The University of Pretoria is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Professor Hans Boon on 30 April 2021. He was 75.

Prof Boon, fondly remembered as Hans, was a leading figure in the establishment and development of information science in South Africa and the Netherlands. Following his initial university education at Potchefstroom University, with a BA degree in classical languages, he was awarded a doctoral degree in Information Science from the Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit, now known as the University of Johannesburg, in 1978. In that same year, he became professor of Information Science. He taught at many universities, including the University of Johannesburg, University of Amsterdam, University of Natal, University of Konstanz, the University of Copenhagen and the University of Pretoria.

In 1983, Prof Boon was appointed as Head of the Department of Library and Information Sciences at the University of Pretoria. During his tenure he played a key role in developing long-term strategies to position the Department as a leader in the modern national and international university sector. The Department changed its name to Information Science in 1991 and its programme offerings, particularly at the postgraduate level, were expanded under the leadership of Prof Boon.                 

After 12 good years as Professor and Head, and a few stints as Acting Dean of Humanities, Prof Boon joined the Executive Management of the University of Pretoria in 1995 when he took up the role of Registrar. His meticulousness, principled character, exemplary work ethic and immense capacity were a good fit for this role, which entails institutional governance, information management, legal and statutory compliance and discipline. During these years he also served as Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the newly established University Archives.

In August 1997, Prof Boon was appointed as Director of the new Department of Telematic Education and Education Innovation. He was put in charge of driving telematic education as a mainstream activity of the University of Pretoria. This led to the establishment of a virtual campus in 1999 and the introduction of a range of online courses. In this time Prof Boon also led a process for the optimisation and transformation of the University’s library services. From 2004 to 2006 Prof Boon took on the role of Acting Director: Library Services alongside his duties as Director: Education Innovation. After this period and the untimely and tragic death of his son, Prof Boon opted to return to core academia as a Professor in the Department of Information Science until his official retirement.

Prof Boon has an impressive scientific publication record and received numerous awards for his outstanding research and leadership contributions over the years. He continued his contribution to the University even after his retirement, serving as Professor Emeritus, conducting research and acting as postgraduate supervisor in the Department of Information Science. Former students and colleagues alike continue to speak of him with the greatest of admiration, respect and fondness.

Prof Boon will be remembered as an exceptional academic and scholar and a demanding boss in every role. He expected the best from everyone – which often required patience and encouragement – and gave his best in his service to the University and its people. As a deeply religious man he was very actively involved in the church and community. As a father-figure, Prof Boon has left an indelible mark on many lives, including his own six children and their children.

In his golden years, Hans and his wife Truus – of whom he always spoke lovingly – enjoyed their time with their children and grandchildren, experiencing and learning a life of knowledge, art, nature and faith. They spent good times between their Pretoria home, the Western Cape, and a cottage in a forest in the Netherlands. Hans will be deeply missed.

Our sincere condolences go out to his wife, children and grandchildren, family and friends.