Memories
Edwin Cameron
Wim Richter was my brother in law for nearly fifty years. Today, 23 May 2020, is Wim’s birthday. He would have been 74. The one near-certainty in our family, the one solid bulwark against infirmity and death, was that Wim would live as long as his father Albert, whom he so closely resembled in manner and physique; that he would survive, outliving us all, in good health, as Oom Albert did, until well into his 90s.
And then he didn’t. It is still shocking, the memory of those early hours on that summer’s morning in February last year, when, without apparent warning, his heart convulsed and stopped beating.
Yet as my sister Jeanie with quiet determination makes a new life, on her own, drawing deeply on resources gained in part from and during her 46 years of marriage to Wim, our certainty of Wim’s significance in all our lives has steadily grown.
He was an empiricist – a distinguished scientist, who believed implacably in the power of exploration and experiment and verification to offer us insight into our human selves and into the planet and cosmos we inhabit.
He was inexhaustibly curious, about astronomy and geology and geomorphology and oceans and climate and trees and the human genome and evolution and life’s diversity. And hundreds of other things. Like knots.
It was through his rudimentary front-lawn telescope, while I was still an undergraduate at Stellenbosch, after he and Jeanie had moved into their marital home in Wingate Park, the home Wim wanted to live in till he died – a wish he fulfilled – that I first saw the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn and the red wonder of Mars.
It was a night of wondrous revelation, guided by Wim’s matter-of-fact explanations.
It was on his instruction that I understood how to find true south (“die middelloodlyn”, a term, like many others, I learnt from him, the perpendicular bisector of the two Pointer stars, where that intersects with the extension of the longest arm of the Southern Cross). That explanation is one I’ve passed on repeatedly, to tens, maybe more than tens of people, in my own life; each receiving a part of Wim’s wisdom.
When Wim and Jean were married, I was at Stellenbosch, battling with my political convictions but more opaquely even with my sexuality. In both, I embraced a reality far from Wim’s. He grew up in a conservative Afrikaner working class household, where radical opinions and sexual diversity were probably unknown.
But when after much anguish I came out as proudly gay, Wim after initial hesitation became an unshakeable support. His pride and loyalty eventually extended to my political causes.
And when I took my most risky personal journey, sharing my HIV status with the world, Wim had utterly no doubt that I was doing the right thing. I worried that I was exposing him and Jeanie, and Marlise and Graham, to slights and stigma. He discounted this utterly. I was doing the right thing.
The same unshakeable support radiated from Wim’s total being when I published my first memoir, Witness to AIDS – so much so that the first printing’s dedication was “To Wim and Jean” – until he asked me to change the order in the further print runs, to put Jeanie first.
He could be stern and instructorial, but he also loved to laugh, and especially enjoyed subversive humour – jokes and stories and situations that revealed the fragility and vanity of our human pretensions.
In the 1970s, before Marlise and Graham were born, I went with Wim and Jean to the Alexander Theatre, in Sunnyside, to see PG du Plessis’s ‘n Seder Val in Waterkloof. The play depicts a very grand, very snobbish, upwardly ambitious Afrikaner family with a secret to hide – a rough-cut working-class uncle from Krugersdorp who arrives unexpectedly and unwelcomely to upend their Waterkloof pretensions.
Around the family dinner table, the elegant academic and political grandees raise their glasses. “Prosit!” says one. “Salut!” says another. “Santé!” says a third.
The Krugersdorp uncle was having none of this. “Tjorts sê die aap!” he loudly exclaims, to embarrassment and shock, swigging his entire wineglass back.
Wim roared with laughter, in the theatre and afterwards. He never stopped finding this funny.
“Tjorts se die aap!” became our family toast. It still is.
So, on this, his 74th birthday, I raise a grateful and respectful toast to Wim:
Tjorts sê die aap. Your solid moral presence in our lives, your unshakeable integrity, your firmness of purpose remain anchors for me, for all of us.
