Legendary Gqeberha sportswriter, Les Barnes, passed away yesterday at the age of 89.
Les was not only well-known in sporting circles, but also a well-loved figure at the Sunridge SuperSpar and Despatch SuperSpar which were owned by his sons. Tributes have been pouring in on social media.
Les was a sports writer and sports editor at Die Oosterlig newspaper which later became Die Burger (Oos-Kaap). He was also a sports correspondent for Rapport newspaper.
Sports commentator and tri-athlete, Alec Riddle, said in a Facebook post this morning that in one’s life journey one gets to meet some remarkable people. “One such person was Les Barnes, best known as a sporting journalist and in that field he was a giant of a man, passionate beyond measure. If I think of Les Barnes I think athletics, I think Die Oosterlig, I think Vernon Barnes Memorial and I think PE Athletics Club.
“One of my proudest shared moments with Les is when we won the Great Train Race as PE Club members. However, when I remember Les Barnes, I simply remember a kind, humble gentleman with a wonderful family and how proud he was of his sons Peter, David and Paul who were all keen sportsmen and members of my running squad at Grey.
“Les, we will miss you, but will forever remember you, particularly for the fact that you helped boost so many sports and sportsmen and women. How blessed we were to be able to honour you at the Bruce Fordyce function not too long ago, with all of your sons and many of your associates/colleagues present. Go well, Les, we appreciate you greatly. RIP Mr Barnes, thank you for everything.
Hannes Schoeman, a former sportswriter at Die Oosterlig, and who still works at Media24, said: “He called me regularly over many years – at least once a month. Sometimes twice to see if there were new names on my annual death list.
“In the last year his hearing had deteriorated badly – and he could rarely hear what I said. His last call to me was a month ago. He was bedridden because he could no longer walk. That was our last conversation.
“What I know in my 51 years of sports journalism, Les taught me. I will be eternally grateful to him for that and will miss our regular chats. Go well, Les! And thanks for everything over the years.”
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