NEWS 11
Farewell Gert Fraser
By Rory Macnamara
A plumber of note , a man who went about his work , a member of IOPSA and past Chairman of Free State region for some years . A man who sought to build up , not break down .
Gert Fraser sadly passed away after a struggle with cancer , which he endured with dignity and calm as was his nature . A great supporter of IOPSA , a past Vice President of National and during the latter part of his life , he served the Free State region with distinction .
As part of Plumbing Africa ’ s tribute to Gert , we bring you some testimonial contributions from industry friends and colleagues :
Lea Smith – Past President IOPSA , Chairman PIRB : Gert was not a man of many words , however when Gert spoke , the respect and admiration that he carried made everyone sit up and listen .
Dale Carnegie said , “ Pay less attention to what men say . Just watch what they do ,” and for me , this would sum up Gert . Doing things quietly , while making the difference to our industry .
While Gert may no longer be with us , we can take solace in the fact that his actions and unselfish contributions to our plumbing industry will continue to be with us for years to come .
Steve Brown , Operations Manager , IOPSA : Gert was such a pillar of strength within the plumbing industry , his actions in terms of uplifting standards across all sectors of our industry speaks volumes about the man .
A man who gave so much of himself for the benefit of others , Gert was a man of few words but as the saying goes , actions are stronger than words and this summed up Gert .
Nothing was too much trouble for him – he was a friend , a mentor , and a true Champion for our industry .
Gert with his team built the Free State region infused with the ethos of family , and the Free State region excelled in all things . I for one looked forward to my visits to the region and engaging with the IOPSA team – some great memories .
Having known Gert for more years than I can remember , he was always there to support and add his wisdom and knowledge to those who sought guidance . When Gert stood down as the regional chairman of the Free state he continued to serve and assist the new chairman .
As a friend , Gert and I had some memorable moments together . One thing Gert was not , was a golfer , but our golf days will be in the
IOPSA
Gert Fraser .
memory bank forever not only because of the golf , but because through tough times , a call from him would lift the spirits and knowing he was there to just listen was comforting . Gert , I am a better person for knowing you , and I thank you for this my friend .
We have lost a friend and a mentor , but the legacy of Gert will never be forgotten . He will live on in our hearts and be a role model for others to follow .
Thank you , Gert .
From Gert ’ s Free State Executive Piet Naude : Gert Fraser , ‘ n gentleman , vriend , vennoot vir byna 40 jaar . Ek onthou nog toe ons hom verkies het tot voorsitter van IOPSA Vrystaat op die trappies van ‘ n loodgieter se kantoor want die loodgieter het nooit opgedaag nie . Ons was vier of vyf . Gert was verkies en het dit met toewyding vir die volgende 25 + jare laat groei tot die trots wat die Vrystaat vandag is . Gert was ondervoorsitter national en ook ‘ n ere lid . Altyd baie behulpsaam , vriendelik en het nooit kwaad geword en gevloek soos ‘ n plumber nie . Hy was lief vir sy familie , visvang , kuier en Castle ( om nie te praat van leeuloop nie ). ‘ n Uithaler kok en braaimeester , ‘ n swak bestuurder – kon tot ‘ n golfkarretjie omgooi .
Michel de Kock : 6 Julie 2021 sal nooit weer dieselfde wees nie . Op hierdie dag moes ons afskeid neem van Oom Gert Fraser . In die loodgieterbedryf was hy nie net ' n loodgieter nie maar ' n baas , voorbeeld , mentor en die belangrikste van alles , ' n vriend . Sy deur was altyd oop vir almal en hyt uit sy pad gegaan om almal te help en om raad te gee oor enige kwessie van loodgieterswerk tot visvang . Die bedryf en Bloemfontein sal nie dieselfde wees sonder hom nie . Sy vriendelikheid en optimisme was aansteeklik . Na ‘ n geselsie met hom was jou dag altyd beter . Dit was ‘ n voorreg om oom se laaste kamp vakansie saam met oom te deel . Die lekker Castle drink en country musiek langs die vuur gaan ek mis . Rus in vrede Oom Gert .
September 2021 Volume 27 I Number 7 www . plumbingafrica . co . za