By Lloyd Phillips
A warm, kind and gentle-spirited gentleman is how one of the numerous farmers who crossed paths with Mike Moncur over his 72 years has described him.
Award-winning Ile de France sheep-breeder and commercial producer Regina Harmse, from Mpumalanga’s Ermelo district, was reacting to the news that Moncur died on Friday morning.
Moncur’s ill health meant he could not attend the 2024 Royal Agricultural Exhibition in late May in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
For many years, Harmse has entered her sheep in Royal Agricultural Society of Natal annual shows, and she became one of Moncur’s many good friends.
According to the RAS chief executive officer, Terry Strachan, Moncur was “an integral part” of the society since the 1970s. He was its vice-president and president, revived, developed and chaired its sheep section, and chaired its equine section.
Moncur previously farmed Dexter cattle and Hampshire Down sheep in KZN’s Underberg/Himeville district. He also bred and showed budgerigars, managed the Drakensberg Gardens Hotel in his district and owned Mike’s Restaurant there.
“Mike was highly committed to the RAS and his dedication was evident during the recent Royal Agricultural Exhibition when he continued to monitor and direct aspects of this event from his hospital bed,” says Strachan.
“He was an adviser and mentor to many, and his jovial and generous spirit had a profoundly positive impact on many people’s lives.
“We have lost a friend, colleague and valuable team member, and Mike will be sorely missed by many in the greater agricultural community.”
Angus Williamson, who is vice-president of the KZN Agricultural Union and chairs the KZN Red Meat Producers’ Organisation and the RAS cattle section, also has much praise for Moncur.
“I could go on forever about Mike’s enduring commitment and positive contributions to the RAS and to the farming community in general,” he says.
“I had the privilege of serving alongside him on the RAS executive for a number of years and he was sound-minded, thought things through carefully and was a really good president.”
Williamson recalls that Moncur was “quite a mean” offroad rally driver in his younger years. His many trophies were on display at Moncur’s restaurant.
“He was an absolute gentleman and had so many valuable insights into things. His passing has left quite a void, to be honest.”
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Friday, 28 June at St Michael and All Angels Church in Himeville. The service will be livestreamed online for those unable to attend.
Moncur leaves his wife, Denise, his daughters and sons-in-law Michele and Etienne, Cindi and Wayne, Laurian and Shaun and Katy and Patrick, and his grandchildren Skye, Gina, Logan, Matthew, Bryce and Isla.
