Tributes to JC Fortuin
JC Fortuin has announced his retirement from representative rugby. Colleagues have sent in tributes to this kind, thoughtful, courteous, honest man.
André Watson, manager of South African referees: “JC has been on the top SA panel for many a year. I personally believe that he was not rewarded in accordance with his ability early on in the top echelon. I spoke to him after Shaun Veldsman’s injury a few years ago and said that I wanted him to referee in the Super 14. I told him that it will be a war out there and that he will be eaten up by Australia and New Zealand should he not impress from game one. He took the challenge on and did very well in what we both knew was actually a ‘hospital job’.
“JC served us proud in Test matches, the Super 14, and was a steady reliable referee in the Currie Cup for many a year.
“I want to thank and congratulate him for what he did for South Africa and to wish him well for the future. He already stated that he would like to stay involved in refereeing and I’m delighted about it. He will be given opportunities in other fields of refereeing to build further to the legendary status that he already enjoys – and so well deserves!”
Dennis Immelman, chairman of Western Province referees and an IRB assessor: “When Paul asked me to write something about JC I thought back on my involvement with him over a span of some 16 years.
“It was one rainy afternoon at Gustrow Sports Grounds in the Strand in May 1992. I had been appointed to referee the first teams of St Georges vs Hamlets and as always went to the grounds earlier to view the 3rd and 2nd team referees. It was raining heavily that day and the referee handling the 3rd team immediately caught my eye – his whole composure radiated calmness and being in full control without actually being noticed, immediately suggesting that he was way below the league that he should actually be refereeing. He had that something (x-factor) that excites and cries out, This chap can go places. After his match we spoke and I remember asking him in what league he was graded and how long? He replied and said in the 4B league for approximately a year.
“I then arranged for him to referee matches at my wife’s school, Hottentots Holland High in Somerset West, where he could be seen by a senior assessor, the late Oom Flappie Kuün as well as Douglas Holwill who was an exco member at that time.
“JC did this on three consecutive occasions travelling all the way from Bellville each Saturday. And that’s how I can remember how JC’s journey to becoming a Test referee getting underway. I had the privilege to join him on the SARU panels a few years later, and I will never forget, he was the first person who contacted me telling me how thrilled he was about my achievement.
“Through our relationship over the years I have learnt to know JC as a humble servant of the game. He was always the same with no frills attached; acknowledging, smiling, encouraging and never having a bad word to say about his fellow referees or anyone else. A man with fixed Christian principles and a great believer in his God, always taking his families interest at heart and a genuine true friend.
“JC, you have not only done SA Referees and Western Province Referees proud, but you have done yourself proud. You have become an icon whom many up-and-coming young referees in our province look up and aspire to. We are going to miss you on the field but I am convinced that we will welcome you back in another role in the near future. God Bless and go well, my friend. Your departure is leaving a huge dent which is going to be difficult to fill!
Jonathan Kaplan: “I have had the pleasure of knowing JC Fortuin since I met him at the Craven Week of 1996 in Stellenbosch. During this time he has impressed me with his quiet, humble, selfless, uncomplicated nature. He has simply gone about his business contributing to the greater cause with what seemed like effortless efficiency. He developed a style which worked for him and over the decade in which he served South African rugby, he refereed Currie Cup, Super 14 and Test matches . Often not given his dues, he has been a vital cog in the South African rugby refereeing machine!
“I particularly enjoyed going on tour with JC and got to know him as a special individual who was always willing to listen, grow and enjoy his time at the top. I would like to wish him well for any future endeavours and hope that he remains within the fold to continue what he started as an active referee. I look forward to seeing him being on touch for the Currie Cup Final on Saturday, and couldn’t think of anyone more deserving!”
Craig Joubert: “JC, all the best as you head off into the world of retirement! It has been a good journey and has always been a pleasure to have had your company along the way. That whole-day walk in Wellington in New Zealand with you and Charmers will stand out as a very memorable moment off the field. Hope you continue to stay involved in some shape or form.”
Mark Lawrence: “The first time I met JC was at the Craven Week in Stellenbosch. He was so cool and calm, we tried to rattle him by giving him the pottie. He had to carry the pottie around with him, for the whole week. Although it was only filled with a lunch bar and Appletiser, after a week it looked more like the real thing. JC was never phased or hassled as he carried his pot everywhere. He was cool as ever. That is how he refereed – cool and calm – and that is how I will remember JC, a true friend that I will miss. All the best JC and keep in touch.”
Pro Legoete: “A true Gentleman, Professional, Brother and someone whom I will miss greatly because of his calmness regardless of the situation at hand.
“Thank you for your wise words that you shared with me on our trips around the world. Sitting me down, laying down the rules/ laws without infringing.
“Good luck with life slightly away from the hectic rugby life. I know the family will enjoy you being around. You have run the race and now it is time that we continue with the journey.
“À la votre, Au revoir – Pro”
Willie Roos: “Ek wil van my kant af vir JC baie geluk se met ‘n lang en goeie skeidsregters loopbaan. JC het baie hoogtes bereik en ek hoop dat dit wat hy uit rugby uit gekry het, hy sal terugploeg in die spel.
“Ek het JC die eerste keer ontmoet in 1999 by die laerskole Craven Week. Hy is ‘n persoon wat nie skroom om sy normes en waardes uit te leef nie en hy volstaan daarby.
“Sterkte met al jou besluite vorentoe en mag ons mekaar nog baie raakloop by rugbywedstryde.”
Marius Jonker: When I think of JC Fortuin I will always remember his first trip to Ribs & Rumps(Manley Beach) and the wonderful conversation we had that night on the ferry back to our hotel.
Our trip to Mauritius also jumps to mind and I clearly recall JC’s attempts of a fatherly figure over Linston Manuels and his attempts to keep him out of trouble.
A great friend and travelling buddy and an extremely spiritual guy with strong Christian roots.
Good luck, JC, and thank you for leaving me with great memories.
