July 2024 started off as a buoyant month with both Theresa Sowry and Jeanné Poultney returning from their European Marketing and Fundraising trip, where they met and engaged with current partners and donors as well as with some new people in terms of possible partnerships moving forward.
However, it is now with a heavy heart that we advise on the passing of two conservation stalwarts and friends of the College during July.
In paying tribute to Dr Frank Raimondo, we remember him well for his wry smile, his wit, and for his acuity in helping to shape and steer the growth and development of Peace Parks and the conservation sector in which he had a keen interest and deep understanding.
We extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Ida, his family and to Peace Parks Foundation where he was a long-standing Board Member, as well as to all who knew him.
Dr Raimondo passed away on 2 July after a short illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones. We thank him for his support of the College which he visited on several occasions. May he rest in peace having left a legacy of guidance and inspiration and, through our Sustainability Fund to which he and Ida also contributed, provision for aspiring conservationists.
Our deepest condolences are also extended to Arrie van Wyk’s family, his friends, his colleagues at Peace Parks Foundation and to those across the conservation landscape who knew him. The SAWC team who has had a long-standing relationship with this gentle, caring man who passed away on 23 July will feel his loss.
Arrie spent over three decades in wildlife conservation and project management, and devoted his career to the development of wildlife and transfrontier conservation areas, helping establish community conservancies and successfully rewilding and restocking wildlife areas whilst supporting the upliftment of communities. Arrie’s career closed out at Coutada 5 with the Akashinga organisation where he will be sorely missed.
May he rest in peace having left a legacy within the conservation sector and within Peace Parks, the KAZA Secretariat and Partner States, and an indelible mark in the hearts of those who knew him.