Ian Bekker (Beks), died peacefully in Knysna on Tuesday 12 October 2021.  

After Matric he served in the Army Gymnasium at VoortrekkerHoogte and then Studied BA Law at Maties, followed by LL.B at Tukkies.  He would later further his studies with a B.Com and Higher Diploma in Tax Law. Ian had two children from his first marriage (Mark and Ashley) and then three daughters (Sandy, Belinda, Debra) with his second wife, Sally.  

Professionally, Ian practiced as an Advocate and as an attorney in large corporate businesses.  Later he ran his own practice in Midrand.  He served on the Midrand Town Council for 7 years (during which he also served as Deputy Mayor for several terms), 3 years as Chairman of the Management Committee and was later elected Chairman of the Midrand Chamber of Commerce. He was honoured for donating more than 150 pints of O Negative blood in his lifetime that would have been used to save multiple lives. 

Beks loved sport was good at it.  Having started his swimming training in earnest while still at school, Ian went on to represent SA at the World Student Games of 1963 and then competed in interprovincial swimming and waterpolo until late in his Masters years.  His waterpolo matches for Harlequins Club were a highlight in his week.   

Beks made "firm mates" for life put great value on these friendships. He told entertaining stories of misbehaviour during his boarding days in Founders and some of these were printed in the OD newsletters. 

Beks will be remembered as a legend and sorely missed by his family and friends.