Ian Macdonald (1991O)
 
Ian died tragically on Tuesday afternoon (20 February 2018) in a vehicle accident on the N6 south of Bloemfontein. He leaves his wife, Renée, and three children, Joshua, Gabriel and Shiloh.
 
Ian started school at Rondebosch Boys Prep before moving across to Bishops Prep in Standard 2. He loved school and the camaraderie of his mates, and saw each day as an adventure and opportunity for laughter. After matriculating, in 1991, he gained a Business Science degree at UCT.
 
Over time, Ian worked for Street Universe, a project that helped street children; the website South Africa The Good News; and, more recently, in the renewable energy sector, focusing on wind power in particular. He was motivated not by money, but by the desire to help others – the less fortunate, the country, the environment – and the core idea of just doing good in the world. He was an idealist who was passionate about South Africa and the natural world in general; a man who believed in doing the right thing. This internal moral compass led him to being the first port of call for many seeking advice and direction.
 
Ian gave his time freely and inspired those he knew and met to be better people, better parents and to be more active members of society. He loved nothing better than a good political debate, passionately discussing local and world politics, often with a contrarian angle that made the rest of us see things differently.
 
He was a keen sportsman, and a regular at Newlands Stadium, whether rugby or cricket. Attending the New Year’s Test was an annual highlight.
 
Friendship was key to Ian's life. He was the most committed member of Steakboys, where a glass of red wine and a steak with his best mates meant the world to him. His being there meant the night would be that much more enjoyable for everyone else.
 
He loved nature and the outdoors, and was happiest around a campfire with his guys and girls, never more so than with Renée and his mates in the Afrikaburn desert. 
 
Ian was a loving husband to Renée who he considered his soul mate. He was a truly committed, loving, inspirational and thoughtful dad to his three children.
 
Known as the Fella, Ian shined a warm, bright light into many peoples’ lives and will be sorely missed. His selfless nature, sense of humour and enthusiasm for trying to improve things inspired many of his friends to adopt the motto WWFD: What Would Fella Do?
 
Writing on behalf of his friends and family, we hope that his memory will continue to inspire people to be better versions of themselves, to tread lightly on the planet and to love their friends and families more deeply.
 
Simon Richman (1992W)