OBITUARY – ADRIAN STOWELL (RACE NUMBER 300)
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is saddened by the passing of its former Chairperson and Elder, Adrian Stowell. He was 73 years old.
Adrian has been described as humble, self-effacing, and a gentleman who was always approachable and willing to lend a hand when needed.
He served as Chairperson of the CMA Board from 1997 to 1999, with a total of 26 years as a CMA Board member. Being a respected member of the legal profession, he also served on the CMA Legal and Constitutional Committee for several years.
Adrian was a proud member and past president of Collegians Harriers Athletic Club. He ran 11 Comrades Marathons between 1986 to 2017, earning 7 Bronze and 4 Vic Clapham medals.
Adrian achieved his personal best of 8:36:33 in the 1988 Comrades Marathon. He was determined to earn his Comrades Green Number and was inducted into the Green Number Club in 2016.
CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo says, “It is with a deep sense of sadness that we learn of the passing away of our former Chairperson, Elder and Board member, Adrian Stowell. Adrian’s passing is a big loss to the Comrades Marathon Association, Stowell and Co and the Stowell family. I remember Adrian for his quiet demeanour, meticulous attention to detail and absolute dedication.”
“Even after his tenure as the Chairperson, Adrian continued to serve the CMA as a Board member and Chairperson of the Legal and Constitutional Committee where he provided legal counsel on a variety of matters, including labour issues. Adrian was an absolute gentleman, who treated everyone equally and with respect. He was a true epitome of humanity, excellence and commitment to serve. I will fondly remember Adrian for his integrity and as a gentleman who was not afraid to differ with others on issues of principle.”
CMA Board Member, Isaac Ngwenya says, “This is sad news indeed. He was the anchor for all of us and a champion of meaningful transformation. May his soul rest in peace.”
CMA Board Member, Zinhle Sokhela says, “It is so sad to hear of Adrian’s passing. He was a cool guy and a gentleman of note. You have fought a good fight and have won the race. Go well Adrian and may your soul rest in eternal peace. Hamba kahle!”
AIMS President, Paco Borao says, “It is with a deep sadness that I learn of the passing of Adrian Stowell, another great supporter of the marvellous sport of running and more precisely of the extraordinary Comrades Marathon race. My most friendly hug for his family and all members of the Comrades Marathon organization on behalf of, I am sure all will agree, the entire international running community.”
CMA Board Member, Pat Freeman says, "I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the entire Stowell family at this sad time. My memories of Adrian were that of his pleasant smile, a quiet man with kind caring ways. His dedication to The Ultimate Human Race was legendary! RIP Adrian, you will be sorely missed."
Former CMA Chairperson and Elder, Jeff Minnaar says, “Adrian was a very dear friend of mine. I met him while he was Chairperson of the Collegians Harriers Athletic Club. I interacted with him and invited him to stand for the CMA Executive Committee which he duly did. We’ve had a fantastic working relationship all these years. He is what I call a friend in need and a friend indeed. He was what I call a very faithful friend who never let you down. May his soul rest in peace.”
CMA Elder Poobie Naidoo says, “On behalf of my wife Pat and myself, we offer our condolences to Di and the family. We have known Adrian from the opening of our first store in 1983. He was a gentleman with humble qualities, a friend to all who met him.”
Former CMA Chairperson and Elder, Dave Dixon says, “I met and became friends with Adrian through the Comrades Marathon many years ago, and the one thing that was unquestionable over the many decades of our friendship, was his complete commitment and passion for this iconic race. He was truly a “Comrades Ambassador” in so many ways. Adrian was always a perfect gentleman who loved his family dearly. He was a tireless Comrades administrator and runner, an articulate attorney and a friend and source of support to so many. These traits are going to be sorely missed. I was privileged to share a very special relationship with Adrian, and during my tenure as Chairman, his sound advice and worldly experience was always at hand. We will all miss him, we will miss his cheery smile; and our thoughts and prayers are with Di and his special family.”
CMA Prizegiving Convenor, Roxanne Thomas says, “He was really such a caring man who always had the best advice and a sympathetic ear. I think we will all miss him.”
CMA VIP Co-convenor, Sanelisiwe Masuku says, “I remember many wonderful things about Adrian. He was a great human being who will be sorely missed.”
CMA Winners Circle Convenor, Brenda Marolen says, “Sincere condolences to his immediate family and the CMA family. He ran his race well and with dedication within the athletics fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
CMA Social Media & Branding Officer, Sifiso Mngoma says, “Aphiwe and I offer our sincerest sympathies to the Stowell family in your time of sorrow. May God give you comfort and strength as you grieve.”
Agie Govender of CHOC says, “This is such sad news. CHOC is devastated to hear of Adrian Stowell’s passing. An icon in the Comrades and a wonderful human being. He will be sadly missed by all. Please convey our deepest condolences to his family and to the Comrades leadership.”
Koos Vorster of SANParks Honorary Rangers says, “Very sad to hear this news.
Adrian was an icon and well known to me in my previous role as Chairperson of the Chamber of Business, Business Fighting Crime and Safe City. He was one of the pillars of Pietermaritzburg and a staunch supporter of the Comrades Charities. His place will be empty at Comrades. We send our sincere and deepest sympathy to you all.”
CMA Novice Hospitality Co-convenor Noeleen de Groot says, “Our heartfelt condolences to Di and family on the loss of your beloved Adrian. We are thinking of you and praying for comfort and strength for you during this time. Much love from Peter and I.”
Angie Narayanan of the Community Chest says, “The Community Chest is greatly saddened by the loss of Mr Adrian Stowell. His kind demeanour and vision as he chaired the Comrades Marathon Association will always be remembered. As they say, "We Live to Serve," Adrian exemplified this idea of giving generously to others. Our sincere condolences go out to the Stowell family and all at Comrades.”
Khathutshelo Magadani of Road Accident Fund says, “On behalf of RAF, we would like to pass a message of condolences to the Comrades family on the passing of your former Chairperson. His calm demeanour and approach will surely be missed by all of us. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
CMA Finish Venue Convenor, Tonya Swiegers says, “Di, my sincere condolences to you and the children, family and friends. It is very sad to hear this. May your treasured memories carry you through this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love and healing light to you.”
CMA Procurement & Estate Officer and Finish Procedure Convenor, Alain Dalais says, “It is terribly sad news to hear of Adrian’s passing. It is a loss to the CMA and we will certainly miss that friendly, warm smile and his calm personality. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Stowell family, and everyone at the Stowell & Company law firm. Rest In eternal peace dear Adrian.”
CMA Finish Procedure Co-convenor, Gawie Falconer says, “It’s extremely sad to hear the news. I had the pleasure of being a friend of Adrian for many years. Adrian was very instrumental in facilitating my involvement as a Comrades volunteer when I had to stop running. My deepest sympathy to Di and the family.”
Former CMA Chairperson, Peter Proctor says, “I met Adrian when I joined the Comrades Marathon Executive in 1999. I always found Adrian to be a very knowledgeable friend who offered help and advice whenever needed. During my two terms of office in the Comrades Chair, I sought help and advice on many occasions without any fear of doubt of his honest opinion or comment. He became a true friend in time of need. As Chairman of the Association, Adrian was an admirable leader and was held in high esteem. My condolences to Di. It’s a sad day for us all as we say goodbye to a friend who we could always look up to.”
