19th FEBRUARY 2013 TRIBUTE FROM JOHN OSTERBERG Alex’s family and I are most grateful to the many friends who contributed to this eulogy, especially Piet de Bruijn, Rob Blair, Mary Lovemore and Wally Richards. ALEXANDER HERHOLDT SIEMERS was born in 1927 in Cape Town. His Father was, at that time, stationmaster in the beautiful town of Franschoek. Alex was the youngest of five children: two girls and three boys and was named after his father. His unusual middle name was the surname of his paternal grandmother. During Alex’s early years, the family moved frequently as his father was transferred from one station to another, eventually achieving a senior management position in the South African Railways, having started work as a messenger. As well as Franschoek, they lived in Cape Town, Mafeking, Port Elizabeth and Vereeniging. When Alex left school, he went to Stellenbosch University and took a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Chemistry and Zoology followed by a teaching diploma. He would really have liked to study medicine but felt his parents could not afford to support him through such a long course of study. However, he took a lifelong interest in medical science – as any doctor who has ever treated him will attest! After graduating, he secured a post as a science teacher in charge of chemistry at Prince Edward School in Harare. He moved to Zimbabwe in 1951 and it was at Prince Edward that I first met him in 1956. ALEXANDER SIEMERS was my friend, which many believe unusual as he was also my Teacher. But I now know how many former pupils regarded him as their friend, and vice-versa. His physical stature and body weight belie a giant of a man who had so much influence on so many lives. I was privileged to have been thus touched. Alex married Dawn when in his mid 30’s and each of us had 3 children of a similar age, all 6 at Blakiston Junior School at the same time. And so our families have been intertwined ever since. When he was dying, Alex said, “One of the most wonderful things in my life was being married.” FROM PIETER de BRUIJN: Alex, a friend, in a friendship stretching over sixty-three years. Ever a loyal friend, who never failed to encourage. He was a man of great intellect was saved from solemnity by an ever-present and sometimes wicked sense of humour. It was a combination of intelligence and humour that drove him to carry out acts of innocent cunning. Schoolboys are notoriously perceptive and so it was that he soon acquired the nickname FOXY. There will be many here today who will still think of him by that name, and it is a name which carries with it affection and respect. We remember Alex as an outstanding teacher, so good in fact that he was promoted out of the classroom at an early age in order to place him in a position where his teaching know-how could be passed to a wider range of teachers. I was lucky enough to experience his teaching first hand. In our ‘A’ level year Alex had been in Northern Rhodesia as an inspector. We had inexperienced and ever changing teachers for Chemistry. Alex got us together at the start of the Sixth and final term and told us unequivocally that if he taught us and we worked, he would get us ALL (i.e. 12 students) through ‘A’ level. And he darn-well did. In 1953 he founded the Rhodesian Schools Exploration Society, and led remarkable expeditions up Kilamanjaro, two raft and one canoe trips down the middle Zambesi amd Chimanimani expeditions. In all the Society organised 60 expeditions. For me there are so many, many, memories over the nearly 60 years, a few to share with you if I may? Zam Tiki – blind alley – offload push 1½t upstream, pushed and looked...... piercing cry - mind works faster than eye. I believed Alex missing a leg as he shot out of the water, but thankfully only an electric barbel. Every Prince Edward Old Boy here today will remember with much pleasure and nostalgia the Golden Years Reunion at Troutbeck in 1995. Well it might not have taken place had the the Committee not cajoled Alex into being the Chairman and driving force. He spent a year in the USA on a Fullbright Scholarship in 1962/63 studying the teaching of science at all levels and visiting science fairs. His experiences in America led to him founding the Young Scientists’ Exhibition. He also started the Mushandike Primary Schools Project, where pupils were able to spend a week in a game park with pupils and teachers gaining hands-on experience of wildlie study and management. Alex moved his way up the administrative ranks of Ministry of Education becoming Deputy Secretary in 1977. No doubt he would have become Secretary but Independence came. Still he was the confidant of the new Minister, even travelling abroad with him. In 1980, Alex suffered a severe stroke, whilst in Sri Lanka on department business. He retired from the ministry of Education on the grounds of ill health. He became depressed and felt that his life was over. It is great credit to Dawn that she refused to let him give up and nursed him back to health. After about a year he felt well enough to look for another teaching job – nothing too stressful. And so Alex entered commercial education – as Head of Speciss College and later as Managing Director, where he worked with a man he very much respected and admired – George Loverdos. Unfortunately, George is not well and so is unable to be with us today. It was for his role as Managing Director of Speciss College that Alex won the Businessman of the Year Award in 1989 – a very prestigious accolade, and a fitting