It
is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing today of
Clare Walker. The loss is too immense to comprehend at present. At this
time our thoughts and love go out to Elizabeth. MHDSRIP LIASA EXCO
My role-model, friend and esteemed colleague, Clare Walker, has left this life. My heart is broken. Rest in peace dear friend. Nikki Crowster
Clare was the ultimate professional. She was a passionate librarian, an advocate for the profession and a champion of young/er librarians. When I became President-Elect her words to me was to congratulate me on being a SALLP graduate
taking up the role prepared by that leadership experience.
Generous with her time and advice, she always had great insights and questions that made us think about the issues in librarianship. I will miss her conference presence and contributions. May her soul rest in peace. My thoughts
and prayers are with Elizabeth at this time.
Nazeem Hardy
I'm
still in a state of shock at the unexpected death of Clare Walker,
former Wits Deputy University Librarian, today. A proud librarian and
LIS academic, we will miss her sound counsel, keen observations and
opinions on things LIS, and most importantly her presence at every LIASA
Conference. She was always unstinting in her support of me and the
projects/work I undertook in the course of my career. I will miss her
advice and presence dearly. Ujala Satgoor
My first impressions of LIASA were formed at the AGM in Bloemfontein in 1998. The passionate, robust and always respectful debate among Clare and colleagues like Haffy Haffagee, John Tsebe, Ellen Tise, Laila Vahed amongst others, made
a deep and lasting impression on me. I believed these were some of the people who would transform the LIS sector and I wanted to be part of that. I joined the very next day! Over the years I got to know Clare, especially as
Editor of the LIASA-in-Touch (from 2001). She was always supportive and constructive in her comments and I came to value her opinion highly. I was especially pleased when she told me that the magazine had informed some of the
chapter she had written about the history of LIASA in its first 10 years and what a valuable resource it was. I came to look forward to seeing her and Elizabeth at the annual LIASA conference. Clare was generous with my requests
for her to write about her early work experiences and I took every opportunity to ask her to write her memoirs. Her last article for the magazine was about her and Elizabeth's night at the opera in Paris, in part paid for by her
well-deserved SALI Trust-LIASA Lifetime Achievement Award (2018). I believe that a thriving LIASA will be a fitting legacy for Clare - she cared so deeply about the Association and what it stood for. Let us honour her memory.
Hamba kahle Clare. You will be missed. Nohra Moerat
Clare was my line manager at Wits Library and she made me to encouraged me to be a motivated and passionate librarian. I will forever be grateful of her teaching as my mentor and boss. May her soul rest in peace.
Refiloe Mabaso
The
National Library is saddened to learn of the passing of a consummate
Librarian, Clare Walker. Her passing leaves a professional void in the
Library and Information Services sector. May Clare's soul rest in peace.
CHELSA is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Walker. Such an inspiration to the LIS profession in the country. The library sector has been shaped by her passion and dedication to the professionalisation
of libraries and librarians. She will be sorely missed.
CHELSA conveys deepest sympathies to Claire Walker’s family and friends. May her soul rest in peace.
We
looked up to Clare as a senior leader and role model in the LIS sector
and LIASA- I will miss her greatly at the annual conferences. May she be
happy and at peace in the great library in the sky. Shireen Deoraj
Sending healing thoughts. A wonderful person & great librarian. Barbara Ford
What
tragic news. An iconic Librarian who We all respected immensely. I will
miss her presence and valuable opinions. Deepest condolences to the
family. Pranisha Parag
Claire
Walker read and commented on every LIASA Limpopo Newsletter between
2012-2016 when I was a PRO and chairperson. I knew that I will receive
her email a day after we circulated the newsletter congratulating us and
giving us advises. She was a model librarian. May she rest in peace. Maropene Ramabina
My
condolences to our leader who showed that women can lead even if the
situation doesn't allow. May her soul rest in peace. A true librarian
indeed. Khomotso Marume
So
sorry to hear about Clare’s passing. My thoughts are with Elizabeth,
her close friends and colleagues. We are poorer for her passing. Christine Stilwell
Disbelief. It is such sad news. As you say, sound counsel, keen observations and opinions - all will be missed! Ingrid Thomson
Gosh
this is sad news. We worked a lot in committee together when I was in
LIASA so I got to know her quite well. As you say, a very able lady who
will be missed by the LIS community. Myra Boyes
Such
sad news. She was indeed an icon in the Library profession.
Condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. She influenced so
much of us in LIS and LIASA. She and her counsel will be dearly missed. Therese Els
Shocking indeed. What a lose for our profession. May her soul rest in peace. We will forever miss her. Sibo Doncabe
You
have touched and shaped the careers of hundreds of professionals. You
were passionate and committed. Rest high, your library work is done.
You will be missed but your teaching goes on. Christina Dookran
A true and passionate stalwart of librarianship. Your loss will be felt by us all at our conferences. Rest well Clare Walker Moxey Naidoo
Very sad news. I worked with her at Wits and she never minced her words. Proudly LIS professional. A robale ka khutšo
Khomotso Sharon Pete
She loved her profession, she loved LIASA. She has set such an example to us all. Elsabe Olivier
The LIS community is poorer without her. She will be missed indeed. Strength to her partner...MHSRIP Lolo Rabothata
My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Martha de Jager
Sad news indeed...May her soul rest in peace.Sincere condolences to friends & family. Rachel More
The library world has lost a real stalward. RIP Clare. Madely du Preez
So sad...she will be dearly missed. May her legacy never be forgotten. Nampombe Mnkeni Saurombe
My Deepest Condolences, RIP Clare Elsabe Herion
I am sad, Clare Walker was my line manager at Wits University, who saw my potential and gave me an opportunity to become Senior Librarian for Wartenweiler Library. She used to say "I know Linda you can do it." We have lost and we
will forever miss her. May her soul rest in peace. Linda Mbonambi
I first noticed Clare at a conference that was in Cape Town, I never forgot her from that day. She was a true advocate for LIASA and the Profession. She is going to be missed. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Thandi Dyantyi
You will be remembered for the passion you showed for your profession and LIASA. I'll never forget seeing you at every LIASA conference and participating in all the discussions - even after your retirement. Elsabe Olivier
Sad sad news for the LIS community. RIP Clare Hannalie Knoetze
I am deeply saddened..My teacher , my mentor, my role model since we met at Wits in 1998. We have lost Big Brains. My deepest condolences to Elizabeth and family. Rest in Peace Claire Suzy Nyakale
Clare Walker and Elizabeth was part of the ritual of the LIASA conferences and when they walked into the auditorium on the first day, it always felt that the conference may start as it received the stamp of approval. Clare was the True North
indicator, showing direction without failing and guiding us to make the right decisions for the profession. Christelle Lubbe
This is sad news indeed. I remember Clare from LIASA in its early days and her commitment and robust engagement always commanded respect. Condolences to Elizabeth, friends and family. Gill Kerchhoff
A wonderful librarian. Clare's deep commitment to and presence in the library world will be missed but her influence on us will live on. John van Niekerk
Condolences to late Clare Walker's family and colleagues. This is a real loss in the profession. Thank you for her leadership, enthusiasm and diligence during the formation of our beloved LIASA and her contributions in its success. MAY HER
PRECIOUS SOUL REST IN PEACE. Pamela Mavume
Very sad. She will be missed.
Bianca Lawrence
Such sad news. She was indeed an icon in the Library
profession. Condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. She influenced
so much of us in LIS and LIASA. She and her counsel will be dearly missed. Naomi Haasbroek
A great loss to the library profession. May her
soul lose in peace.
Koekie Meyer
Very sad. My condolences to the family and friends.
May her soul rest in peace. Sidima Mnengi
Such sad news. A great loss to the library
profession. Condolences to all Clare's loved ones.
Lindi Wiltz
The library world has lost an icon. Sincere
condolences to the family.
Nuroo Davids
Sad news indeed. My lecturer, very dedicated and her
passion for library world was amazing. May her soul RIP. You've shaped the
careers of so many librarian professionals. Zamzam Ngwenya
Very sad to hear about Clare, she was so
passionate about Librarianship. May she rest in peace.
