On this tribute, Macsteel International chairperson Mick Davis displays on the life and contribution of Eric Samson, who he describes as softly spoken, compassionate and beneficiant.
It’s with nice unhappiness that we announce the passing of the founder and majority shareholder of the Macsteel Group, Eric Samson.
Eric handed away on 19 January 2021 at age 82.
The board and full administration of Macsteel Group are deeply saddened by his passing. After becoming a member of his father’s fencing and wiring enterprise, Pan Africa Staalhandel in 1958, he turned MD of the corporate in 1965 and he later based Machanick Metal & Fencing, which is now named Macsteel.
Eric, over 5 a long time, constructed Macsteel into one of many largest metal retailers in South Africa and created a dynamic worldwide buying and selling and transport enterprise working in over 35 international locations throughout three continents. Extremely regarded the world over as an astute but humble businessman who eschewed the limelight, Eric at all times targeted on creating worth for all of Macsteel’s stakeholders.
Eric and his spouse, Sheila, arrange the Eric and Sheila Samson Basis and all through their marriage gave again to the communities through which they lived. Eric’s imaginative and prescient was to empower folks to make the world a greater place.
Though Eric could possibly be roused to nice ardour, he was softly spoken and compassionate, whose generosity is famous. Just about no trigger was ignored; from take care of the aged and infirm, to kids in danger, grownup schooling and rehabilitation centres for injured troopers and the disabled.
Typically his presents had been nameless as he sought little recognition for doing good. Embodying the loftiest values of compassion, sincerity and steady acts of kindness, Eric distinguished himself by way of his charitable endeavours.
The title of Honorary Life World Marketing campaign Chairman of Keren Hayesod was bestowed upon him in recognition of his service to the Jewish Folks. He additionally served on the board of the Nelson Mandela Kids’s Fund, in addition to quite a few Jewish communal boards.
We have now misplaced an excellent businessman and philanthropist. However greater than that, Eric was the best of mankind, he enriched the world and by no means stopped caring for the impoverished and the destitute. He leaves a legacy from which all of us study. He and Sheila had been a strong workforce and his kids, Jeffrey, Dorothy and Franki have embraced their values.
On behalf of all my colleagues, I specific our heartfelt sympathy to Sheila and the household. They’ve misplaced a loving husband and father; a rare man who was a buddy and instructor to us all.
