I am sad to announce that Mr. Steve Harle of Munro College has died.

I had the honor of working with him at Munro College and saw first hand his dedication to teaching the youth of Jamaica. He was truly respected by everyone in that staff room. Unfortunately I only heard stories of his earlier devotion to sports programs at Munro.

If anyone has information on the funeral arrangements, please post here.

R.I.P. Mr. Harle.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Harle at this time.

Mr. Harle, known fondly to generations of Munro and Hampton students as "Staggie" will live on in our memories for a very long time.

He came to Jamaica more than 50 years ago and made himself a part of our lives; lives that were nurtured and enriched beyond measure.

Not only was he one of the most outstanding chemistry teachers in all of Jamaica; he also was an integral part of school life in general. He served as vice principal at Munro for decades; was a major organiser of the school's sport programmes and other activities.

No one was better at drawing up the school's complex class schedules and exam timetables than Mr. Harle.

One side of him that always brought a nostalgic smile to the faces of Munro old boys (when they were safely beyond his reach!) was his enthusiastic administration of corporal punishment: "Six of the best!" was the usual punishment received with rapid swishes of his cane. He was never unfair, however, and I am not aware of anyone who suffered any long term hurt or complex from such administrations.

Steve Harle also became an ardent community man and provided valuable support to the people of Potsdam, Malvern, and the wider St. Elizabeth.

In recent years, in particular, residents of Treasure Beach would have grown accustomed to the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Harle who both enjoyed spending time in these parts.

"Staggie" was truly unique, and will be remembered with gratitude and nuff respect.

One thing I heard about "Staggie" - A student was swimming in one of the tanks at Munro and he didn't see the student but was walking past and the student was calling out his name "S-T--A--G--G--I--E!!! - and 'Staggie' saying
"Speak Lord your servant heareth"
as he never saw anyone.
He was a great teacher I heard too!! A great loss of knowledge but so many students have benefitted from his teachings.

Steve Harle was a great friend. He was a wonderful man, with a great voice. We loved when he would sing to us at Nevell's. Our prays to Judy Harle. Love Claire and John McLean from New York.

Mr.Harle Rest in Peace.

He was not just a teacher, but an educator and so much more. Science was by far my weakest strenght out of all the subjects that was offered, but at the same time Chemistry was the easiest.He taught it in such a way. Discipline and Respect is something that he expected and something that he gave.

My prayers go out to Mrs Harle and everyone close to him.

To a life well lived is what I will say when I drink two strong one in his name.


Their is a really nice Tribute that was set uup by Former Head Master Kevin Roper on facebook. check it out. Its fun to read all the tributes and stories.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=69901246092

Mr. Harle was more than a teacher he was an institution. He will be missed but his memory lives on. Visit the tribute to Mr. Harle page on Facebook over 350 Oldboys have already signed up. This page was created by Kevin Roper.

FYI
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: ALL MUNRONIANS – Overseas

- Local
- Honorary
- Hamptonians

From: The Secretariat [M.C.O.B.A.]

Date: March 12, 2009

Subject: OFFICIAL MEMORIAL FOR STEPHEN FREDERICK HARLE

Dear Member,

We, [M.C.O.B.A.], wish with sincere regret, to officially advise of the ‘passing’ of STEPHEN FREDERICK HARLE, retired Second Master, Munro College. Mr. Harle served Munro College for just over FIFTY [50] YEARS.

An Official Memorial Service will be held on:

SATURDAY, MARCH-21-2009

at: THE RICHARD B. ROPER AUDITORIUM

MUNRO COLLEGE CAMPUS

Commencing: 11:00 AM Sharp

Full further details will follow.