Theresa Schoeman
Professional and personal in all her work. Such
a loss, too early.
Nicoline Wessels
Very sad, my condolences Joyce Myeza
So saddended to hear of the passing on of Clare Walker. RIP Clare Bosire Onyancha
Sad news, A true professional in her field. RIP Clare. Linda Cloete
The LIS sector has lost an iconic professional and LIASA patron. She will be deeply missed. I salute you Clare. Flippie van der Walt
Sad news indeed. A real professional and passionate librarian. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Mapula Mercy Mokgele
A colossal figure in LIS, sad news indeed. May she rest well. Rhandzu Mhinga
May her sou Rest In Peace. She contributed so much to the profession. Rajendra Munoo
Condolences...the most informative
librarian...we have really lost a legend...heaven has gained may her soul rest
in peace
Mabeka Mhlekazi Moko
A great loss to the LIS sector Larshan Naicker
Sad news indeed, I don't imagine LIASA
engagements without her , we will miss her wisdom
Zuki Maya
On behalf of WSU libraries Condolences to Clare
Walker's colleagues and family. We can write the whole book about her
contribution and support for others in the profession. Farewell big sister and
a library legend
Pateka Ntshuntshe Matshaya
Such sad news. I worked with Clare at JPL. A true professional and genuine person. Condolences to her loved ones. Jackie Epstein
Very sad news. We became richer from having
Claire in our midst. Condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. May her
soul rest in peace
Vivian Agyei
The passing of a LIS stalwart like Claire Walker
is a shocker. I cannot imagine a LIASA conference or event without Claire.
Condolences to Elizabeth, the rest of Claire's family and LIS colleagues.
Rocky Ralebipi-Simela
A pioneering Librarian....my mentor of
note...May Clare Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory
Daisy Selematsela
We have lost a legend, what a loss to the LIS
sector. She served us well. This is sad news for all. Condolences to her
family, friends and colleagues. MHSRIEP
Tebogo Mzizi
May God comfort
Elizabeth and LIASA family affected by Clare’s eternal departure, May God
comfort us during this difficult time. May care and love of those around
us provide comfort and peace to get us through the days ahead. My most
sincere condolences to Elizabeth and Clare’s family! Prayers and fond
memories are what we have to offer in remembrance of our dearly departed
LIS stalwart and the mentor of many librarians. May her soul rest in peace. Mandla Ntombela
Clare has contributed greatly to the success of
our Profession. She will be dearly missed. May her departed soul rest in peace.
Jeannah Libraries
Oh no what a loss in LIS sector May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace Sizeni Makhathini
Oh Clare what
a loss to our profession. Sincere condolences to her family and friends
heaven has gained a remarkable someone. She will be greatly missed. May
her beautiful soul RIP. Komako Lekholokwe Mapassy
I am shocked to the
bone! What a role model Clare was/is...I have learned so immensely much
from her: courage, knowledge, interpersonal relations, negotiation
skills, information literacy, academic thinking, public education, in
fact everything librarian possible- I am shattered ...
