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In memory : Theo van Driel

By John Ackermann

Theo passed away on 7 June 2022 at the age of 84 years .

Theo , one of three children , was born in Den Hague in the Netherlands . In 1958 , he married Martha and choose South Africa for their honeymoon . They both fell in love with the country and decided to make it their new home .

Theo started his career path in South Africa at the Centurator factory in Cape Town and later moved to the Yucon Coil Company . Both companies were at the time major role players in the supply and manufacture of condensers , heat exchangers , evaporation blowers and air handling units .

From Yucon , Theo joined Refrigeration Agencies ( RA ), a dominant wholesaler . At RA , Theo became known throughout South Africa as Mr Copeland for his enthusiastic marketing drive and constant engagement with clients , presentation of training courses and updates on the adaption of Copeland compressors to the new generation of refrigerants after the phase out of CFCs .

In 1993 , Theo took the bold step to establish a joint venture with Bitzer , the German compressor manufacturer . After signing an agreement with Peter Schaufler , chairman and managing director of Bitzer Kühlmaschinenbau Gmbh & Co KG , the local company , Bitzer Kühlmaschinenbau South Africa ( Pty ) Ltd started trading on 1st June with Theo as the managing director and its head office in Cape Town .

Driven by his flair for marketing and his enthusiasm , Bitzer South Africa gained market share across Southern Africa . Having locally-based after-sales service of an international compressor manufacturer was welcomed by the market and Theo ’ s committal to the brand added to client confidence .

Theo was big in stature , worked hard and enjoyed socialising with his industry peers . Many will fondly remember the Bitzer tours organised by Theo after the IKK refrigeration and air conditioning trade fairs held in Germany every five years . Most tours had three or four busloads of Bitzer users from many different countries , and for five days visited places of interest , toured Bitzer facilities , attended product seminars and had jovial entertainment and dinners . A night at a German “ bierfest ” was always on the program and Theo revelled nonstop .

Theo and Martha had two daughters and three sons . Our deepest sympathy goes to his surviving sons Roby , Lenny and Rudy , their families , seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren .

Rest in peace Theo , and thank you for the many happy memories . CLA

John Ackermann

Theo van Driel . Photo taken in October 1998 .

In memory : Bill Brown

At least for the past two decades , Bill was recognised by his distinguishing features of a bushy beard , braces , and his lively comments . He sadly passed away on 06 March 2022 .

Bill Brown left a lasting impact on all who met him , no matter in which environment . Although his comments , at times , drew some reserved reactions from others , he had a heart of gold and cared deeply for others .

Bill was proud of his membership as a Fellow of SAIRAC ( South African Institute

of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning ). He joined in August 1997 and later was recognised as a Fellow . He was a committed member who brought colour to many events , meetings , and functions .

In business , he was the primary member of PEB Management Services and for some time had an association with Jo Lubbe & Associates . Bill provided management services for the maintenance and repairs of air conditioning systems .

Bill was also a keen bowler and in

November 2011 took the initiative to organise a SAIRAC Bowling Tournament , similar to the popular Golf Day of the Cape Town Centre . The bowling tournament was well supported and held at the Pinelands Bowling Club . Even those who had never done bowling before tried it out with the enthusiastic guidance and instruction of Bill .

Bill ’ s sudden death came as a shock to many as he was fit one day and gone the next . Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Heather and children . CLA

Bill Brown : 12.09.1949 - 06.06.2022 .

Photo taken in October 2021 .

In memory :

Richard Arthur ( Dick ) Hübner

After being of poor health for some months , Dick passed away peacefully at the age of 87 years . Dick was born on the East Rand ( Gauteng ) and started his career as a refrigeration and air conditioning technician in the Public Works Department ( Transvaal ).

Dick later relocated to Cape Town and joined Refrigeration Agencies ( RA ), a wholesaler in Maitland . When a vacancy occurred , Dick was transferred to the manufacturing arm of RA , Yucon Coil in Epping . In charge of manufacturing at Yucon , Dick became known to many in the A / C & R industry across the length and breadth of South Africa .

He was widely respected as the “ gentleman ” of the industry , always willing to have lengthy technical discussions and provide technical advice . Membership of SAIRAC was treasured by Dick and he joined the Institute in July 1965 and proudly had membership no 315 . At the time of his

passing Dick was a Fellow of SAIRAC .

Our sympathy is extended to his surviving daughter and son . Dick was married to Bess for many years but sadly she passed long before Dick .

May Dick , a stalwart in the A / C & R industry rest in peace , after a long and respected earthly journey . CLA

Hubner family

Dick Hubner : Born 19.02.1935 , passed away 09.03.2022 .

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Cold Link Africa September 2022 | Seite 9