Obituary: Adrian Stowell
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) and KZN’s legal fraternity are mourning the loss of former Comrades “ambassador” and former chair and legal “icon and go-to man” Adrian Stowell.
He died on Tuesday, aged 73.
Born in Pietermaritzburg and part of a lineage of lawyers that now spans four generations, Stowell attended Merchiston Preparatory and Alexandra High School before reading law during evening classes at the University of Natal. He was admitted as an attorney in 1973.
He chaired the CMA from 1997 to 1999, one of a number of positions he sat in that were attached to his passions. Others were at the Pietermaritzburg City Chess Club, the Collegians Harriers Athletics Club and All Saint’s Church. Stowell was also a keen philatelist.
Officially registered with race number 300, he achieved his personal best at the Comrades in 1988, crossing the line after eight hours, thirty-six minutes and thirty-three seconds, took a compulsory break from the ultramarathon while in the chair and was inducted into the Green Number Club in 2016.
In 2000, he was awarded honours with life membership.
On faraway shores, he promoted the Comrades at the Boston, Berlin and London Marathon Expos.
“I remember Adrian for his quiet demeanour, meticulous attention to detail and absolute dedication,” said present Comrades chair Mqondisi Ngcobo.
“Even after his tenure as the chairperson, Adrian continued to serve the CMA as a board member and chairperson of the Legal and Constitutional Committee where he provided legal counsel on a variety of matters, including labour issues.
“Adrian was an absolute gentleman who treated everyone equally and with respect.
“He was a true epitome of humanity, excellence and commitment to serve.
“I will fondly remember Adrian for his integrity and as a gentleman who was not afraid to differ with others on issues of principle.”
He started his career in 1968 with Stowell and Co, founded by his father, Errol, in 1945, was a partner and became a director in 1996, working at the firm for 56 years.
Running Stowell and Co’s agency department in conveyancing, he was the lodging agent for conveyancers throughout KZN, the company’s CEO Rupert Edwardes told The Witness.
“He was recognised for his enormous knowledge and expertise in conveyancing and his willingness to listen, assist and help with practical suggestions.”
Edwardes added that, within the firm, many candidate attorneys and conveyancers passed through his hands.
Like Stowell and Co, the CMA has received a flood of condolence messages, including from charities and community organisations with which Stowell was associated such as the Community Chest and Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (Choc).
Former CMA chairperson, Dave Dixon wrote that his complete commitment and passion for this iconic race was unquestionable.
“He was truly a ‘Comrades ambassador’ in so many ways … a perfect gentleman who loved his family dearly.”
His wife, Diane, said that during his battle with cancer over the last four years he had to overcome many of his fears, “which he did so bravely and continued to work until it was impossible for him to do so”.
She echoed the words of many condolence messages saying, “he was always willing to assist anyone”.
She spoke fondly of their life together, having been married for 43 years, spending many holidays travelling to the Drakensberg as well as to game farms, and to Shaka’s Rock.
At home in Hilton, he enjoyed spending time on their patio birdwatching, reading and relaxing.
He was fond spending time with their dogs, one of which was adopted from the SPCA last year, who became his shadow.
Stowell leaves his children Rowan and Wendy; his wife Diane and their children Catherine, Ashley and Shannon.
A celebration of Stowell’s life will take place on Tuesday at 1 pm, at All