MEMB NewsER
Obituary: John de Freitas MIIMS Written and spoken by his friend and colleague Capt Allen Brink HonFIIMS.
Today, we gather to honour and celebrate the life of a truly extraordinary person, my dear friend, mentor, and business partner, John de Freitas.
John and I first crossed paths while working within the Rennies Shipping Group in Durban. He was a Director at Rennie Murray & Company, the Lloyd’s Agents, and I was a marine surveyor with their sister company, P&I Associates.
Our connection began in the most unexpected way when we discovered that we shared the same birthday, the 17th of May. That moment, on our birthday in 1981, marked the start of a friendship that would last a lifetime. Despite being 16 years my senior, John and I quickly developed a close bond during my three years at P&I Associates.
In July 1983, I took the leap of establishing my own independent marine surveying and consultancy company, A R Brink & Associates. While I ventured into this new chapter, John and I remained friends. Then, in August 1987, after 33 years with the Rennies Group, John made the decision to join me as a partner.
John was a man of remarkable honesty and unwavering integrity. When he left Rennies, he made it clear that he would not approach any of his former clients before officially joining me. He couldn’t guarantee that his move would bring additional business to our partnership, and he wanted to ensure everything was above board.
A couple of months into working together, John visited his former clients, not to solicit business, but simply to inform them of his new chapter. Their response was astounding. They followed him to our company; demonstrating the immense respect and trust they had in him. To them, John wasn’t just a representative of Rennies; he was their surveyor. This trust was a testament to John’s unparalleled character and the relationships he had built.
With John as my partner, our business flourished beyond our expectations. We expanded, hired new staff, and in 1989, acquired our own office building in Maydon Wharf, proudly named ARB House. Many will remember the two large ship’s anchors that adorned the front entrance, a symbol of the solid foundation we built together.
John chose to retire at the age of 65, some 22 years ago. Even in retirement, he continued to contribute to the marine surveying industry, never one to sit idle. He regularly visited the office, mentoring junior surveyors, consulting on projects, and even building a client base of his own. John often joked that staying active in work kept his mind sharp, and it certainly did. He was a remarkable example of vitality and dedication.
Sadly, in mid-2024, John’s health began to decline, and we lost him on 26 December.
John was so much more than a colleague or a friend. He was a true gentleman, a mentor, and a confidant. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him with his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness.
To Eleanor, Marco, and Alex - may John’s love, legacy, and the countless memories you shared bring you comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead.
We have all lost an incredible friend, an extraordinary man, and a rare soul. He will forever remain in our hearts and memories.
Rest in peace, John. You will be deeply missed. Your friend, Allen Brink
36 | ISSUE 111 | MAR 2025 | THE REPORT
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