Edwin Cameron
Graham Richter
On Monday 18 February 2019, Wim passed away peacefully during his sleep at the age of 72. He leaves behind his wife Jean, sister Trudi, daughter Marlise, son Graham and his grandchildren Liam, Clara and Linda.
Wim was widely known for his deep wisdom, his gentle nature, his quick wit and his up-beat, rock-steady, cool and calm approach to life. He was a beacon of sensibility, rationality and decent human values.
He held and promoted a deep belief in science and the quest for understanding the universe we live in. He would often say "die lewe is vol dingetjies". This quote told of his fascination with how the world would always seem to generously provide an endless number of interesting things that required further investigation, tinkering and understanding. He would spend hours, days and months studying the most arcane of natural phenomena, conducting experiments, logging data, painstakingly piecing together a coherent picture of how the world works, and then patiently and expertly sharing with others the fascinating insights he had gained. His hobbyist projects were sometimes frivolous (iron smelting), frequently useful (baking the perfect bread, cultivating a rare mushroom, or finding the optimal chemical process for making compost) and often groundbreaking (micropropagation of the Burkea Africana tree). Nothing escaped his inquiring mind.
He was a good man. He held a deep belief that basic human decency was the greatest virtue, followed closely by loyalty and respect for others. Serving his family was his top priority above all else. "Always pay your dues". He sought a simple life, enriched with close family and unencumbered with nonsense and pretense. He had a hearty laugh. He loved a sip of Amarula on occasion and would invariably raise his glass in a toast, exclaiming "To Life!" and then mesmerise his audience with humorous tales and anecdotes. His favourites were repeated often.
He loved nature. His best holidays were spent camping under the Milky Way in the Drakensberg and his favourite pastimes included hiking in the Magaliesberg. He seemed to know everything about the natural world. He could rattle off all the names of stars, constellations, galaxies and would happily tell you exactly how they were formed and philosophise about why. He could tell you the chemical composition of just about any substance and identify the particular subspecies of a blade of grass stuck on your shoe. Armed with his trusty but ancient HP calculator, his encyclopedic knowledge and his formidable brain, he could solve just about any problem and did so with zeal.
He was dearly loved by almost anyone who crossed his path. He had a particularly soft spot for the outcast and downtrodden and he would generously lavish support, advice and money as required. People seemed to gravitate towards him for his wise counsel, his deep understanding of the human psyche and above all else, his ability to sit and really listen.
His illustrious research career at the CSIR bore many fruits and his numerous patents have benefited society greatly. His work on Bioceramics in particular made him well known in the scientific community and he won various international awards. His invention of a movable prosthetic eye impacted the lives of countless people around the world, giving them renewed confidence to face the world.
Wim will be missed deeply by all those who knew him. But he will live on, both in the values he instilled in those around him and in the genes he has passed on, and the world is a better place for it.
Marlise Richter
Wim – of die ‘Ou Kêrel’ soos ons hom meestal genoem het – se laaste twee aktiwiteite saam met my was om ‘n Kiepersolboom met ons almal te plant vir sy nuwe kleindogter Linda; en daarop aan te dring dat hy my bloeddruk neem met sy nuwe bloeddrukmeter. Ek was só haastig want ons was oppad lughawe toe terug Kaap toe, en ek het hom plegtig laat belowe hy sal nie met my raas as dit hoog is nie. Hy het my by die kombuistafel laat sit, my bloeddruk tydsaam geneem, na die lesing gekyk en ligweg gesê “Hmmm… dis nogals hoog” en onmiddellik daarna ons tasse in sy liewe, geduikte Toyota gelaai en vir my, Marc en Linda Lanseria toe geneem.
Ek wens ek het daarop aangedring dat ons sy bloeddruk terselfdetyd geneem het.
Ons het so heerlik saam met hom gekuier, baie koppies tee gedrink op die stoep, en filsofieë uitgeruil. Dit was ‘n voorreg om hom gesond en vol lewenslus en wyshede te sien.
