‘The photographers’ parent’ will be missed
A stalwart of the Benoni Camera Club, Reg Ansell (86), died on January 14.
The Western Extension resident died in hospital, due to complications stemming from adhesions in the stomach.
READ: United in their hobbies for 50 years
Reg’s wife of 50 years, Amy, said her husband hated being called Reginald, and preferred being called Reg or Reggie, or “Reg”, as you would say in Afrikaans.
Reg was born on August 18, 1929, in Salisbury, in the UK.
He moved to Rhodesia (present day Zimbabwe) at the age of 21, after a nine-month stint in hospital, following a cycling accident.
Reg and Amy were married in 1964, three weeks after they met.
The couple relocated to South Africa in 1967 and have lived in Benoni for 45 years.
Reg worked for Comp Air as a pneumatic engineer.
Two years ago, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
He was in remission at the time of his death.
Reg joined the Benoni Camera Club in the late ’60s and became the chairman in the early ’70s, a position he held for roughly 35 years.
He imparted his knowledge and shared his precious time with many photographers who crossed his path.
In 2009 he stepped down as chairman, but continued to be a very active committee member, holding the position of vice-chairman until his death.
He served four terms as president of the Photographic Society of South Africa (PSAA) and later managed the regalia portfolio.
Members of the Benoni Camera Club expressed their sadness at Reg’s passing.
“It is with sadness that we write of your passing and your memory will forever live on in all our hearts and minds,” the club said.
“It was an honour to be your friend and, through your guidance and patience, you inspired us to pursue our love of photography, for that we will be forever be grateful.
“… Your passion was photography and you were a legend in the photographic fraternity, both you and Amy were known as the ‘The photographers’ parents’.”
“We, along with so many others, admired and respected you immensely,” said another message.
“Your passion and commitment to Benoni Camera Club was something to behold and we were just so lucky that we had the chance to meet you and learn from you.”
A memorial service will be held in the Northfield Methodist Church main hall on February 3, at 7pm.
