Tommy Chalmers (82) passes away

A well-known figure in the electrical business in Benoni for decades, Tommy Chalmers of R&T Chalmers Electrical, died on January 6.

His funeral service will be at Northfield Methodist Church on January 18 at 14:00.

According to Tommy’s daughter, Karen Chalmers, her dad was a prominent figure in Benoni’s service organisations and on the sports field.

His name also appears on the Cranbourne Avenue Lane of Fame.

Born on January 1, 1942, in Benoni, to parents Alf and Iris Chalmers, Tommy went to Tom Newby School and Benoni High.

In primary school, he obtained full colours for cricket, tennis and football and received the Rotary Fellowship prize for scholastic ability, sportsmanship and popularity. He was a prefect in his final year at Tom Newby, an honour again bestowed on him in matric at Benoni High.

At Benoni High School, Tommy achieved full colours for football, tennis and cricket, represented Eastern Transvaal in the U16 and U18 football sides, and was part of the Transvaal High Schools team in 1958.

“Dad was also voted the smartest cadet at the school’s annual cadet competition and was a keen Cub and Scout. He received all his badges in the Scout movement and missed out on being a King’s Scout by one badge,” Karen explained.

After leaving Benoni High, Tommy went to Wits University to study for a BCom. During his years there, he played in the first football team and was selected to play for South African Universities. He subsequently played professional football in the PSL for Brothers Football Club.

“He met my mom, Anita, while on holiday in Margate, and they were married in the Benoni Town Hall on October 2, 1965.

The couple had three sons (one of whom is deceased), a daughter, one grandson, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Tommy joined his father’s electrical wholesale business in Benoni, working there for 20 years before it was sold to Standard Telephones and Cables (STC), a subsidiary of ITT in the USA.

“Dad was then appointed as marketing manager in the electrical division. STC had wholesale branches throughout SA, and Dad often attended seminars and management courses in Japan and Switzerland.”

Five years later, Tommy started his own electrical wholesale business in Benoni, where his brother, Robert, joined him. They worked together for 30 years.

“R&T Chalmers, at one stage, was one of the largest electrical distributors in SA, with six outlets throughout SA and Namibia.
“Dad ultimately took a sabbatical in the USA to be with his sons and worked for them in their lighting business,” Karen said.
“He was a passionate sportsman on and off the field and sponsored many local sporting teams and individuals in line with his love for developing sport. It was a passion of my dad’s to help the less fortunate.”

Some of Tommy’s outstanding achievements include:
• Board member of Rynpark Care of the Aged.
• Member of the governing body of Benoni High for 31 years and chairperson for 13. Built under his chairmanship were the chapel, cenotaph and gym.
* School board representative for the Transvaal Education Department.
• Board member at San Michele Home in Brakpan for 52 years and chairperson for many years, achieving the title of honorary life president.
• Trustee representing football to the All Sports Council at Wits University.
• Chairperson of the Salvation Army advisory board in Benoni for 10 years. He was instrumental in the opening of their charity shop on Railway Avenue.
• Member of Benoni Rotary Club for 15 years and chaired the committee that organised the annual Box and Dine, golf days and horse racing at Turffontein Race Course to raise funds for the club. He received a Paul Harris Award for service to Rotary and the city of Benoni.
• Initial debenture holder at Kent Park Taverners at the Wanderers Cricket Ground and today holds honorary life membership.
• Member of Johannesburg Sportsman’s Club for 31 years, served as chairperson and holds honorary life membership.
• He was very involved in the horse racing industry and had his first winner in 1966. Tommy was a steward and deputy chairperson at Turffontein Racecourse. He was instrumental in putting up the lights at Newmarket for night racing in 1996 and was on the board of Highveld Racing and Technical Services and a member of the Jockey Club of South Africa.

He has an honorary life membership at the Highveld Racing Association.
• Member of Northmead Tennis Club for 50 years, served on the committee for 25, was chairperson for 17 and has honorary life membership.
• He played golf and squash at Benoni Country Club and hockey at Benoni Northerns.
“Our dad fought hard during his long illness and passed away peacefully,” Karen concluded.
Tommy has a sister, Iris, and two brothers, Robert and Alfie, who are deceased.

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