Director – Joubert Owens van Niekerk Inc. T/A JON Architects
Harry passed away on May 6 after a short illness.Harry matriculated at Pretoria Boys’ High and studied A
rchitecture at Pretoria University, receiving his degree in 1971.
During his student years he worked at different offices, Gordon Ellis, Brian Sandrock, and finally at Joubert Owens van Niekerk, joining the permanent staff after graduating.
Harry became a director of the firm in 1976. He was a creative and very capable architect, and as a strong DIY advocate, he had a very good understanding of the technical aspects of building. He designed many houses and also group housing complexes. He was involved in many of the large projects handled by the firm, Schubart Park, the Pretoria Municipal Manpower Training Centre, the SAAF Headquarters building, commercial, residential, industrial and educational buildings, and some of the houses and other buildings related to the Armscor Missile Test Range in the South Cape.
In most of
these projects there are elements which bear Harry’s imprint. If one were to select the building which best memorializes Harry, the Chinese School in Wingate Park seems the most appropriate. In competition with a number of other architects Harry was invited to submit a design and was awarded the commission, a significant achievement.
As a partner in the practice Harry was loyal, dependable, and always patient and considerate. In private life he was a very committed family man. His other interests included wild life, birds, fishing and art.
Harry is survived by his wife (Franki), son (Ryan) and son and family (Brett, Anėl and Lané).