Die skok om twee dae daarna te verneem van sy dood was daarom nog meer verstommend (natuurlik dink almal hulle pa’s is onoorwinbaar en onverskrokke). Ons vermoed dit was ‘n groot hartaanval in die vroeë oggendure, en ten spyte van Jean en ons staatmakerbuurman Roelof se beste pogings om hom te help met resussitasie, was daar niks wat hulle - of die paramedici effens later - kon doen nie.
Ek en my pa het gereeld gesels oor wat ‘n “goeie dood” behels. Ons het sterk aan die uitgangspunte van Death Café geglo waaraan ons beide deelgeneem het. Wim se dood gemeet teen alle kriteria was ‘n goeie en vreedsame een. Hy is skielik oorlede in sy slaap sonder enige lyding, na hy saam met verskeie familielede gekuier het en na ‘n pragtige en aktiewe Sondag in die Magaliesberg. Hy was besig om interessante boeke te lees en videos te kyk, sy rekenaar het goedgewerk en die internetsein was sterk, dit het baie gereën wat hulle tuin net nog meer ruig en groen gemaak het, en alhoewel hy nie die R210 miljoen Powerball Lotto gewen het Vrydag nie, het hy darem 'n paar nommers reggehad en R10 losgeslaan. Hy het uitgesien om tennis te speel, om meer plante te propageer, sy erdwurmkolonie te vergroot, om sy nuwe boek Factfulness te lees en tyd saam met sy sus Trudi te spandeer.
Hy was omring deur liefde (van vriende, familie en honde), vriendskap, goeie verhoudings en intellektuele en praktiese uitdagings.
Wat ‘n voorreg om so ‘n wonderlike pa te gehad het, en om vir meer as 42 jaar hom te geken het.
Sean Moolman
Ai, al vir omtrent 3 jaar het ek op my 'to do list' dat ek vir Wim wil opspoor net om te hoor hoe dit gaan. Ek het hier en daar op sosiale media gesoek, maar het tot my groot spyt nie hard genoeg probeer nie. Toe ek nou 'n week gelede weer 'n hernude poging aanwend, hoor ek die hartseer nuus dat Wim reeds in Februarie 2019 oorlede is. Ek is vreeslik laat, maar wil net my innige simpatie oordra aan Jean en Wim se hele familie. Hy het so 'n groot indruk op my lewe gelaat dat ek nie kan nalaat om ook iets hier te skryf nie, laatheid ten spyt. Soos so baie ander hier noem, was Wim 'n ware heer. Behalwe vir sy onblusbare nuuskierigheid oor wetenskap en die heelal, het hy 'n diepe deernis vir sy medemens gehad. Sy saggeaarde en geduldige benadering kon selfs die grootste boelies ontwapen en kalmeer. Ek was bevoorreg om vir 10 jaar saam met Wim te werk, en het hom as 'n mentor gesien in beide wetenskap en hoe mens jou weg deur die lewe moet baan. Dankie, Wim, vir die onkreukbare voorbeeld wat jy vir my en ontelbare ander by die WNNR en in jou lewe was.
Isabel Richter
Ek onthou Wim as 'n ware Richter: iemand van onkreukbare integriteit, 'n groot hart en 'n wye glimlag. Na 'n gesprek met hom en Jean het jy weggestap met die wete - daar is nog baie goed in hierdie ou wêreld! Mag sy voorbeeld vir ons wat agtergebly het as inspirasie dien
Otto Schmid
Wim, you are one of those guys who should have gotten old and grey with a long white beard and provide pearls of wisdom to those who come to you for advice. Instead you went home to be with the Lord so soon. It doesn't seem fair that we have been deprived of having you here on earth. There is so much more wisdom you could have provided us with and also encouraged many more people while they were going through a difficult time. In Mattek I remember you as the scientist who loved his work and took pride in explaining it to others. And also as the friend who encouraged me while I was going through a difficult time. And for that I will always be grateful. Thank you for bringing sunshine into my life. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven again.
