Uncle Jack, OD, dies
Jack Rosenberg of Dale College, the most loyal of men, died in Bloemfontein on 2 June 2014 at the age of 86, loved and mourned by many, including the bid familiy of Old Dalians, always them selves a loyal body of men.
Dale College and Dale Junior are in mourning! Dale has lost one of her distinguished, popular and renowned sons, Jack Rosenberg. He departed this world in the company of his long standing friend and fiancé eof six years – Ms Ray Kibur.
Jack served the Old Dalian Union, established in 1893, for two terms as National President and served the ODU as Public Relations Officer from 1998, a position at the ODU and the Schools that made of him the face of Dale College.
He travelled widely to watch Dale sports games and that includes the Ten’s tournament in Cape Town to support the Old Dalian team.
At 86 years of age, Jack had a full and rewarding association of seventy two years with Dale College since arriving in King William’s Town’s famous school in 1936, from Fort Beaufort where he was born on 17 March 1928. He came as an eight-year-old boy to Dale to become a scholar and boarder. During this time he was associated with and became the confident of many Dale Headmasters. These ranged from the Rev. FJ Sutton, HT Crouch, RW Searle, BN Rowles, CF Thompson, MW Andrew, JCP Haupt and current head MR Eddy. Notable achievements as historically only four Headmasters of Dale were not associated with Jack!
He has always involved himself in his community and has been an inspiration to many Dalians and adults throughout his life. Jack was a true philanthropist who always had time for those in need and a desire to help when ever possible.
His interest in Dale and general sport never waned and that passion for sport and following Dale and Dale Junior sports teams is an example of his overall sport enthusiasm, knowledge, passion to play the game fairly and to extend critical analysis. Many a Dalian in need of kit would suddenly find that equipment available. No fanfare and preconditions. The boy never knew where it came from. Out there in the world are many such boys, now grown men, who benefited from Jack’s generosity and ability to persuade and encourage a donation!
He was a recipient of the Per Ardua award, Dale’s highest award in recognising exceptional service and involvement with his Alma Mater
Jack played centre in the 1945 Dale First XV as centre partner to the late Bill Beckley. He was coached by legendary long-standing Dale coach “Monk” Lazarus. He also played First team cricket during the 1945/46 season. He received Dale Colours awards for both sports. Jack continued to play both sports at club level in Port Elizabeth and was also involved with Club administration and playing of cricket on his return to King William's Town to operate the Central Hotel and that famous eatery "Jack's Place", a favourite watering hole for many. Teetotal Jack was the epitome of the host with the most!
He and his late wife Ezra and daughters (one of whom passed away tragically as a school girl) soon established themselves in the King community
His other passion was golf. He had played on many famous courses around the world and had been associated with Nomads golf as player and field starter for many years.
We can all reflect on our association with Uncle Jack, the quiet God fearing private man who loved life. He had been a long standing Rotarian, Borough Councillor, Justice of the Peace, and Lodge member. A staunch Old Dalian who served on many Dale College & Dale Junior SGB Executive Bodies.
The shy and humble man who was respected by our school’s rivals, Headmasters, staff and boys and who was always welcomed with open arms and treated with respect when visiting and following Dale sport.
Uncle Jack was back at Dale for the 153rd Reunion two weeks ago. A pilgrimage that he made against most wisdom but a visit that to quote; ”I just had to visit again.”
We thank him for affording us the opportunity to see and talk to him one last time. Many believed that attending the 153rd Old Dalian Reunion last month was Uncle Jack’s way of saying “goodbye” to Dale College, the school he loved so much, his beloved First XV boys, the many Old Dalians, and friends and to King William’s Town. It was a fitting and happy time for Jack in sharing with the Dale family that the Dale First XV beat Queens on the day.
“I am sure as are many other Old Dalians that beating Queens was the highlight of Uncle Jack’s reunion weekend,” said Dale College director of rugby, Grant Griffith.
“The boys knew he was sitting on the balcony at the Malcom Andrew Sports Centre and this spurred them on…we wanted to give Uncle Jack the best farewell we could,,, and he got it,” said Grant.
Whilst resident in both Johannesburg and Bloemfontein during this past period of time he would always phone during and at the end of the first XV game to check progress and the question “How did the boys play?” On Saturday 31 May 2014 was no exception as Dale College played rugby against Kingswood College in Grahamstown. Many tried to beat Jack by phoning first – he still phoned to verify other calls and opinions!
Dale Junior, Dale College and The Old Dalian Union will sorely miss you and will always love you. May your dear soul rest in peace Jack "Mr Dale" Rosenberg. We all thank and admire you for who you were and what you stood for in life and the benefactor and inspiration and friend that you have been!
There is no doubt that Jack will join many who have passed through Dale College and will continue to walk the corridors of Dale College and Dale Junior and that his presence will always be felt at and on the Dale "A" field know as the “Graveyard” that he loved so dearly.
All at Dale and beyond offer sincerest sympathises to Jack’s fiancé, daughter, and son in law, grand children and great grandchildren in South Africa and abroad.
Hamba, hamba kahle Jack!
Per Ardua ad Astra
Please Note: a Memorial Service for Jack will be held at Dale College on Monday, 9 June 2014 at 11:00 – All are welcome
Fropm Dale
