Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Rowe, a true pioneer and lifetime achiever in the stainless steel industry. John, who was 76 years old, leaves behind a legacy that will forever be celebrated and cherished. His contributions to the world of stainless steel were immeasurable, and his dedication and passion for his work were an inspiration to all who knew him.

John's journey in the stainless steel industry began in 1986 when he joined Middelburg Steel and Alloys. As an Export Manager, he displayed an unwavering commitment to his work. He was known to arrive at the office at the crack of dawn and often stayed long after others had left. This dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and set the stage for a remarkable career.

Following the sale of Middelburg Steel and Alloys, John embarked on a new chapter in his career. He moved to Oreport, an international metals trading house, where he continued to excel. His passion for the industry was evident in every endeavour he pursued. Later, he joined Thyssen Krupp, where he expanded his horizons and made a significant impact.

While John was born in the UK, he spent most of his life in South Africa, a place he lovingly called home. It was in South Africa that he and his beloved family made memories that would last a lifetime. He was not just a dedicated professional but also a devoted family man, always ensuring that his loved ones came first.

John's career took another remarkable turn when he joined Thyssen Krupp in Germany. This move broadened his horizons and allowed him to engage with the global stainless steel community. He was a well-respected figure in the industry, known for his expertise and unwavering dedication to stainless steel.

Perhaps the pinnacle of John’s illustrious career was when he was appointed as the Secretary General of International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF); now Worldstainless. In this role, he played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future and fostering international cooperation. His leadership was marked by a commitment to excellence and a relentless pursuit of innovation. It was during his tenure as Secretary General that he was nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In October 2018, John’s remarkable contributions were recognised when he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious Stainless Steel Awards Gala dinner. The honour was a testament to his decades of hard work, passion, and innovation within the industry.

John eventually retired from his role at ISSF in October 2019. His retirement marked the end of an era in the industry, and he left behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and influence generations of stainless steel professionals.

John’s passing is a loss not only to his family and friends but also to the entire stainless steel community. His dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence were unparalleled. Sassda extends its deepest condolences to John’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. John will be remembered as a true legend in the stainless steel industry, and his legacy will forever shine as a beacon of inspiration for all those who follow in his footsteps.