Born on February 16, 1942 in Johannesburg to Les and Flo, Glen White was later followed by two sisters, Wendy and Beverley.
White grew up on the South Coast, where his life long love affair with the ocean began and in 1964, he started his career in lifesaving on the Durban beaches.
Less than a decade later in 1971, he married the love of his life, Margie, and after a three week whirlwind courtship, the couple spent the next 44 years madly in love.
As a young man, Glen was a yacht champion in the Durban Bay area and later obtained SA colours in powerboat racing – a skill-set he honed while mastering off-shore boat rescues.
In 1975, Glen and Margie moved to Ballito, where Glen became the first professional lifeguard in the town and north of it up the coast.
In these years, during his heyday, Glen became a legend through his work, saving many lives from the sea.
He was also very popular and through his enigmatic nature, made friends with everyone.
This included South African military helicopter pilots who would stop by the former Willard Beach helipad to have coffee and a doorstep sandwich with him.
This was documented in a book written about the border wars.
Glen was always a huge supporter of the John Rolfe rescue helicopter and Willard Beach was one of the first beaches to welcome this invaluable service to the North Coast.
The energetic man of the sea was also a lifetime active member at the Surf and Lifesaving Association of South Africa (SLASA) and also worked closely with both the KZN Sharks Board and SANParks as a passionate conservationist.
He even volunteered as an active police reservist because of his desire to contribute to his community.
In 1998, Glen and Margie moved to Plettenberg Bay where Glen took over the role of Harbour Master as the couple enjoyed their twilight years in their little piece of paradise.
Margie and Glen briefly returned to Ballito in 2010, but due to Glen’s ill health the pair moved up to Johannesburg to stay with their son, Chay in 2013.
Glen passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23 of this year after living a full and happy life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margie and his two sons, Robert and Chay.
His son, Chay said: “Glen was a humble person who underplayed his achievements on the beach – he valued people over material possessions, he valued the beach lifestyle over the fast lane.
“He was a man who kept promises, honored commitment. He was a man of integrity.
“Glen is a North Coast legend, who will be sorely missed and greatly remembered.”
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