Northerns mourns the death of Dave Wilson
For years he ran the schoolboy’s team, and under his guidance Northerns produced many fine players.
Benoni Northerns founding member Dave Wilson died from Covid-19 complications on July 8.
Wilson was born in Johannesburg in 1941 and attended Highland North High School.
He graduated from Wits University as a CA and then went off to London, where he met and married Anne.
In 1966 he returned to South Africa with Anne and their one-year-old son, Douglas, where they settled in Northmead.
Wilson was a talented sportsman. In his young days, he played soccer for Wits and Highlands Park and was also chosen for the SA Universities Team.
He also played hockey for Aquilians Hockey Club (Highlands North Old Boys), but on returning from overseas he joined the Benoni Hockey Club, where he met Twis Dudley, who was the chief motivator in forming a hockey club in the northern suburbs.
The piece of ground was designated by Council as a multi-sports facility, which is now known as the Benoni Northern Area Sports Clubs. Dave was there from day one.
Wilson’s first love was hockey.
For years he ran the schoolboy’s team, and under his guidance Northerns produced many fine players that provided the club with the grounding to become a major force in Transvaal Hockey.
Wilson played in many masters hockey tournaments for Transvaal and Eastern Transvaal.
He also served a couple of terms as the main club treasurer and was responsible for the implementation of the necessary systems and disciplines which ensured the financial sustainability of the club.
According to Ted Jarvis, Wilson was a tough no-nonsense man who came to the rescue of the club whenever it faltered. He was also a respected gentleman of the highest integrity.
“His loyalty and love for Northerns was unfaltering,” said Jarvis.
“In 1988 the honour of being awarded life membership was introduced and Dave, with Manny Ferarinho, became the club’s first life member.
“A great friend of many over the years, Dave unfortunately endured health issues over recent years. Every member of Benoni Northerns past and present owe a deep sense of gratitude to Dave Wilson. Benoni Northerns salutes and honours you. Dave, you will be sorely missed.”
Wilson leaves behind his wife Anne, son Douglas, daughter Jennifer and their respective families.
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