tribute to a man of so many talents. During his time at Speciss, Alex oversaw the successful blossoming of what is now known as the Chitepo Campus High School which filled a useful niche in the market providing a non-traditional schooling, which was very popular with the expatriate community then in Harare. Alex retired from Speciss in 1990 but remained involved in Speciss as a member of Board of Directors till his death. Ever since his arrival in 1951 Alex was a keen member of the Rhodesian Scientific Association serving on the Association’s Council for many years, and as President twice. He organised an annual School lecture for several years and played a major role in helping to keep the Association’s publication “Science News” going. In 1984 Alex was elected Honorary Life Membership of the Zimbabwe Scientific Association, in Alex’s words, “the equivalent of a Zimbabwean Knighthood”. Alex achieved so much in his 85 years but what made him a giant amongst his peers was the pleasure he derived from the achievements of his friends – his ex-pupils. To quote Wally Richards – who did two Zambezi expeditions with Alex – (one losing the raft and the other having the back of the canoe chomped by a hippo) Wally himself was a great educator who became Headmaster of Arundel School. He said “Alex could see the best in schoolboys and was able to make them realize their full potential by allowing them room to make mistakes, take on huge responsibilities and by respecting them for what they did. What a gift he gave us and what a legacy of self sufficiency those of us who were on those adventures gained” Alex remained close to all his family, He delighted in following the progress of his children, nieces and nephews and, ultimately his grandchildren. He said, “My family was everything to me.” Ever honest and stoical when death was staring him in the face Alex was neither scared nor sorrowful – he said that he had done during his life pretty well all that he set out to do. It is said that the mark of a true leader is what happens when he is not there. Today we are paying tribute to a leader who is no longer there but his leadership goes on. It is carried on by a generation of schoolboys who grew up under his influence and who went out into the world to mature their leadership to reach the top of their chosen careers. Those of them who were able to do so are here today. Their very presence is a silent and powerful accolade for Alex. We share the grief of Dawn, Lynette, Alexander Paul and your family as we mourn your passing and salute a great man. Again from Wally “He has writ large on his life’s page and has inspired, influenced, guided, helped and encouraged thousands of young men and women and we salute him.” And so Alex - Your spirit may be still, but your fingerprints will not fade from all the lives you touched.. TRIBUTE FROM MALCOLM MIDDLETON ALEX SIEMERS AND BLUE KERRY A passage from the Bible says “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who has promised is faithful and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10: 23&24) I believe this passage epitomizes Alex and his attitude toward his family, the people around him and to Blue Kerry. Alex and Dawn moved into Blue Kerry in 1999, and when I look back into the correspondence that went back and forth, he was always polite, but also always determined to achieve the best situation for his family. Alex and Dawn had not been long here at Blue Kerry when, typical of Alex’s interest and concern for those around him, they became Chairman and Secretary of the Resident’s Club. They served Blue Kerry in this capacity for a number of years. There is no need to say who was the Chairman!! Alex was always prepared to play a leading role in the affairs of Blue Kerry. During the difficult times he and others played a very important part in keeping the place going. A good example of this is when Alex organized residents to do “Borehole pump duties”. This entailed people attending to one borehole on a roster basis, switching the pump on for a few minutes until the water ran dry, switching the pump off until the water level had recovered sufficiently to pump water again.. The fact is that he managed to motivate and convince the residents to do this not so pleasant task, night and day. That was a measure of the man whose life we celebrate today. He was able to get the last drop of water out of the ground and the last drop of effort out of the people around him. Alex was very proud of the fact that he was keen on the preservation of the reptiles around this establishment. He proudly showed off his very crooked finger, due to a very crochety snake biting the hand that was trying to save it. He loved his tortoises and had, and Dawn has now, many of these little creatures to care for. When Alex embarked on a project, nothing stood in his way until he saw that project through. An example of this is the Memorial to Ged Bernard here at Blue Kerry. It is a fitting tribute to the man who made Blue Kerry possible. A fitting contribution to Ged Bernard’s memory made possible by a man who loved Blue Kerry – Alex Siemers – a good friend and a gentleman – we shall miss him and his wise council and steadying influence here at Blue Kerry. TRIBUTE FROM LYNETTE SIEMERS DAD “Thank you, Grandpa, for looking after us and being kind to us.” That was the tribute submitted by my son Malcolm, aged eight. On behalf of the family, I would like to thank all of you for being with us here today as we remember Dad in a place which was very special to