The large number of people who recently gathered to celebrate the life of the former head of division (HOD) for coaching specialisation at the Stellenbosch University (SU) sport science department, was an indication of the caring and loving person he was.
This was according to Karen Welman, current HOD for sport science, movement science and exercise therapy at SU, who spoke at a memorial service held in honour of the late Professor Wilbur Kraak, on 2 August.
The Stellenbosch University sports science department held a memorial service to honour and celebrate the life of the late Professor Wilbur Kraak, former head of division for coaching specialisation, on 2 August. Kraak passed away due to a stroke, according to a family representative. PHOTO: Mandisa Maphisa
Kraak died on 27 July after a stroke, confirmed a family representative. Kraak was 40.
Former and present students, friends and family, Maties sport staff, and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) sport and recreational science department attended the service.
Kraak worked at SU for 14 years and moved to UWC in August 2023, but still retained his SU sport science classes, said Professor Heinrich Grobbelaar, an SU exercise, sport and lifestyle medicine staff member.
“He has supervised numerous students and currently oversaw two PhD and four MSc students in sports science at SU,” said Grobbelaar.
“[…] Kraak obtained a diploma in coaching science and human movement science before becoming a PhD candidate at the University of the Free State. [Kraak] started working at the SU sport science department [in] 2010 as a junior lecturer,” said Grobbelaar.
“He is the first professor from his home town in Mamre.”
Previous and present students, friends and family, Maties Sport and UWC sport science staff members were present on 2 August to honour and celebrate the life of the late Professor Wilbur Kraak, former head of division for coaching specialisation at the Stellenbosch University sports science department. PHOTO: Mandisa Maphisa
‘Die son sal weer skyn’
“After narrowly losing a rugby match, I remember him looking at me and telling me ‘die son sal weer skyn’, which means that tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities,” said Hanno van Vuuren, a previous student of Kraak.
Kraak was an optimistic person who would connect with and check in with his students regardless of his title and position, according to Van Vuuren.
Professor Wayne Derman, current SU HOD for exercise, sport and lifestyle medicine, described Kraak as an excellent academic and friend for all.
“He created a warm feeling for all the people working around him. Wilbur was very humble and quick to credit others,” he said.
“He will be dearly missed but never forgotten,” said Derman.