Dex Kennedy, a resident with historical ties to Brakpan, died on March 8 at the age of 74.

Born in Johannesburg on June 6, 1945, Dex moved to Brakpan in 1950 with his parents Jack and Lil, where his dad took over the position of superintendent at the local public swimming pool.

The Kennedy family became known in Brakpan as the swimming pool Kennedys.

Dex grew up at the swimming pool, so swimming and swimming-related sport became part of his life.

He achieved Eastern Transvaal colours for swimming and later on also played water polo, for which he also achieved Eastern Transvaal colours.

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Dex played water polo well into his 50s, representing Brakpan in the Masters Water Polo League.

After Jack retired from the job as swimming pool superintendent, Dex followed in his father’s footsteps and became the superintendent at the Brakpan Swimming Pool for seven years, during which time he also coached some of the club’s swimmers.

The swimming pool was later renamed the Jack Kennedy Swimming Pool.

During the winter months Dex played hockey and represented Brakpan for many years and in later life played in the Masters League.

In 1971 he married Rita and the couple had two children, Dean and Warren.

Dex worshipped his children and supported them in all their endeavours, so much so that he became an assistant to the scout master and also became involved in school committees.

The family moved out of Brakpan for about six years, but could not stay away and moved back again 27 years ago.

After moving back to Brakpan, Dex took up motorcycling.

He became a well-known figure on the streets of Brakpan on his bike and sidecar.

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Dex joined the Ulysses Motorcycle Association and with the co-operation of other motorcycle enthusiasts, established a chapter for Ulysses in the East Rand area.

Dex was the chairperson of this chapter for 10 years and was still an active member of the club at the time of his death.

He is survived by Rita, to whom he was married for almost 49 years, sons Dean and Warren, and daughter-in-law Nikki.

A memorial service for Dex will be held at noon on Monday at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Brakpan.

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