Boon Boonzaaier, RIP

[Steve Appleton]

Boon Boonzaaier, RIP -- Chris Janisch:

It was sadly reported that Boon Boonzaaier passed away at his home in Warmbaths yesterday 14 June at 17h00.
This man was a colossus of the railway tourism world. His achievements in running Bushveld Train Safaris for so many years, and under difficult circumstances, speak for themselves. In another era he would have been a national hero.
He will forever be remembered as a humble and knowledgeable man, who was always happy to share his extensive knowledge of his beloved South African railways. A long illness confined him to his bed for the last five years, but he still found the energy to publish his remarkable book "Tracks across the Veld", which has been hailed an a railway literary masterpiece. He was also working on a book on steam locomotive stamps at the time of his death, which hopefully will be seen through.
I had the good fortune to meet with him late last year in Warmbaths, where I presented him with the HRASA Lifetime Achievement Award. Even though he was visibly suffering and on oxygen, he was happy and sharp as ever. Those 20 minutes spent with him I shall never forget.
Go peacefully old friend, to the great railway in the sky, where our earthly problems do not exist anymore.