ONE only realises a true legend once that person is no longer there.
SP Fourie, fondly known as ‘Oom Bill’ Fourie, was such a man.
Born on 18 April 1943 in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, he played rugby for Eastern Province schools and was captain of his team.
In later years he also played for the Eastern Province senior side.
His two younger brothers, Carel and Polla, later became well known Springbok players.
His gene mix was that of a true leader.
Bill transferred from the then Transkei in 1978 to take up the position of second in charge at Empangeni police station.
He immediately started the Police Rugby Club in Empangeni Rail.
He was a vigorous man who tackled everything, no challenge too big or small. He even got involved in the amateur wrestling scene.
Sport was most definitely his life’s passion.
In 1980 he took up the position of Station Commander at the Greenhills police station.
For the most part until his medical boarding after an serious accident, he was the ’Sheriff’ in Richards Bay until 1998 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
He then started up his own business, the well known gun shop Bay Sports and Arms, as he had a passion for firearms and hunting.
He also conducted training with regard to the new firearm laws and competency, as well as liquor licensing and selling of firearms and outdoor equipment.
Other than being passionate about rugby, he received accolades in everything he was involved with, chaired most of these organisations and made Honorary Life President in most:
• Chairman of the International Police Association.
• Chairman of the League of Former Policemen
• Honorary President of the Ski Boat Club
• Honorary Life President of the Richards Bay Rugby Club, as he served in all positions during his involvement
• Southern Cross Charity organisation
• Chairman of the Professional Hunters of South Africa (27 years a member)
He was a people’s person and a good leader.
He leaves behind his wife Rietta, sons Carel, Peet and Hendrik, seven grandchildren, and his famous Springbok rugby player brother Polla Fourie.
The funeral service will take place at 11am on Saturday at the NG Kerk, Meerensee.