I was looking forward to EVERY LIASA conference for the last 10 years,
because I knew I would be able to experience her! RIP Clare- what a role
model you were/are! Susanne Noll
My sympathies to Clare’s family and the South African LIS community. Helena Asamoah-Hassan
A
professional librarian that touched the lives of those passionate about
librarianship. She was a dear friend and colleague to me and will be
dearly missed. RIP Clare. Marina van Wyk
Oh no. What a terrible shock to read this! I
remember first meeting her in the 1980s when I worked in Johannesburg
and how impressed I was with her with me being such a newby. Solvej Vorster
I only met her during the conference in Johannesburg but her integrity, wit and passion shone through. Andy Priestner
I
am in state of shock. Clare the LIS profession is poor without you. You
were the voice of reason and provided guidance and leadership when
needed most. Your presence will be missed dearly. Condolences to the
family. RIP. Kepi Madumo
Yhooo, we will miss her nyani in our conferences especially during our AGM...may her soul rest in peace Sindiswa Cingo-Mapisa
Sad
news, very sad news. Our mother in the profession, with such a sharp
mind. Thanks Clare for the guidance, paving the way towards the
progression of our profession. May your soul rest in eternal peace. Betsy Eister
Our LIASA AGM will never be the same. We will miss her guidance . Farewell my Dear Lecturer, and Mentor. Totally heart broken. Nthabiseng Kotsokoane
I will always remember Clare Walker as the voice of the profession, visionary and a reservoir of wisdom in the LIS sector. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Puleng Kekana
On behalf of Members of the Wits Libraries community who continued to interact with her up the time of her passing on, I convey the deep sense of sadness and loss that is among us. Since retirement, she has been with us drafting a history
of Wits Libraries. Her sudden death has dampened all the professional plans she continued to pursue in her retirement. We are in touch with Elizabeth at this time of grief and have unofficially got someone on the ground to lend her support
and to keep us informed on arrangements. May her soul rest in peace. Wits Library Community - Paiki Muswazi
What a loss. Our Profession will never be the same. We have lost a great mentor. She had retired from Wits but was still visiting colleagues and voluntarily sharing her knowledge with most of us. May her soul rest in peace. Chiratidzo Chatikobo
She was totally committed to the library profession. May she rest in peace. Condolences to Elizabeth, her friends and colleagues. Denise Nicholson
Claire was my lecturer in 1981 at the newly reopened Wits School of Librarianship. She was an inspiration to me and all the students, encouraging us to be the best librarians we could possibly be. My deepest sympathy and condolences to Elizabeth,
Clare's family and friends. A true loss to the profession. MHDSRIP Ilana Barling
We join other colleagues in expressing our deep sorrow on the loss of our colleague and friend, Clare Walker. Most of us knew Clare for many years and admired her extraordinary commitment to the LIS profession. A recipient of numerous awards,
Clare remained active in the profession even after retirement. As a librarian, academic, visionary and leader she was never afraid to raise pertinent issues. Her contribution to the organised library profession in South Africa has been
immeasurable. She will be sorely missed. We extend our deepest sympathies to Elizabeth and to Clare’s family. SANLiC
I am still at a loss for words, and finding it difficult to pen a message about someone whom I have known and admired since I was newly qualified, a rookie librarian, a greenhorn, wet behind the ears. Haffy and Nora pulled me into the Natal
Medical Libraries Interest Group and subsequently introduced me to Elizabeth and Clare in joint meetings with our counterparts from other provinces. I have always been in awe of Clare, intelligent, knowledgeable, smart, and dedicated as
she was. Clare was someone you could agree with, or you could agree to disagree, all within the realm of utter professionalism. I admired her for her forthright opinions, never sugar coating her words, but always respectful of the opinions
of others. I’m finding it hard to deal with the grief, but in the words of Thornton Wilder - “the highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude”. Rest well dear friend! Laila Vahed
I am saddened beyond words at Clare Walker's passing. Clare touched my own life in many ways. Clare is one of those of whom it can truly be said that she made the world a better place, both for those of us who were lucky enough to know and
work with her, and for many hundreds who never met her, but have benefited from her work. We sat many times over the years at Wits chatting over a cuppa or lunch often joined by Elizabeth. It felt like she's someone I'd known for more
than 9 years. Two things stand out from the conversations we had: The first was her frank expression of hopes and projects following retirement, more time with Elizabeth, and their cat; and that she was a genuinely good person who believed
and worked in a difficult and troubled world. Goodbye Clare. Sibusisiwe Thembela
My first experience of Clare was as a student in her Hons class at Wits. She was a fine teacher - thoughtful, undogmatic, challenging. After that she became a valued professional sounding board and a friend. I looked forward to her and Elizabeth's
yearly visits to Muizenberg and will miss our lively debates - always sprinkled with laughter. Genevieve Hart
The Department of Knowledge & Information Stewardship (DKIS) at the University of Cape Town would like to join LIASA in expressing sorrow at the sad passing of an LIS icon, Clare Walker. Her intellectual contribution to South African