Theo Odendaal
Ek, Wim en Jean het (saam met 'n groep natuurliefhebbers) op sy laaste dag onkruid in die Magaliesberg help uitroei. Ek het die grootste deel van 'n heerlike dag saam met Wim en Jean deurgebring. Dit was met verslaenheid day ek die volgende oggend van sy afsterwe die afgelope nag gehoor het. Ek plaas op Jean se versoek die bedankings-epos wat ek die volgende dag vir die groep gestuur het, sonder enige verandering: "Goeiedag stapvriende, Alhoewel hierdie oorspronklik 'n bedankings-epos moes gewees het, moet ek ongelukkig met hartseer vertel dat ek in kennis gestel is van Wim Richter se afsterwe gisteraand. Ek was vreeslik bevoorreg om gister die grootste deel van die dag saam met Wim en Jean te kon spandeer. Dit was 'n groot vreugde om saam met twee sulke lieflike en aangename mense te kon werk - en dit boonop in die Magaliesberg waarvoor ons so lief is. Ek het hulle grappies en goedige siel-uittrek-spot vreeslik geniet. En dit na 46 jaar se getroude lewe saam! Daarmee saam egter ook baie dankie aan almal wat gister gehelp het en met soveel ywer en omgee ons klowe help mooi hou het. Ek dra my groot medelye aan Jean oor en wens haar baie sterkte toe. My simpatie ook aan Marise, wat met die Richters bevriend is."
Ingrid Els
My herinneringe van Oom Wim is spesiaal, omdat dit ook herrinering is van my Pappa wat so vroeg oorlede is. My Pappa, Carl Pistorius, en Oom Wim her saam gewerk by die WNNR, en ek onthou baie kuiers, en baie pret. Wim en Jean, en my ma, Martha, het al die jare kontak gehou, en ek dink dit was vit haar wonderlik om kontak te hou met Wim en Jean, mense wat ook lief was vir my Pa, en hom goed geken het. Die laaste keer wat ek Oom Wim gesien het, het ons lekker gesels van die ou dae, en van my Pappa, en dit was toe hy my ma en ek kom help het om skilderye en fotos te hang, net ‘npaarjaar gelede. Dankie vit pragtige herinneringe, ‘n wonderlike mens wat ek met liefde sal onthou.
Roger Nilen
So sad to hear the news, and my deepest condolences to Jean, Marlise, Graham and the entire Richter family. I worked with Wim at the CSIR for three years (all too few!) – he was a brilliant scientist, fantastic mentor and the kindest friend one could hope for. Just one quick anecdote to share: My wife and I had been struggling for some time to conceive – a struggle that led to a triplet pregnancy in 2006. The concern on the doctor’s face and a quick trip through Google plunged us into despair – we were quite simply terrified of the risks a triplet pregnancy might entail. I broke down in tears in Wim’s office the next morning, explaining all my fears. He smiled, put his arm around me and said “Roger, I want you to walk to the top of the nearest hill and shout out ‘I’m a father, I’m a father, I’m a father’ – because three are on their way!”. I was immediately filled with hope, and now, 13 years later, I’m about to take the three lads to their weekly football practice. I think often about how Wim supported Zoe and I during that time, and remember with great fondest my years at the CSIR with him - what a wonderful man he was!
Gesine Meyer-Rath
Of everyone here I’ve probably spent the least amount of time with Wimpels, but he left such a deep impression that I named my first model after him- WIM, the Workplace Impact Model. Dearest Jean, Marlise, Graham, and grandkids, you shaped and were shaped by a truly exceptional human being. I’m just so glad I got to meet him.
Brian Rothman
It was with great sadness of hearing about the passing of Wim. A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Please accept my condolences, he will not be forgotten. I was fortunate enough to work with Wim, even for a short while and in that time I discovered what a honorable and amazing man he was, not only a brilliant scientist, but an extraordinary teacher and a family man. He was never too busy too assist an inquiring mind and help a fellow researcher. Not only will I miss him, but the scientific community has lost a legend. One thing i will never forget is how Wim convinced me to eat something i hated. Lasange. For no reason i just hated lasange. One evening we had dinner there and lasange was on the menu and i didn't want to eat. Wim quietly pulled this fussy boy aside and said "My boy, how can you hate it if you have never tried it" Today lasange is still my favourite dish. Wim just had a way with people. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you, Marlize, Graham and your family in this difficult time and you are in our prayers and thoughts. My wife never go the chance to meet Wim, but i wish she did. He changed peoples lives. To Jean, Graham, Marlize and family and friends, May he soar high with the angels and look down upon you with love and forever be in your hearts. Best wishes of love and strength.
