Dedicated family man

Arnold van Wyk

UCT regrets the untimely death of Arnold van Wyk on April 11. Our condolences go to his wife, Marlene, and two daughters, Mellissa (18) and Alexia (5) as well as his family, friends and colleagues.

Van Wyk joined UCT 17 years ago as a senior campus protection officer but showed such flair for investigation that he joined the investigations team in 2001, rising to the rank of supervisor.

"He was a very good investigation officer," John Tunstall (risk services manager) confirmed. "He had a knack of solving cases."

Professionally, Van Wyk will be remembered for cracking the case of the ongoing computer thefts that plagued the commerce faculty a couple of years ago, work that incorporated many hours of surveillance to track the perpetrator.

His death leaves a significant gap in the team.

Described as a dedicated family man, colleague Steven Ganger (crime investigations manager), who knew Van Wyk for 10 years, paid tribute to him.

"I started at UCT on April 1, 2004, as the head of the investigation department and from day one Arnold made me feel right at home. He took me around the campus and showed me the ropes. He knew everything and everybody on campus."

Ganger said Van Wyk had been a well-liked and loved person, a great colleague and friend.

"You could ask Arnold anything and he would always do it. He always had a plan or he would organise something. He would never let you down. He was always willing to help other people. Arnold was a happy person and a pleasure to work with, a true asset to the department and university.

"Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget. We will always remember you Arnold."