We mourn the loss of a remarkable colleague and celebrate the enduring legacy of a person whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our school.

Robert B. Gaw, affectionately known as Bob, was a dedicated educator and visionary leader who embarked on a journey of excellence from the beginning. Graduating with a Business Administration degree from the University of California, Berkeley, his journey began in 1953 as a teacher in Nevada, USA, which led to roles as a principal, coach, and superintendent.

In 1970, Robert B. Gaw was invited to lead the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) as HoS, embarking on a transformative journey. He played a pivotal role in managing the construction of a new campus in Jalan Kolam Ayer Lama. He is remembered for involving teachers in the design and curriculum development, significantly improving the school. He also led ISKL through its first accreditation process and achieved many other accomplishments. Even today, we can see his valuable contribution to our school whenever we enter the Robert B. Gaw Theatre.

Gaw, fondly remembered by many, held ISKL in his heart, as shared by his son Kevin Gaw (’78).

“He and my mom, Jane Gaw (who passed in 2021), cherished their time in Malaysia and loved working at ISKL, where they developed deep and lasting friendships with ISKL staff, faculty, and parents. Bob and Jane also experienced the joy of supporting the learning and development of many ISKL students. There’s no doubt that ISKL and Malaysia were profoundly important to Bob, Jane, and the rest of the family.

If you have a cup of coffee or tea in hand, a glass of water, or a tumbler, please raise it and honor Bob with your thoughts. He will be missed greatly by many.”

Gaw’s passing is a profound loss to our school. Still, his memory will forever be a guiding light, reminding us of the heights we can achieve when we commit ourselves to excellence, mentorship, and selfless service.

As we honor his memory, let us pledge to carry forward his vision, continue his excellent work, and live up to the standards of integrity and dedication he set for us. In doing so, we ensure that his legacy lives on in our work and the lives we touch.

Eulogies from our ISKL Community

Thank you to our ISKL community for these heartfelt eulogies that have captured the essence of Robert B. Gaw’s life. Your words bring comfort and solace during this difficult time, helping us remember and honor his memory.

To add your own eulogy, please go to Facebook here: https://iskl.site/3SOW5IC or Instagram here: https://iskl.site/46st2xj.

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John was much loved by so many ISKL students and their families over the years, until his retirement in 2018, and continued to be an active member of the ISKL community even in retirement. He began his ISKL career in 1977 at ISKL’s Ampang campus. During his 41-year ISKL career, John taught Visual Arts and Ceramics in the High School, along with after-school and weekend community ceramics classes.

Many students, parents, staff and faculty fondly remember John’s big heart and his ceramics studio which was open to all; often a place of refuge where those who entered were able to experience the healing power of art. John made time on evenings and weekends, for students and adults to create art, connect, and laugh. In his presence one never felt evaluated or judged, only empowered, free, and ‘at home’. John’s presence brought happiness to any space. We will miss him dearly.

John retired on 31July 2018, before ISKL moved to its Ampang Hilir campus; however, he continued to support our community as our go-to framing expert, and an amazing receptacle of stories about learning and ISKL. He will always hold a special place in our history. We send our sincere condolences to his family and will always remember John as a true ISKL panther.

Thank you to Karen Palko, Andrew Smith (‘05), Amanda Soo (‘20), Jo Tilton, Rosemary Chin, Tim Howe, Kasim Abas, and Rami Madani who spoke during the moving tribute on Saturday July 31, 2021, and for so beautifully capturing the personality and impact of John Stupka.

If you were unable to attend, the video is available to view here.

View the tribute slideshow, and add your own photos, videos and memories of John here – John Stupka Remembered.

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Patti and her husband Jim were celebrating 50 years of marriage. Patti, Jim and their daughter Julia have lived in Arizona for the past few years. Previous to that they were in the Pacific Northwest in the Seattle area. Patti’s vibrant personality and kindness captivated so many hearts around her. She was loved wherever she went and will be greatly missed. (Contributed by Tobey Ishii Anderson ‘72)

Precious Memories

In the course of trying to track down the members of ISKL’s first graduating class of 1967, the Alumni Department was lucky to be in touch with Patti who is the young woman at the center of the beautiful photograph. Patti generously shared her journey after ISKL, including returning to study in Iowa, meeting and marrying Jim Halbmaier in 1971 and moving with him to Germany when he was drafted. They returned to the US and settled in Washington before retiring to Arizona.

Patti recalled the special moment captured in the iconic photograph, and her time at ISKL:

“We had a very nice graduation ceremony on the school grounds of the Istana. There were quite a few people there including the ambassador and his wife, family and friends. We had a nice reception outside and, as you can see, Mr Findley even found us caps and gowns. With ISKL just getting up and running, I guess you would call us upper class students an experiment. We took most of our core classes by correspondence. Americans kids through the University of Nebraska and the British kids through another program. We spent most of our day in a study hall upstairs with a monitor. We were well behaved considering the situation.

“I think I felt like I was in another world in KL at that time 1966-1967. Things were developing so rapidly and families were coming and going all the time. We barely got to know someone and then the family was moved somewhere else. Very transient but we did make our friendships. I loved my life in KL those couple of years I was there. I still love SE Asia and have very fond memories. We’d been back to KL a number of times and each time we go back, it becomes less and less of the KL I remember. Those were the good ‘ole days. Our campus was a one of a kind experience and can’t even imagine going to your new campus now.”

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Many ISKL Alumni students, parents, faculty and staff will fondly remember David and his wife Patricia (Patti) who taught HS Humanities, along with their son Joshua (‘89).

David started his career in finance, but soon discovered a passion for education and, during his 30-year career in teaching and administration, worked in schools in the USA, Asia, Europe, Africa and South America. Five of those years were spent at ISKL.

There have been many tributes to David on social media including one from former ISKL High School Administration, Patricia

Victor. Patricia remembers, “David Buck was the first High School Principal I worked for as his secretary in the early 80s at ISKL, Malaysia. Patricia Buck was one of the first teachers in the HS Humanities team when I joined ISKL in 1979. Patti was such a wonderful and caring person in the team. After one year I took David Buck’s offer to work for him as his secretary. He was a great Principal. I got married that same year and the following year I had my first baby…..my son. David and Patti were leaving ISKL that year. I knew I was going to miss them tremendously so I named my son David after David Buck. I love David & Patti for the care and love they gave me and also to everyone they worked with. I enjoyed working with David Buck at EARCOS as well. David, you will be missed by many.”

Patti Buck shared David’s official obituary with us here >>

Our sincere condolences go to Patti and Joshua, and the extended Buck family.

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