Diane Rothman
Wim was my friend for 50 years. I chose him for my best friend Jean and he gave her a lifetime of happiness and exceptionally talented Graham and Marlise . Over such a long span of time there are so many happy memories of partying at the CSIR, hiking,and dinner evenings. He was a very special, kind and talented person and has left a void in our lives. He will be sorely missed by Diane, John and my family. Rest in peace Wim.
Ricia Riekert (Klas van '63)
Hi Wimpie. Jy het ons so skielik verlaat. Wat n voorreg om van graad 1 tot matriek in dieselfde skool en klas te wees. Ons was omtrent 6 en nou het jy, Ria Stone en Piet van den Berg ons reeds vooruit gegaan. Ek het my al voorberei vir ons geselsie met die volgende reünie. Jy en ek kon so lekker redeneer oor wiskunde, wetenskap en vele meer. Ek het myself partykeer gewip maar jy was toe al die ewige gentleman en het net geglimlag. I salute you. What a privilege to have known a big spirit like you. Liefde. Ricia
Karen Wallis
Such a sad reason to be in touch. When we first arrived in South Africa the Richter family was one of the first to open their arms to us, along with the lovely Clarks. We would go out to Wim's dad's farm on a Sunday for a family braai. My Dad and Wim became firm friends and confidantes. He was a permanent fixture in my Dad's life and then in Jeremy's as a mentor and just the kindest guy ever. Jen, Neill and I loved growing up with Jean and Wim on the sidelines of our lives. I am so glad that your Dad came across our journey, sending lots of love and light to your Mum. X
Jeremy Wallis
Condolences Jean and family, thinking of you all x Wim left a tremendous impression on my life and so many others that I know. He was truly one of my great mentors along with people like Stewart, helped me so much in those early days at CSIR, even supervising my MSc. My office was opposite Wim's for many years and we chatted so much, about work of course, but with Wim, there was always that ability to touch you personally and enquire about your family life. He knew about keeping things in balance and I always enjoyed hearing his stories of the latest hiking trip with you guys. A couple of anecdotes come to mind when I think of Wim and these are stories I remember & tell often. One was a conversation we had about being out of the city, spending time out in the bush. He loved his hiking and us our camping. He explained to me the one time that humans evolved in nature and that the concrete jungle just isn't who we are, it's not in our souls and that's why we have to make time to get away. We continue to do that to this day and I rarely don't remember his comment as we drive back into town and the billboards rise from the horizon! Another was a discussion about a technology that was about to disappear from work and he likened it to a snow flake. He said that snow flakes are beautiful and delicate things and are only created under special conditions and that they take time to form. If you let it go though, you're left with a droplet of water and you can't just ask for the snow flake back, it's gone and will take time and a special set of circumstances before it'll happen again. Perhaps there was something of the snow flake in Wim, certainly a rare & wonderful person to have known. All my love, Jeremy.
Bruce Berger
The World has lost a wonderful man. Wim, you impacted us all in so many special ways. We are poorer for your passing, but also richer for all that you have left behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean, Graham, Marlise and family. Bruce Berger and family.
Michael Thackeray
To Jean, Graham, Marlise and the extended Richter family: It was with shock and great sadness that Lisa, Caryn, Anna, Lara and I learnt of Wim's sudden and unexpected passing. He was the epitome of how life should be lived in its fullness and in all its good senses, which he showed through his love of humanity and the natural world. We are going to miss his email messages and photos that he sent from time to time to maintain contact after we had left South Africa for Chicago, always reflecting his broad interest in matters both personal and practical. We have lost a wonderful soul - rest in peace, dear Wim.
