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Farewell Friends
In Memory of Harry Newton Walker
1 July 1928 - 6 August 2008
Harry Newton Walker was a well known resident of Potchefstroom and a former Springbok rugby player. He passed away on 6 August 2008, having turned 80 on 1 July this year. Uncle Harry, as he was better known, had experienced bad health in recent months and been admitted to hospital more than once. He and his wife Diane had been married for 55 years. Uncle Harry was for many years an auditor of the town and trained many young accountants, several of whom also became auditors. Many stories are told of the strict Uncle Harry by those who started their careers with him.
Harry was a member of the Potchefstroom Rotary Club and never missed a meeting in 35 years. According to his co-members, he was a legend at the Rotary Club.
The Herald newspapers sports writer, Piet de Jager, has compiled an overview of Harry Walkers rugby career, which includes the following details. He played provincial rugby for Natal from 1944 until 1952. In 1953, when he was in the Free State, Harry became a Springbok and played in one test in the same year against the Wallabies. In 1954 he moved to Potchefstroom and was again chosen for the Springboks for the tour to New Zealand. He was one of three mealie farmers in the team. The other two were the captain Basie Viviers and Johan Claassen. While touring in New Zealand he was praised in publications for his scrum strength and supporting play in the lineouts. He was also involved for a very long time with the Potch Town Club and wore their maroon rugby jersey until 1958. He then became part of management. As a Springbok, Harry walked in the footsteps of his father, Alf Walker, who in 1921 also played in the green and gold. He and his father were the first father and son couple to play for the Springboks! He was always proud to play for South Africa and wear the green and gold colours.
