Coast mourns death of two well known community members

The death occurred on Tuesday in Walvis Bay of Mr Harald Jensen (67), a well-known figure in the local trade and commerce and a man who for many decades stood for best practices in all aspects of the local communities to make Walvis Bay a town for everyone.

On Wednesday, the coast lost another well-known resident, Mr Walter (Wally) Fokkens who over many years was involved in the local vehicle trade and also an entrepreneur in various other ventures at the coast.
Mr Jensen’s passing is also mourned by the sports and cultural fraternity of the Atlantis Sport Club of Walvis Bay, one of the cornerstones of the development of club soccer and other community sports activities in Walvis Bay spanning decades. Equally the Walvis Bay Golf Club which he supported for many decades and contributed to the prominence the Club enjoys today at national golf level.
The late Jensen never spared any effort or opportunity to help shift horizons for Walvis Bay. One recalls his role in the first years after Walvis Bay’s Integration (1994) to re-invent the harbour town from being a primarily fishing town. In this regard his contribution to the then Walvis Bay Tourism Association is recognised. Equally the Walvis Bay Rate Payers Association and on the sports and social front he would be remembered for his dedication to make the annual Oktoberfest and the first ever Walvis Bay Oyster Festival the success stories of today.
At wider community level his dedication to the Walvis Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the later NCCI Walvis Bay and service clubs the Rotary Club of Walvis Bay and the Round Table Club.
“Harald loved people. Harald was proud of his family roots and Harald was a proud Namibian with an open mind and an open heart for people. He was a good friend and an exemplary work colleague. His friendly and inviting nature made him a truly loved man. His passing leaves a great hole in our local fabric”, described someone of the late Harald Jensen yesterday.
Adding, in coming days more tributes will follow from Swakopmund and elsewhere in Namibia where the late Mr. Jensen made an impression on colleagues and friends alike.
At the time of going to press, details around the passing of Mr. Fokkens was yet to be announced.