Ottilie Neser
Ons het Wim op Donderdae leer ken - in die Magaliesberg - in mooi ongerepte veld, maar later ook met uitroei van indringerplante in die klowe. Wim was alyd reg om jou oor 'n moeilike plek te help of iets aan te gee. Hy kon woes hard werk met die indringerplante... Ek het Wim en Jean se hulp daarmee ongelooflik baie waardeer. Later het die indringerplante van Garstkloof hom en Jean ook ingetrek. Helde op beide plekke. Wim se vrolikheid en bedagsaamheid sal goed onthou word! Sal hom mis.
Lydia Le Roux
Ai Wim! Wat ‘n wonderlike man en waardige heer. Die wêreld gaan armer sonder jou wees. Ons gaan jou mis en nooit vergeet nie! Hierdie gedig laat my so aan jou dink: Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Max Ehrmann, 1948 Nag ou grote, rus sag
Michelle Lubbe
Dear Wim, You were respected by all of us — Pierre, Michelle, Shell~Mari and Wim. During the 2017 tennis camp, Shell and Wim remarked that, as a couple, they wanted to 'grow old' like you and Jean. You were very special to them. Wim, you will be, remembered as a wise, mature, gentle spirit who lived your life with contentment. We pray for Jean and her loved ones in this sad time. You will be greatly missed.
Michelle Lubbe
Wim, you were respected by us (Pierre, Michelle, Shell—Mari and Wim). It was a privilege to have known you. On the tennis camp during 2017, Shell and Wim remarked to Pierre and me how they wanted to 'grow old' like you and Jean. You were a mature. strong. gentle spirit and you had so much contentment. You will be missed, Wim! Our prayers go out to Jean and her loved ones.
Mark Rohwer
I was only a relatively small part of Wim's life, and he of mine. And yet, we had a very cordial relationship, the memory of which I shall always cherish. I knew him as a colleague at CSIR, where he always impressed me with his calm and friendly nature. After he and some others retired, a few of us kept in touch by e-mail, exchanging interesting bits of news, developments in popular science and technology, and not least, rainfall figures. Wim's passing came as a sad shock to me, but I'm glad that he was so intensely embedded in his family and circle of friends. I hope and pray that his loved ones will find consolation and strength, and that some part of his joie de vivre will remain with them.
Liz Van Wyk
Another wonderful man has gone....Wim was special. He was kind and full of wisdom. I was always happy when Wim and Jean joined the hiking group on Thursdays. He had a great sense of humour and was passionate about the outdoors. Thanks, Wim, wherever you are , for the lovely photos you forwarded to us after our hikes. My sincere condolences to Jean, Graham, Marlise and the rest of the family. So glad that you are part of my happy memories. Keep smiling...Wim would have wanted it so.
Desire Uys
Liewe Jean, Edwin en die res van die familie, my hart is seer van meegevoel met julle groot verlies. Ek het Wim leer ken as skooldogter toe hy by Jean gekuier het. Vol wysheid en grappies. Altyd spitsvondig. Gewonder hoeveel jaar hulle nog sou uitgaan voor hulle sou trou. Studies was aan die orde van die dag. Dit was n vooreg om jou te ken Wim. Dierbare mens. Mag die Here julle versterk in die dae wat voorle en self vertroos met Sy liefde.
Brenda Bradley
I was very very sad to hear about Wim. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. A friend, mentor and colleague to me over many years. My sincere condolences to all the family and love to Jean. Thanks for the lucky beans Wim
Lara Kotze-Jacobs
Wim was my heel eerste kollega by die CSIR toe ek as 25 jarige vars uit univeristeit saammet hom begin werk het. Wat n wonderlike mens en kollega! Wim was altyd uiters professioneel en mens kon sy werk en verslae altyd deur n ring trek! Daar is 'n paar kollegas wat diep spore in my hart getrap het en Wim is vir seker een van hulle. Sy goeie en deurdagte raad oor die wetenskap en ook die daaglikse uitdagings in 'n veranderende wêreld het altyd die wêreld vir my beteken. Sy beste 2 brokkies raad aan my was as volg: #1 Pas jouself in jou jeug op sodat jy eendag jou oudag kan geniet! #2 Dinge by die werk gaan voortdurend verander en daars niks nuuts onder die son nie, doen jou werk en gaan rustig voort, hê n goeie balans tussen werk en familie. Jou familie bly die belangrikste! Ek gaan jou mis Wim. Dankie vir jou inspraak in my lewe. ons innige meegevoel en simpatie.
