I was born in Sutherland and grew up as a farm boy. I matriculated at the Technical High School in Outshoorn. In my school days I played rugby and was a member of the SWD Craven week side in 1970. It was the 7th Craven Week; they just had the 51st in June 2014. (Getting old)
My working career started at Volkswagen of South Africa, Uitenhage, in 1971 as an apprentice and worked at the best company for just over 39 years. In the first couple of years I obtained, first a Technical Diploma and afterwards I was fortunate enough to further my studies at VWSA expense. As I was running the civil and the environmental departments, I travelled abroad often, mostly to Germany. I also then had the opportunity to visit the local Rotary Clubs. I retired in 2010.
After six months of “retirement” I decided this is it. I cannot sit at home the whole day. After studying for a year in the Fire Technology field, I started my own company and started “working” again and enjoying it.
I joined the Rotary Club of Uitenhage South on the 21st of February 1994, after 10 years of being a member of Round Table. At first it was a bit boring, but then one evening, after a meeting, I had a conversation, over a pint (or two) with two senior members, who told me that if I am not going to get “involved” in Rotary, I will not enjoy Rotary. I just did that. I had a good innings, being President of Uitenhage twice and then also President of Jeffreys Bay. I served as board member in various avenues, in the two clubs. I enjoyed the fellowship side of Rotary and attended many District Conferences and one International Convention, the Centennial Convention in Chicago in 2005, and also participated in friendship tours. I have also been involved with IFCR cricket tours. We have also hosted Rotarians from all over the world whenever we could.
Unfortunately starting and building up of a new business, requires time, but I have enjoyed being a Rotarian and still want to be “involved”
Jeanette and I have four children between us, two sons and two daughters. We also have two grandchildren, a girl and a boy and we are so excited about becoming grandparents again of another boy and girl before the end of this year.
My wife and I enjoy playing golf and we have both served on golf committees for many years.
We also like having friends over.