LIS practice, its disciplinary epistemology as well as to matters of LIS professional body governance, is immeasurable. Her legacy to the LIS profession in South Africa will be cherished in its many forms in the years to come. Our
condolences to Elizabeth and family and friends during this time of bereavement. Department of Knowledge & Information Stewardship (DKIS) - UCT
May the soul of a true visionary in the LIS sector rest in peace. You will be sorely missed mentor of many librarians. Kenneth Khumalo
It is with shock that I heard of Clare's passing. I've known her from the days of working together at JPL, attending her lectures at the reopened Wits School of Librarianship in 1981. After that our lives continued to intersect across the
years. Clare was a passionate and committed librarian, a wonderful person and she will be hugely missed. A legend. My condolences to Elizabeth, her friends and family. Adriana Chickesh
Clare, you have left a huge vacuum behind. Loving thoughts and prayers to Elizabeth, friends and family. Gone but certainly not forgotten. People will never know the extent of the behind the scenes work that you did for the profession and
Wits as a whole! Janet Zambri
I'm shocked to learn of Clare's passing. She was always such an intensely alive colleague. She made a huge contribution to our profession and will be much missed. Peter Lor
Your sudden death has changed our lives and touched our hearts, dear Clare. The way you inspired us when we worked together in LIASA left an indelible impression. You continued to be a blessing to us all, even after you retired, always willing
to advise and assist, especially in building up our professional association, LIASA. I will miss our special discussions about making sure I balanced my work responsibilities with my LIASA responsibilities. We would jokingly say
that when it comes to LIASA activities, I am your "boss", and when we are at work, you are my "boss". You were a genuine role model, especially in User Education and Training, which I took over from you when you were appointed Deputy University
Librarian. It was not easy to climb into your big boots to conduct and coordinate information literacy classes at Wits and that experience sharpened my training skills in ways I still use today. You persuaded me to run again for the Gauteng
South Branch elections after being the national PRO, saying: "Look, the Committee is there, but not complete. They need you to step in to be their Chairperson again." When I arrived at Wits in Joburg, you immediately introduced me
to Elizabeth, who was working at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre. To you, dear Elizabeth, life is all too short, but love lasts forever. Clare took you along to every LIASA conference, regardless of the circumstances. Nothing – not
even death – can take away the bond you have with Clare! We will forever be grateful to you, Clare. You will remain in our hearts and be remembered as a fount of knowledge throughout the LIS sector! May your soul rest in eternal
peace! Mokgadi Rebecca Senyolo
Clare Walker was a remarkable person. She had a fine intellect and made an invaluable contribution to librarianship, information science and academia. She was a kind and unselfish person who will be greatly missed. I was fortunate that she
was one of my lecturers in the early 1980s. My condolences to her family and friends, especially Elizabeth. Kathy Mabin
I remember Clare from the unification initiative and hard work leading up to the momentous launch of LIASA. Clare was industrious and persistent, ensuring the success of the negotiations as we all worked late into the night. I am sure that
she will be missed by everyone who worked with her. Ross Shimmon
What a sad and reflective day to hear of Clare's passing. Having met Clare as an early-career librarian in the 1980s, she made a deep impression with her sharp intellect and inquiring mind which characterised her academic and professional
career as her experience, expertise, scholarship and engagement influenced and shaped thinking across so many levels of the LIS profession and sector over decades. Clare, an icon in the profession, has led, served, mentored generations,
advised, counselled, challenged thinking, and remained fully committed and engaged throughout her working career and into retirement. May her soul rest in peace - her work is done but her influence continues. Condolences to Elizabeth,
family, friends and colleagues. Gwenda Thomas
I hadn't actually spoken to Clare for many years, and I was sure she didn't recognise me, but I quite often used to see her in the food market at Woolworths, Killarney Mall, peering intensely at the yoghurt or the tomatoes. I often thought
of approaching her to say 'I remember you, Clare, your incisive mind is impossible to forget', but I never did and I'm so very sorry. My condolences to Clare's family and friends and to all her colleagues in LIASA and the library profession,
to whom she meant so much. Monica Seeber
Your positive impact on our profession and colleagues will be treasured always. It was a privilege to learn from you and you inspired us to be committed and professional. I will always treasure in my hart your commendation on my humble contribution
as National Secretary of our valued association. May your soul rest in peace. Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. Judy Henning
Sending warm thoughts to family and friends. I thank Clare for the positive impact she had on LIASA - she was such a wonderful think tank, always willing to speak her mind and share ideas that would take LIASA forward! Rest in peace dear colleague!
