BAC honours stalwart Pete

“You don’t only take from athletics, you also give back. That is what Pete did.”

These were the sentiments shared by former Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) chairperson Steve de Bod, at the club’s time trials in honour of Andries Petrus (Pete) van der Merwe (66), also known as the ‘voice of Gauteng road running’.

Van der Merwe’s voice is now forever silent. He died at the Eugene Marais Hospital in Pretoria on January 6 after a short but intense battle with cancer.

As a member of BAC for around 40 years, Van der Merwe also worked as a sports commentator and was loved by sportsmen and women across the country.

“Thousands of athletes will miss his warm words of encouragement,” said De Bod.

One of the milestones Van der Merwe would have marked this year is the 20th anniversary of commentating the Loskop Marathon.

Emotions ran high as BAC remembered Van der Merwe and the contribution he made to the sport.

Taking the stage, De Bod said, “I first met Pete almost 30 years ago. He was a first-class athlete. Even if you came 300th, he would still know your history and make it feel worth it. He made a difference and we will never forget Pete.

De Bod added Pete was indispensable and knew athletics like the palm of his hand.

“He was a stalwart. To my mind, he could have easily been with Bruce Fordyce commentating on the Comrades Marathon because he knew every one of the athletes. He really threw himself into getting to know athletics,” said De Bod.

Also honouring Van der Merwe at the time trials, Kallie Burger described him as a real legend who was brilliant at what he did.

“Pete would have known the history of any guy who crosses the finish line.

“He was a phenomenal person who loved the sport. He is going to be missed as a friend and inspiration at the races.

“I don’t know who will be able to fill his boots. His life was an example to all of us. It is not about winning or losing, it’s about loving the sport,” said Burger.

Members observed a moment of silence for Van der Merwe before commencing with the time trials in rainy weather.

Van der Merwe’s brother, Japie, said his brother was an outdoor person.

He explained Van der Merwe was born and bred in Otjiwarango and graduated from Otjiwarango High School.

“He excelled on the sports field from his school days, including golf, tennis and walking, in which his record from years ago is still standing.”

Van der Merwe is survived by two brothers, two sisters and other family members.

BAC
Club chairperson Karen Bradshaw said their hearts were heavy with sympathy.

She said the club will remember him as an athlete, running events commentator and friend.

“As a former athlete and runner, he understood the sacrifices made by all athletes. He brought the same commitment to his running commentary with his incredible knowledge of all the athletes and their achievements.

“His vibrant personality and great sense of humour made races fun and informative for spectators. We will remember his kind heart, infectious smile, and the way he made everyone feel valued as they crossed the finish line.

“Dear Pete, we hope you smile at the lives you have touched and the legacy you left behind, we will always remember your happy smile and laugh.”

A memorial service will be held on January 17 at 10:00 at Kaleideo Church, 32 Fiskaal Street, Kempton Park. All who knew Pete are welcome to attend.
The service will also be live-streamed to reach everyone across South Africa and abroad who knew and loved Pete but were unable to attend. The invitation link to the service shall be provided as soon as it becomes available.

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