Sudden passing of port stalwart
Gerry Schroeder collapsed and died suddenly on Sunday evening at a venue in the Small Craft Harbour.
WELL-RESPECTED port tug pilot Gerry Schroeder collapsed and died suddenly on Sunday evening at a venue in the Small Craft Harbour.
A master mariner of many years of service at the Port of Richards Bay and previously the Port of East London, one of Gerry’s last big jobs was in assisting with the tow to sea of the MV Smart wreck section.
As a valued employee of first Portnet then Transnet National Ports Authority, Gerry was instrumental in setting up the pollution control regime at the Port of Richards Bay after extensive study and international research.
Gerry (66) was heavily involved with the Zululand Cricket Umpires Union, officiating as an umpire and assisting to prepare a comprehensive umpiring and coaching manual which received national recognition.
As a talented musician, he was one of the country’s finest drummers and played with numerous top bands from his teens in East London to recent years at various Zululand venues.
Gerry leaves his wife Sandy, daughter Charlene, step-son Darryl and brother Des.
Arrangements for the memorial service are to be announced.