Paula Cross
During our life's journey we cross paths with countless people. Some become friends, some we never see again, and others we meet and wish we could get to know them better. For me, Wim fitted squarely into the last category. As one of Jean's Bridge Club friends I only got to spend time with Wim on 2 "bridge" occasions, but one didn't need much time to realise that here was a man - a gentle, kind and gracious man who made you feel blessed that he crossed your path. I cannot imagine a better husband for my friend.
Neville Comins
The news we received from Jean about Wim’s sudden passing on Wednesday was devastating for Margaret and I. Our sincere condolences to the whole family at this great loss and in the months to come, your friends are always there for you. This event brought back a flood of memories of having Wim and Jean, and family, as friends and colleagues for over 45 years. We first met Wim, and later Jean, soon after their return to South Africa from a time in the USA and Canada in 1973. We had also recently returned from Canada and the UK and so we had many notes to compare during our meeting at CSIR. As we came to know Wim, we realised that not only was he a very talented scientist but perhaps more important he was a person of total integrity who cared deeply for his fellow man. If you needed something or wanted honest advice, Wim was someone to whom many people turned. Although he worked in the different group at CSIR, we were ‘neighbours’ in the labs and thus spent time on a daily basis. Over the years, the CSIR evolved and we were both part of a new Division of Material Science and Technology, in my case related to metals while Wim was one of the leaders in ceramics. Wim in his humble way never sought the limelight or entered into the ‘organisational politics’ of the later years, which with hindsight showed a wise man. He continued with his strong research career and contributed to many successful projects. Through what became very turbulent times at CSIR, Wim was always there to keep a level head and offer wise council, when asked. As the years passed, Wim together with his close associate, the late Dr Mickey Thomas, started working in the field of bio-ceramics and entered into teams with medical specialists to develop a number of unique products used to make a significant difference in people’s lives. He became internationally recognised for this work and received awards. As with all scientific research, there are moments of despair and those of elation when things work out, but in all this it was Wim’s humanity that drove him to succeed to contribute in this important field. While one has many acquaintances in a working environment, Wim, Jean and family became close friends. We celebrated many New Year’s Eves together, with much mirth and enjoyment, with the late Stuart Hart playing the bagpipes as a highlight of the evenings. We watched all our children grow up and move on to successful studies and careers, and without doubt in recent years, Wim was at his happiest talking about his grandchildren. When overseas, we would receive pictures of a smiling grandfather having immense fun with his grandchildren. At home, during visits, I would always be amazed with experiments that he was carrying out. He had installed a whole heating system using hot air for the ceiling space, with monitors and controls to adjust performance. This was just Wim. He talked of his tennis matches and I admired his ability to still be on the tennis courts, long after I became a spectator. His sudden parting leaves a significant gap in our lives. Our regular lunches together, often at the National Botanical Gardens, with time to catch up on the latest happenings, are now a fond memory. We will always remember Wim as a loving family man, an outstanding scientist, but also his consistent set of life values which pervaded everything he did. We have lost a true friend and a wonderful person. Our condolences go to Jean and their extended families. Rest in peace, Wim
Mauritz Coetzee
Wim! Ek groet jou! Ek bedank jou vir vele aangename geleenthede op die tennisbaan en sosiaal. Met jou gesonde leefstyl voel dit beslis voortydig en is die realiteit van 'verbygaan' nie lekker nie. (En ja, ek bedank jou ook vir die elegante, nie-konfronterende wyse waarop jy verskille in uitkyk hanteer het en dat dit nie jou vriendelikheid beinvloed het nie.) Vrede vir jou!
