Field Band Foundation salutes its stalwart

“It is with profound sadness that the Field Band Foundation marks the death of its co-founder and Honorary Life President, Dr Bertie Lubner. From our very beginnings in 1997, Bertie has been an active and involved supporter of the foundation’s outreach to more than 40 000 disadvantaged children across South Africa.

“Through this time, he personified active citizenship, humane caring for people less privileged, consistent optimism in positive outcomes, and diligence in helping to direct the foundation’s growth.

“His was the most emphatic example of tenacity in the face of every kind of challenge, and with this came telling examples of inspiring courage, right to the last,” said the foundation’s statement.

One of the bands closer to home which Lubner founded is the Alexandra Field Band and he never got tired of being delighted by the bands and was always supportive of this endeavor to the common good.

“He continued to urge band members on and refused any options of retreat, and never stopped enjoying the magic that he helped to create with young dancers and musicians. Lubner was, in the idiom, ‘a mensch’,” the foundation said in a statement.

In February, and despite his worsening health, Lubner insisted on attending the Field Band Foundation’s national championships in Soweto with his ever-supportive wife, Hillary.

“Not only did they stay for the entire four-hour event, but Lubner was on the field as much as possible – close and personal with participants, as was his style. Here was a man who took great pleasure in being immersed in the music and movement of youngsters who were grabbing life’s opportunities in the best ways possible,” the statement added.

“And for him, we will play again and again, in an expansion of horizons of opportunity for young people right across South Africa. We honour his memory as we do. Rest in peace, dear Bertie – a true son of our soil.”

Afria Tikkun described Lubner as epitomising genuine care and a pathfinder for peace and reconciliation for this nation. “With his characteristic integrity Lubner wanted to ensure that peace meant something substantial,” said Onyi Nwaneri, head of development, marketing and communications at Afrika Tikkun.