An Ermelo icon passes
The community of Ermelo was saddened to learn of the passing of a well-known personality and one of the true icons of the town, Ivan Scholtz (90).

The community of Ermelo was saddened to learn of the passing of a well-known personality and one of the true icons of the town, Ivan Scholtz (90).
Ivan passed away at his home in Ermelo on Thursday, 25 June.
Roland Ivan Scholtz, or Ivan as he was known, was born in Ermelo on 4 March 1925 and lived here all his life.
After matriculating at Ermelo High School, he worked for the Ermelo municipality for six and a half years before joining his father on the family farm, Langverwacht near Ermelo.
He soon became known in farming circles for his knowledge of breeding quality Jersey cattle, not only in South Africa but in neighbouring countries and for this he received many accolades. He retired from farming at the age of 86 due to failing health.
He ventured into the real estate business while still farming and founded the well-known R.I. Scholtz Estate Agency where he was the first registered estate agent in Ermelo and was involved in handling coal options for mining companies in the Ermelo district.
Ivan was a keen rugby player in his younger days and played for the Ermelo Rugby Club for 11 years. He was also a passionate supporter of the Sharks and Springbok rugby teams and loved to talk rugby.
He was known for his active involvement in the community through, among other things, his membership of the Freemasons for 37 years where he attained the highest degree as a mason and was a six-time Master of the Concordia Lodge.
As an ardent motorcyclist Ivan was a founder member of the Iron Horse Motor Cycle Club in Ermelo where he organised and participated in many breakfast runs with fellow bikers.
It was, however, in the deep-sea and freshwater fishing circles where Ivan was best known.
He was a founder member the Sea Pike Deep Sea Fishing Club where he was Club President for many years, and was bestowed an honorary lifetime membership in later years.
He represented his province at the South African Deep Sea Championships at venues such as Mauritius and along the SA coast no fewer than 10 times and was offered Springbok colours which he turned down due to farming and family commitments.
Ivan was also an honorary member of the Ermelo Freshwater Fishing Club.
His passion for fishing led him to write the weekly Sea Pike fishing column in the Highvelder, keeping all fishing enthusiasts informed of the latest news and activities of the club.
He loved outdoor living and with three other keen campers activated the Komati Yacht Club at the Vygeboom
Dam at Badplaas which he called his “little piece of Paradise”.
Ermelo was dear to his heart and at the time of his death he was busy writing a book on the history of Ermelo.
Ivan leaves his wife of the past 30 years, Rhoda, children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
The family wishes to thank all those who called, sent flowers and messages of condolence and attended the memorial service.