Following a short diabetes-related illness, Benoni-born businessman and entrepreneur Anthony (fondly known as Tony) Nelson-Esch died in Siem Reap, Cambodia, shortly before his 68th birthday.
At the age of 26, Tony bought the family business (then Barker & Nelson (Pty) Ltd) from the founders, his parents, Connie and Martin Nelson-Esch, who then retired.
Once the company had outgrown the 30/32 Woburn Avenue premises, a new factory was built in Detroit Street, Apex Industrial Sites, where the product line-up, staff complement and successes grew in leaps and bounds. A grand opening was staged, at which family friend “Uncle Morrie” Nestadt said a few words of encouragement for the future.
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Having always had a keen interest in flying machines, Tony then set his sights on the next target – that of The Benoni Heliport, which he made happen by 1990 on a singular piece of land on Golden Drive, Morehill Extension, known as Bluegum Creek.
It was a good way to utilise the wide open spaces with unstable geology, he said. This was the new home of not only Barker Nelson’s well-organised manufacturing plant, but also a number of spacious offices and other buildings for tenants.
One thing for which the Barker Nelson factory was always famous, was the neatness and cleanliness of the facility and grounds.
The Benoni Heliport and Diner was a popular venue at one time, hosting many club get-togethers and events, including the remote control aircraft and helicopter clubs, the Harley Hoggs and others.
SA Police and Army air wings also used the heliport as a base for practice operations.
During the 1990s, the World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) Festival was also held on the heliport grounds, and many performing artists paid a visit or used it as a convenient departure point.
After the Christmas Day 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Tony also treated the crew of a Malaysian Airlines flight to South African hospitality.
Tony also became a Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary International) having been of assistance to the underprivileged people of South Africa for over 40 years.
His generosity had no limits, in fact, as his nephew remarked: “Uncle Tony helped so many people over the years, it’s likely he left gifts for people all over the world to remember him by”.
Tony specifically requested that no formal memorial be held, and he will be missed by many friends and colleagues around the world.