Thank you for all that you stood for and all that you contributed to our beloved association and profession! Deepest condolences to Elizabeth, family and friends! Matsie Theresa Mofana
In a way her ideas and speeches still echo on my head. An out-spoken person who when attending a LIASA conference, I would turn my head and and look for her among attendees, once spotted I than conclude that we are attending a real conference.
We will going to miss her in the coming LIASA meetings. My we cherished her memory for ever. Simon Tshabile
I first met Clare in the 1970s, when we were colleagues in JPL's Central Reference Library, and that was the beginning of a long and happy association with her throughout our professional careers. I worked with her when she was Chair of the
last SALA Executive before the formation of LIASA, and what a privilege it was to benefit from her sharp intellect, her leadership skills and her passion for our profession. Whenever Clare spoke at Conferences, or other library gatherings,
she spoke with great wisdom, had the knack of thinking on her feet, and articulating issues clearly. What a big contribution she has made to the advancement of library science in South Africa - she will be sorely missed by colleagues and
friends throughout the country. My sincere condolences to Elizabeth. Joan Bevan
What a loss. May Clare's soul rest in eternal peace. Boitumelo Ndabane
I will miss those "don't worry Tebuwo, make mistakes" moments. We did and look at what LIASA has grown to be. Salute encyclopaedia Teboho Morajane
touched my life ....I
was honored to meet Clare at Wits in April after over 15 years we did
not see each other after I had left Wits. I was so pleased to see her
and amazed that she had not changed a bit, she was still the same Clare I
last saw 2005, I even commended her on her unchanged look and energy.
Little did I know that this was it and this was a goodbye. To the family
and Elizabeth we pray that you are comforted by her good memories of
the time she spent with you. Bongo Mphuti
It is the loss not only in the profession but for all South Africans.
Clare will always be remembered for her contribution to the profession.
Condolences to the family and friends. May Clare's soul rest in
peace. Pennuel Dladla
May Clare's soul rest in peace. We all shall definitely miss her
intellectual contributions during LiASA national conferences
engagements. Her mentoring to many other librarians in leadership areas
today will always mean a lot! Tshiphisho Kenny Tshukudu
My sincere condolences to family, friends and colleagues. May Clare's soul rest in peace. Lynn KLeinveldt
Clare Walker had such a far reaching influence through her presence at
the Continuing Professional Education and Workplace Learning Section of
the International Federation of Library Associations. She attended the
pre-conferences presenting thoughtful and memorable papers, adding
comment at other sessions, and always with the wonderful Elizabeth. What
a loss to our profession. Blanche Woolls
I have only reccently heard about Clare's passing. We had lost touch in the last few years. I knew Clare since the time we were young and shared a cabin on the Windsor Castle in 1968 when we were both off to study in the UK. We were thrown together. She was fun, intelligent, eccentric, she always had an opinion. She was a good problem solver, a positive person who looked for solutions - she oiled the library machine at Wits and gave her services willingly. She loved books but she also encouraged, grew and supported her colleguaes in the Wits Library. My condolences to Elizabeth. Kathy Munro
Clare was my mentor. I will always attribute my professional and intellectual development to all the yers I spent with Clare as my supervisor. Clare inspired confidence in me and assured me as a first African person in the Education and Training Unit at Wits that I have the required potential to deliver. I still have the dictionary and the copy of your thesis and will forever treasure them. Fate thee well my Comrade! Mandla Ngubeni
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