22/11/1946 - 04/06/2009

The Engineering fraternity has lost one of its greatest assets with the tragic passing of Mr Fredrick Alexanderous Brooks, CEO of Administration and Technical Services at Read, Swatman and Voigt (Pty) Ltd.

With over 26 years of experience in the industry, Fred Brooks commenced as a Junior Designer, and worked his way up to play significant roles in the following major projects: Richards Bay Mineral Sands, SAPPI ENSTRA, Ngodwana and Tugela mills, Nickel, Copper and PGM Refineries Springs; to name only a few.

Fred’s most notable achievement was in the mid 70’s when he pioneered the introduction of Computer Aided Design (CAD) to Union Corporation, which became GENCOR and is now BHP-Billiton. Through the meticulous planning and dedication that was part of his nature and also synonymous with his work ethic, he introduced the technology that is now a vital and commonplace part of the South African Mining Industry.

RSV Chairman and CEO, Mr Hennie Read, had this to say at his memorial service “He was the proto-typical exemplar of a man of integrity.  We have lost a great business partner and a great friend. He has left us with a legacy of what it means to be a great human being.”

Fred leaves behind his wife, Shirley, and two children, Mark and Natalie.