27 May 2024
Pieter Booysen, the manager of Sernick’s Bonsmara herd, passed away on May 23 after a battle with cancer. He was 59 years old.
In his tribute, Nick Serfontein, founder of Sernick, said Pieter was not only loved within the Sernick family but also in Bonsmara circles. “He was a respected senior inspector, mentor, adviser, ambassador, cattle expert and a man of integrity. Pieter was the humblest person I have ever known and there are not enough words to describe this remarkable man.”
Louis Steyl, general manager of Bonsmara SA, said that over the years Pieter became a good friend to him and to many Bonsmara breeders.
“He was a senior inspector, and as a representative of Sernick he also attended many auctions and conducted inspections across the country. He was known to everyone in the industry and it is a great loss for us.
“Something that will always stand out to me about Pieter is his absolute humility and his knowledge of cattle. I remember his humble and quiet presence in a pen, but he was actually one of the most experienced senior inspectors in the industry. Few people know this, but Pieter had a master’s degree in genetics. He also understood the breeding values behind the cattle. This made him a true stockman.”
Louis noted that Pieter was known for taking care of breeders’ animals during phase C tests at Sernick as if they were his own. “He made an impact on many Bonsmara breeders’ herds, even beyond his involvement with Sernick. I don’t think there was ever anyone who was unhappy with the opinion he gave.”
Dr Japie van der Westhuizen, CEO of the SA Stud Book, said Pieter was one of the sharpest postgraduate students he dealt with. “He was sharp in seeing the bigger picture but applying the context in detail.”
Japie added that he could not think of a single occasion that was not pleasant to converse with Pieter. “I was always enriched by the way he interacted with others and how positively he contributed to their lives.”
Andre Höll, Bonsmara breeder from Anko Bonsmaras near Vryburg, said he would remember Pieter as a true gentleman. “I’ve known him since the days when he was the manager of the Armoedsvlakte bull testing station and I will always remember him. He was a very special person.”
On the Sernick group’s Facebook page, several black farmers and Bonsmara breeders from Botswana also paid tribute to Pieter. Many described him as a mentor, father figure and friend, expressing their condolences to his family and the Sernick family.
Pieter is survived by his wife, Antoinette, and his three children, Clarissa, Joey and Pieter.
“Rest in peace, my friend. We will take good care of the trees you planted and the cattle you cherished,” Nick concluded his tribute.