him. We are privileged to be surrounded by these beautiful gardens in which he took such an active interest. His one regret would have been that he is not here in body to enjoy the company of so many of his good friends. In fact, when we planned the funeral service, he said to me, “I’d like to say something right at the end.” I will pay tribute to three aspects of Dad’s character: - His devotion to family and friends - His love for nature and wildlife - His willingness to help those in need Dad was not only a loving husband and father. He was a devoted brother and son. He was very good to his mother, Johanna, after his father’s death. He remained close to his siblings, Elsa and Bert and visited them whenever he could. He was deeply affected by the tragic early deaths of his sister, Helena, who died at eighteen from enteric fever, and his brother, Paul, who was killed in a car crash. In many ways, he regarded his close friends as simply an extension of his family: Bill Cock, Keith Coates-Palgrave and Ann Posner spring to mind but there are many others. My friends have told me that they felt welcomed into our home as though they were part of the family. Dad’s love of animals and plants is well known. He specifically requested the hymn “All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small”. When we lived at 29 Lawson Avenue, we kept a menagerie including more exotic pets such as snakes, crocodiles and spiders. Dad often took us into the bush for close encounters with wildlife. Once, I was with him and his friend, Tony Yeatman, on foot at Mana Pools when a lioness walked within twenty yards of us. There were no trees we could climb so we stood stock still and watched her pass. She lay down on an ant hill and watched us intently as we slowly backed away. Dad said, “She’s noting where we go in case she feels hungry later.” Even when the zoo was downsized following the move to Blue Kerry, Dad took an active interest in breeding tortoises, feeding the wild birds and capturing and releasing in Greystone Park nature reserve large Gambian rats. In fact, the day after Dad died, a tiny tortoise hatched. Mum says she will call it “Tokkie” in Dad’s honour as Tokkie was Dad’s family nickname. Finally, I would like to tell you what Alexander calls “The Parable of the Car” – an incident we all vividly remember. When I was at university, I was desperate to buy a car. I saved up my rand and finally purchased a dreadful old jalopy, which broke down on every street corner. The car completed its inglorious career by catching fire outside the University of Cape Town library, nearly taking the library and several other cars with it. When the fire engine had been summoned and the flames had died down, I called my Dad. He listened carefully as I explained the predicament. I now lived too far away from university for it to be sensible to walk plus I had evening lectures when it was not safe to walk home. He called back in a few days, “I’ve arranged for you to buy a better car,” he said. There were strict exchange regulations in those days so I had no idea how he did it but he bought me a brand new Mazda. When I was next home on holiday, I noticed that Dad’s prized Mercedes was missing from the garage. “Where’s Dad’s Mercedes?” I asked Mum. “How do you think he got that money to buy you a new car?” she asked. It always bothered me that Dad sold his beloved car on my behalf. It always bothered me that I never paid him back – bought him a new Mercedes. So I asked him about it recently. “Oh, that,” he said. “Funnily enough the buyer offered to sell it back to me a couple of years later but I said no. I didn’t want a Mercedes any more.” And I still don’t know if he really meant it or was just sparing my feelings. TRIBUTE FROM ALEXANDER SIEMERS As you have heard, Dad was a leader, a mentor, a teacher and a scientist, but he was also a great father. He was always immersed in one of his projects but he nevertheless found time for his family. I'll always remember our wonderful family holidays in Mozambique, South Africa, Chimanimani and Mana Pools. My Dad gave freely of his time and of his wisdom and he was a mentor and adviser to me, but he also taught me a lot purely through his actions... One example - when I was about 15, I decided it was high time that somebody schooled my parents in the fascinating art of computer programming. So I took it upon myself to design and present a basic programming course for both of them, using my ZX Spectrum computer. Well, it soon became apparent that my mother was the star student, whereas my Dad had great difficulty in grasping some of the concepts. I was unsure what to do next, worried that my rather backward pupil would react with anger or frustration. But instead he told me: “Alexander, don't worry that I don't understand. Not everyone learns at the same pace or in the same way. It's fine if others get more out of your course than I do.” My Dad may not have learned much about programming that day, but he taught me a big lesson about unselfishness and humility. I am honoured to have his name - Alexander or Alex. Many times my Mum was asked how she distinguished between us, having two Alexanders in the household. And then my Dad would invariably explain that when she called out "Alexander" or "Alex" it was meant for me. And when she called out "ALEC!" it was meant for him. In many ways I wished I could be more like him. And public speaking is one example where he excelled. I remember when my Dad and I both had to speak at my brother's wedding.The day