Civil Engineering January/February 2021 | Vol 29 No 1

44 January/February 2021 Civil Engineering Ob i tuar i es It was with great sadness that we learnt that Theo van Robbroeck, aged 89, succumbed to Covid-19 in the early hours of 17 January 2021. He was absolutely shattered by his wife Irma’s passing away, due to Covid-19, on 6 January 2021 at an age of 87. Theo deserves to be remembered for the major role he played in the planning, development, and management of the water resources of South (and Southern) Africa over a career of 40 years. OVERVIEW In reviewing extensive documentation on his long career, certain major personal attributes that Theo possessed come to the fore which, in combination, led to an outstanding career in water engineering. Theo was highly intelligent and capable of solving complex problems. He had an enquiring mind and was always keen to learn new skills. Hailing from Europe, he was skilled in various languages which he expanded over the years to become a most effective international communicator. A strong thread of innova- tion runs throughout his career, and he was capable of assimi- lating knowledge from other disciplines and persons and applying these to his work. Theo had, above all, a charming personality which engendered a great team spirit within his sphere of activities. He always took great pains to acknowledge the contributions and support of others. This personality trait was a tremendous advantage in his important role as a water diplomat and in international circles in the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). The culmination of his career was the planning and imple- mentation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) where he played a pivotal role. This international mega-water pro- ject benefits both Lesotho and South Africa in various ways and required a highly complex treaty which was negotiated during very strained political times. Throughout this period, Theo was supported by his charming wife Irma, who was also a wonderful ambassador for South Africa at various international events. Theo published extensively, in addition to giving various talks and presentations. A very good summary of Theo’s contributions to water management is given in the citation of the AD Lewis Gold Medallion presented to him in 1991 when he left the then Department of Water Affairs (DWA) on promotion to become the Director General of the Department of Public Works. It reads: Dedicated with sincere gratitude to Mr Theo van Robbroeck for the considerable contribution rendered by him towards the advancement of the water engineering profession in South Africa and of the image of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry by means of: Q Q The planning of resourceful water transfer schemes; Q Q The development of a national water management policy; Q Q The leading role played by him in national as well as inter- national professional associations; Q Q His role as a “water diplomat”; Q Q His diligence, perseverance and vision that gave form to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Theo received a number of awards over his career including an honorary doctorate in engineering from his alma mater , Stellenbosch University, in 1994. He has certainly left behind a wonderful legacy for South Africa and the international water engineering fraternity of a highly dedicated and innovative person who worked for the good of humanity in providing an assured supply of water for all. EARLY YEARS AND TRAINING Theo was born on 1 November 1931 in Terhagen, Belgium. His parents decided to immigrate to South Africa in 1952 and Theo Theo van Robbroeck Water Engineer Extraordinaire 1 November 1931 to 17 January 2021 Theo van Robbroeck