Ben Maritz
As klein kind was Wim my ouer neef wat slim en wonderlike goed kon doen. Soos sy pa, het hy 'n ondersoekende verstand gehad en soos sy ma, wysheid en deursettingsvermoe. Ons is dankbaar vir sy lewe
Gerdi Wolfswinkel
Liewe gesin & spesiaal aan Tannie Jean, Graham & Marlise. Dis met groot hartseer wat ons gehoor het van Oom Wim se afsterwe ...so skielik. Ja spyte kom altyd te laat....ons moes lankal weer 'n Richter familie byeenkoms gehou het...waarby ek weet julle sou wees. Die min kere wat ek hom in my lewe ooit gesien het...was wel net by familie saamtrekke en miskien hier en daar 'n begrafnis...maar hy het altyd 'n groot indruk gemaak op my. 'n Regte GENTLEMEN! Mens kon sy hart sien...sy omgee vir sy geliefdes en het altyd aandag gegee aan jonk en oud. Dit maak my hart bly om te sien die vol lewe wat hy geleef het...en die foto's is so pragtig. Jul is 'n gelukkige en geseende familie. So trots op julle...want julle is Richters!!! Ons gaan hom baie mis en ons dink aan jul wat agtergebly het in ons gebede. Lief julle almal.
Jennifer Hale
We loved Wim. A gentle man who loved nature and a perfect gentleman. He was caring of others, fun and so interesting to spend time with. He loved his home and family so much. We will miss you Wim and we will help care for our dearest Jeanie. RIP jenny
Benita Du Preez
Al het ek hom nie baie gesien nie, onthou ek hom as iemand wat respek afgedwing het. N sagte goeie mens wie se glimlag ver verby sy mond gestrek het! Baie sterkte drukkies en troos aan almal wat hy agtergelaat het!!
Sandy Nel
What a super loving man Wim was. Alwats ready with a warm smile and never walked passed you at the vlub eithout a warm greeting and exchanging a few wirds. Never just walked by. The world is a sad and lonely place without your loving kindness. May we meet again...... Much love to the wonderfull family. Sandy (Nel)
Neville Young
Having spent 5 years working at the CSIR in an office a few away from Wim’s, I had not seen him after I left there in 1987 until surprise, surprise, I walked around a corner and bumped into him at the CSIR gym in about 2010. We had occasional chats there and one day – knowing my astronomy interest - he said he was clearing house and wanted his telescope to be used. I can’t remember if he delivered it to me of if we simply transferred it from his boot to mine outside the gym. It took a few years for me to find the perfect use for the scope when in 2018 I started lecturing layman level astronomy to 3rd medical students at Sefako Makgatho University – formerly known as Medunsa. His telescope being a basic and therefore easily understandable piece of technology, the students learned how a telescope works and how to operate it. Wim was real chuffed that it could be used in this way when I sent him a photograph of the students at the telescope. I did the same with the 2019 students but the photograph in the email arrived just to late – Jean found it in his inbox. He had recently found an another eyepiece for the scope and so we were arranging for him to visit me for a coffee early this year. Sadly that won’t happen. I dug deep into my photo archive and found prints of photos I took when a CSIR group ventured to parachute jump at Wonderboom airport and I chickened out to rather be the photographer than a jumper. Wim looked as relaxed and cheerful as always. I will always look out for Wim sitting on a star when I am enjoying the night skies from my observatory.
Jannie De Bruyn
Wimpie was 'n reus onder mense. Goeie geselsskap en ek sal altyd sy sagmoedigheid en beleefdheid onthou. 'n goeie 1ste span rugby haker en op sy beskeie manier 'n haker van skool maats en seker baie kennisse en vriende. Goeie skoolmaat van my en sal vir Wimpie met sy borselkop aktyd onthou. Woeker voort Wimpie. Jannie
Gill And Brian Collett
With his love of nature Wim took pleasure in propagating various indigenous trees from seed. How privileged we are that he gave us two saplings that have grown into two lovely large trees as you can see in the photograph. We always think of Wim whenever we pass under these trees. The world needs more people like Wim.