

From Iwan Thomas MBE (OS 92)

When I got to Stamford, Keven Johnstone took me under his wing.

I had done five different events at sports day and I ended up winning all five and broke five school records, so Keven gave me a nudge and guided me to a sports club. He said the last time he saw talent like that it went on to get an Olympic medal. I didn’t believe him, but he took me to the county championships and then the English Schools Championships and I came second in the 400 metres. He was a great teacher and if it was not for him, I would never have become a professional sportsman.

I remember him as fit, strong and inspirational. He was a massive part of my life and this is very sad news indeed.

From Carl Kilgren, former staff

Keven taught at Stamford for many years before moving to Uppingham, though he still retained many links with the school – relishing the local rugby derby, when I am sure he will have had divided loyalties. The term complete schoolmaster is an accolade often used for a teacher, but as I reflect upon his life and contribution to Stamford School, I find I am struggling to find some aspect of school life where Keven was not involved. Many will remember him as a sports teacher and in particular his coaching of rugby, but he developed students’ interests in a wide range of activities: cross country, athletics, golf and even basketball. Many of his students still retain their love of sports owing to Keven and went on to compete at the highest level. Indeed, in his book “Brutal” Iwan Thomas credits Keven with setting him on his athletics career.

Keven was not simply a Games teacher, but was also a coach, not, however, cast in the Billy Beaumont mould of the pre match warm up consisting of ‘rubbing your hands together’ and saying something along the lines of ‘right let’s get started.” He trained his pupils on how to play the game and held regular fitness sessions to improve their stamina – I often took part in in these lunch time sessions and can testify to his demanding regime – he was always pushing to get the best out of those attending.

His knowledge of biomechanics and training methods transferred to his work in the classroom teaching GCSE PE and he was also instrumental in delivering the PSDE programme – often seen by many teachers as a poisoned chalice as they preferred to stay within their chosen discipline. As I said early, he was the complete schoolmaster and many boys will remember him for his work in the boarding house, with CCF, on the various rugby tours, ski trips and Ardeche river activity holidays. Staff will have many fond memories of Keven on the long-distance runs that we did, five-a-side football and, of course, the social events.

I think one metric one can employ in assessing how fondly students regarded a teacher is by their nickname. During his time at Stamford, Keven was known amongst his pupils by various names depending on what was current at the time. He started Stamford sporting a ‘tash and when Top Gun was released, he was known as ‘Goose’ then later pupils referred to him as Vinny, derived from the last part of his first name (Kevin sic). No matter how his former pupils will remember him he will be sadly missed but his legacy will live long through his inspirational teaching and wide-ranging contribution to the life of the school.

Christ him Spede

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