Alan Cowell – passionate and dedicated

Alan Cowell, one of the doyens of the freight industry, died on Wednesday aged 88. Described by John Buchel of Heneways as “an extraordinary person who dedicated his time to the benefit of the industry and, in particular, to training,” he held senior positions with some of the top freight forwarding companies – Lep Transport and Miller Weedon among others. Widely respected for his sterling work for the SA Association of Freight Forwarders, he held the position of CEO of the organisation for many years. Highly articulate and with a depth of industry knowledge, he co-authored, with Pat Corbin, the JCCI Importer’s and Exporter’s Manual, which became the gold standard for the international trade industry. Corbin, whose association with him as friend and associate dates back to 1967, described him as highly principled and of the highest integrity. “His work was his life’s passion – and it was only his failing eyesight that forced him into retirement.” In 1991 he was made a Life Member of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry in honour of his many years of service to organised business and in particular to the clearing and forwarding business. “Alan wrote the original material for the Saaff courses and set the knowledge acquisition sail for the industry,” former Saaff executive Christopher Richards told FTW. “It was a move that had the support of the Commissioner for Customs and his team at that time – and eventually blossomed into the MITB training initiative, championed by Charles Dey, which enabled a number of industry employees to obtain Fiata diplomas. “Since the Seta system forced out the Training Boards, the main mast holding that sail has crashed and it would be a great sadness to Alan if he knew the wilderness we are now in,” said Richards. Alan gave generously of his talents and time. For six consecutive years he lectured without payment at the Unisa study school which was part of the distance learning programme run by Richards with the University of South Africa. “He had a good understanding of the legal aspects of our business and he particularly enjoyed lecturing on liens.” At FTW he will be remembered as one of the industry’s true gentlemen – authoritative, outspoken, a great communicator and always accessible. His passionate commitment to the industry will leave a lasting legacy. Alan is survived by his wife Christine, to whom he was married for 66 years, and three daughters.