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PLETTENBERG BAY BUSINESS NEWS - John Bowie, otherwise known as Mr Magic within his work circles, is celebrating two enormous milestones within a week of each other this month – his 70th birthday on 3 August while 10 August marks a monumental 50-year service with HDRS Attorneys Incorporated, Plettenberg Bay.
Born on 3 August 1950, John spent his formative years in Piesang River, Plettenberg Bay before making a move to New Horizons following a displacement by the then government in his early 20s. John finished his schooling years in 1968.
He began working at the Old Plettenberg Bay Post Office as a postman, delivering post by hand. It was through this that the seeds were sown for the career that would shape his life for 50 years to come.
One fortuitous day, John was delivering post to the then law firm, Kraut, Wagner, Hutchinson & Mostert across the road from the post office and was spotted by the then director and founder of the firm, Alan Hutchinson. Noting John’s diligence and passion for work, Alan Hutchinson offered him a position as the firm's messenger.
Exactly a week after he turned 20, John began his 50-year career with the attorneys' firm on Monday 10 August 1970.
Exactly a week after he turned 20, John began his 50-year career with the attorneys' firm on Monday 10 August 1970.
A man who has seen it all in terms of technological advances within postal and banking services, looking back there is not a day that John wished to do any other work, anywhere else.
"People have asked me how I can stay at one company for so long, I offer them one simple answer – there is work, and then there is loving the work that you do," said John, looking back on a career that saw him consistently work from 07:30 to 16:30 year in and year out.
John is not only a passionate professional, but a passionate sports and family man too. "In my younger years I used to play soccer and captain my local club on weekends. On Wednesday afternoons I either caddied on the golf course or I would go and enjoy some fishing," he reflected.
With 4 children and 8 grandchildren, he has been married for 49 years, marrying his wife Muriel in June 1971, two months before he turned 21. "My mother still had to sign permission for me to get married. They wanted me to wait two months until I was 21 so she didn't have to sign, but I couldn't wait, as I wanted to marry my wife."
Fifty years on from his first day, John continues to power on. "He is such an example to everyone at the firm, with his passion, work ethic and gentle demeanour. He works wonders here, and he is our Mr Magic. It has been an absolute privilege and honour to work with John," said current co-director Francois du Plessis, who has worked with John for the past 28 years.
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