before, I was frantically scribbling notes, rehearsing and worrying. Meanwhile, my Dad's method of preparation seemed to consist of relaxing on the sofa with his newspaper and a beer. And of course, the next day he gave an annoyingly good speech, without apparently practising at all. I knew my Dad was a brave man, but I only realised how courageous he was when I witnessed him struggling in his final days. And while that time has left a painful impression on me, its not really the way I want to remember him. I would like to remember him as the wise, witty, caring father that he was, and as a passionate and inspirational person. He will be missed very much by Susana, Isabela and Daniel in Christchurch, and I'd like to read what Isabela, my 17-year-old daughter, has written about her grandpa: She writes: One of my favourite things about Grandpa was his quick wit and sense of humour. My earliest memories of him are of intense games of piggy-in-the-middle - he would put the ball down and pretend to walk around distractedly, only to quickly grab it the moment I lunged for it! Having inherited Grandpa's love of animals, I can only hope to one day match his extensive menagerie of dogs, cats, snakes, crocodiles, hedgehogs, tortoises, and everything in between. He was - and is - an inspiration and I will miss him dearly. Daniel, my 13-year-old son, writes: My Grandfather was a brilliant man. I will never forget the times he used to play memory games with me as a child. In Australia he gave me a tiny toy buffalo and told me to always remember him when I look at it - and I always do. I remember how happy and fun our trip to Zimbabwe was. Grandpa taught me how to play Bridge and I will always think of him when I play it. He was always so positive and cheerful and I will really miss him. Lastly I would just like to say thank you to all of you for the wonderful kindness and support you have shown to my family. And thank you all very much for being here today. TRIBUTE FROM PAUL SIEMERS Firstly I would like to acknowledge the words of those who have spoken, and who already provided a generous tribute. In my turn I would particularly like to pay tribute to our father as a friend and mentor who encouraged me in everything that I did. When I was about 6 years old, marbles was a popular playground past time at Blakiston Kindergarten. Some children of doubtful repute spread the rumour that there was a huge hoard of marbles hidden under the roots of a particular tree in the playground: a hoard which I of course soon longed to discover. Rather than dismissing this out of hand, Dad took me to the playground one weekend and, with pick and shovel, conducted an extensive excavation around the tree. The marbles were, of course, never found, but I was given an early lesson in pursuing your dreams. Again, some years later, I decided I wanted to keep a pet river crab. Dad once again enthusiastically supported me. He and I were chasing some suitable crustaceans through the storm water drains near the University when a particularly big crab turned and seized Dad’s forefinger with its large pincers, Blood was drawn and Dad’s glasses, pen and cards fell out of his shirt pocket and into several inches of dirty water. On this occasion I learnt not only to follow your dreams, but also some choice new words in Afrikaans. During the early years of my career working in Zimbabwe, every evening when we walked the dogs we would discuss the problems and challenges that I was facing at work or in other areas of life and he would always offer me balanced wisdom and insight. Subsequently he always supported me in pursuing the opportunities that life presented, even when these took me to live on the other side of the world. Throughout my career he continued to take a very active interest in what I was doing, even if this meant reading IT strategies or rather obscure philosophical papers. So I would like to say goodbye not only to a wonderful father and friend but also to a great teacher and mentor. He will also be greatly missed by my family in Melbourne, especially by my wife Eloise and my son, named Alexander in his honour, who turns five today - and already displays his grandpa’s lively spirit and offbeat sense of humour. In closing I would like to read a short tribute from someone who shared so much of our father’s whole life, and who cared for him so selflessly as he grew older: Dawn Siemers, our devoted mother and Alex’s beloved wife of 47 years: Alex and I met in the Prince Edward science lab. I was going to university to study pharmacy and needed someone to give me a few chemistry lessons as I had not done chemistry at school. I asked my brother Dave if he had a good chemistry master at school and he said that he had an excellent master. However, he said that he did not think that he would give me lessons for two reasons. Firstly he was very busy and secondly he did not like girls! Well, it turned out that there was one girl that he did quite like – and we were married seven years later in the Prince Edward School chapel. That was the start of our adventure through life together. With Alex’s active and enquiring mind we were always learning something new and with his quirky sense of humour there were always lots of jokes to share. We had three wonderful children and now have six equally wonderful grandchildren. He was so proud of all his family and took a keen interest in all their achievements. Alex promised me that, even after death, he would never leave me and I am sure he will live on in all our hearts.