Rod Harker
Rod Harker: 06 July1940 – 30 April 2023
It is with saddend heart that we announce the passing of Rod Harker, who for the past 23 years has been a stalwart member of the Senior Scout Adventure Staff.
Rod’s introduction to the Adventure started 1984 when he led a team from his Troop in KZN on the ’84 Adventure in the Witzenberg.
His first participation as a staff member was on the 2000 Adventure when he joined what was affectionately known as “The Cederberg Wireless Company”, a group of radio amateurs in the likes of the Late Buzz Macey, the Late Prof. Mike Case, Charles van der Spuy, and a few others whose role it was to set up radio links between all the Activity Centres.
Rod, Buzz and Mike all joined the then Post Office at the same time as apprentices, Rod being the only one to remain with the Utility and went on to head up the implementation of the National Microwave network for South Africa’s telephone coverage.
In addition to his involvement with the Adventure’s radio network he assumed the role of Quartermaster for the Adventure’s equipment leading up to the 2004 Adventure, a function that he undertook with passion and dedication, right to the very last. Late in 2003 he also took on the role of Operations Manager and joined the Adventure Committee during the preparation and planning for the 2004 Adventure. Over and above these two commitments, Rod’s unstinting involvement in the Adventure Advance Party from that time onwards was integral to the event “just happening”.
Rod was a man stepped in perfection and, being both the Quartermaster and Operations Manager he acquired a “bodily appendage” – the clipboard – whenever you saw Rod at an Adventure after that – it was with his clipboard, pencil and wide-brimmed hat – always checking and cross ticking something that had to be done or ensuring that correct equipment was delivered to each Activity Centre.
The thousands of Scouts, Guides and Adult Staff members who have being influenced by his involvement over the past ten Adventures would have benefited from his dedication, loyalty and passionate belief in the Values and Spirit of the Adventure.
Your beloved Cederberg will not be the same without you.
Rest in Peace Rod – we will miss you dearly.
