Bryan Babington Magennis

7 September 1929 – 20 February 2019

One of the greatest Old Edwardians of all time died a fortnight ago.

Here are excerpts from the eulogies and tributes from his sons, Sean and Greg, daughter Cara and friends, Hugh Moffat and Steve Jaspan.

“I believe he would have described his life as a grand adventure.  He loved nature, the outdoors, fishing, breeding dogs, racing pigeons, volunteering for his beloved Old Edwardians and people from all walks of life.

“He packed a tremendous amount of living into his nearly 90 years.  He always left people with a feeling of warmth, he listened to and cared about people.  He had a unique set of gifts and he chose to live life on his terms while always striving to do the right thing.  He lived a life that mattered and gave of himself unconditionally” (Sean Magennis).

Bryan had a very successful business career including as CEO and co-founder of  Anglo Dutch Ltd – a highly successful office furniture manufacturer (1962-1979).  He established the California Branch of Haller Systems (Swiss Office Furniture) and helped his lifelong friends Guy and Jane Matthews open The Coach House, the famed Country Hotel near Tzaneen.  As MD of the Renwick Executive Search Operations  his teambuilding and business acumen came to the fore.  He gathered people, stories and friendships.

“In response to Bryan’s death there was an outpouring of calls, emails and letters from all corners of the globe.  Here is a selection of words taken from these letters to describe him:  Best friend, loyal, selfless, grit, a true gentleman, coach, trusted advisor, mentor, confidante, loving friend, devoted husband, proud father” (Sean Magennis).

Bryan managed the Old Jeds rugby side in the late 1950s and early 60s and he engendered fantastic team spirit.  His friend, Hugh Moffat, who played for the team remembers they played hard but had great camaraderie with team songs, pub games and jokes.

“There was the fun-loving Bryan, but there was also the extremely hard-working, astute and wise Bryan.

“Bryan was dedicated to his club and former school and served a term as President of the Club (1971-1974).  When the club ran into financial difficulty Bryan played a huge role in saving the Club and the Society.  What a monument to him.  He donated the Sportsman  of the Year Trophy.  The Bryan Magennis Trophy is awarded annually.  It was fitting that the Club flag was lowered to half-mast on the day he died” (Hugh Moffat).

In the late 1980’s when Old Eds Executive was contemplating selling the Club’s Houghton property to the City of Johannesburg, the so-called White Knights stepped in to prevent this sale and the potential loss of this incredibly valuable property.  Bryan stepped up “to provide advice and wise counsel and help facilitate a pragmatic deal with the (then) Health and Racquet Club Group.

“He handled (this role) with diplomacy and finesse that I believe were hallmarks of an exceptional and special person and during my term of office as Executive Chairman of Old Eds his advice was invaluable as we fought to save the Society from extinction.  In this era when ethics and integrity seen no longer to be cornerstones of South African Society, he was a man that held us to the highest standards but always with warmth, compassion and humanity”. (Steve Jaspan).

“His presence was calming, assured, deeply curious, always a glint in his eye, along with a joyous smile.  His voice and spirit were that of an adventurer and a pioneer, a confidence builder of  the highest order.

His actions were bold, sincere, fair and rooted in moving forwards to a worthwhile end”(Greg Magennis).

Bryan deeply loved and was immensely proud of his family and “the apples did not fall far from the tree.  They are very special people”(Hugh Moffat).

It was a life well lived and the respect and love he earned were testament to a truly wonderful man.

Rest in Peace Bryan.

Our heartfelt condolences go to the Magennis Family and Friends.