Bowling fraternity loses a legend

Paul Pisecny, owner of Koko’s Bowling Centre in Dalpark, died on June 9 after contracting Covid-19.
Pisecny (74) was well known in the community, and many community members would pop into Koko’s not only to bowl but to visit him.
He was born in Czechoslovakia on May 8, 1947, and came to South Africa in 1968.
Pisecny, who lived in Dalpark, owned the centre for 18 years and was an active member of Tenpin Bowling SA.
After starting his bowling career in 1976, he became an integral part of the sport.
He represented the sport at provincial level and achieved national colours often in his bowling career.
Pisecny was also selected as national coach and produced many national bowlers from juniors to seniors over the years.
Internationally, Pisecny coached the Bahrain national team and also worked in the USA as an equipment drilling specialist, adviser and coach.
“His knowledge in the sport will be irreplaceable,” said Kiley Cassel, president of the Tenpin Bowling Association of South Africa.
“Paul will be sadly missed by the tenpin bowling fraternity and especially by the Eastern Gauteng province. He will be remembered for his honest and straightforward manner towards everybody he met. He was highly respected and loved.”
Pisecny is survived by his partner of 32 years, Anne Bailey, and her daughter Rozanne and grandchildren Jason, Byron and Charne and their extended families. He also leaves behind his adopted son Keith Doolabh.
“He will be remembered as a loving, devoted partner, dad, grand-dad and great grand-dad. His close friends meant the world him, as he did to them,” added Cassel.
“The staff have lost a father figure and great boss, who was fondly referred to as mkulu.”
A celebration of his life will be held at Koko’s on Saturday with family and invited friends in attendance.