Kevin Marchant
Bit of background, where you live, what you do for a living.
I live in Toronto, Canada. I’ve lived here for 13 years with Gillian (wife of 37 years this year) and our son Christopher. Our daughter, Jennifer went back to live in Perth, Western Australia. I’ve worked in the Rough Diamond business for 41 years and travelled most of the globe working and playing with diamonds!
I joined De Beers in February 1974. Lived and worked in Ireland, Belgium, India and Botswana for them. Left in ’86 to join a company called Argyle Diamonds and lived in Perth, Western Australia for 16 years, which was like being on a permanent holiday. Great lifestyle. Left in 2002 to join Dominion Diamonds in Canada where I am VP Quality Control and Valuations - which basically means if our clients don’t like what they are buying it lands on my lap with a big ‘please explain!’
Age:
Just turned 59!
When were you at Princethorpe - years from and to?
1971-1973. Left after ‘O’ Levels. (I haven’t said that word in 40 odd years!)
What was the school like in your day?
After coming from Stony Stratford Prep School (with several other guys who I can still remember) I found Princethorpe to have a very relaxed atmostphere. I enjoyed my time there. I found Princethorpe successful in balancing all activities - academics, sports and arts. On balance I found that all the teachers were positive in relating to us. What I enjoyed was the fact that there was a ‘boys will be boys’ atmosphere.
How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?
Princethorpe was a mixture of boys from all over the world - made up of boarders, day boys and weekly boarders. We all had to school together, sport together, eat meals together and live together. So therefore it made me understand what you have to do or not do, to get everyone rowing the same way. This made for a great early advantage when let loose in dealing with the outside world!
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Focus as much on the activities you dislike as much as you do on the ones you like. Be aware that there will be ‘setbacks’ of all sorts ahead of you. Be it emotional, family or career. You’ll just have to work through them and learn from your mistakes. If in doubt, always ask. You don’t want to die wondering!
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?
The ‘Who’ would be Gillian, my wife. (minister of home affairs and finance) The ‘What’ would be working in an industry, which I love, where I’ve made so many good friends.
What keeps you awake at night?
My wife’s snoring!
What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?
Raising two great children - Jennifer & Christopher. I’m very proud of how they have ‘turned out’.
What’s your biggest indulgence?
I live for X country mountain biking. I have to focus on staying on a bike for up to two plus hours. So every few years I treat myself to the latest and greatest bike. Generally not the cheapest either!
If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?
The toughest question yet! I still can’t decide but it would be a choice between Mopane Wood BBQd Fillet Steak with a Kiwi Pinot Noir or Canadian Salmon BBQ’d on a cedar plank with (again) Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc.
What is your favourite TV Show and why?
Game of Thrones. I’ve listened to all the books. Great when you’re travelling. The series mostly accurately mirrors the books….and life at Princethorpe makes GOT look like choir practice!!!
If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?
It would be in Collingwood, Ontario. It’s 140 kms north of Toronto. We have a cottage there. It’s the complete four season place. Downhill & X country skiing in winter. Biking, golfing, sailing, canoeing in the summer. We spend three nights a week there and most holiday time. As well as Gillian with me, we would be with ‘besties’ who would participate in all these activities.
Lasting memories of Princethorpe:
Several. Father Clarkson. The first time I witnessed a ‘real’ leader in action. The priests and brothers he brought to the school. The teachers he employed. The way he related to everyone. He could have been an MD of almost any company. Mr O’Grady for the patience he showed me in Maths. All the school sporting events I took part in or cheered on when not participating in. The school grounds were relaxing to run or walk around.
Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom?
Have bumped into Tommy Aldridge, Lenny Sequeira and Tony ‘Bungy’ Bennett over the years. Shows what a tiny world we live in. Clem Clements in the early days before I left Britain and over the years Chris Evans, either in his part of paradise or here in Toronto.
Is there anyone you would like to track down?
Haven’t really given it much thought. But really looking forward to catching up with the guys at the 40th reunion at the OPs Summer Supper on Friday 12 June.
