[rpd] In Memoriam: Alan Barrett

[Andrew Alston]

Dear friends and colleagues,

As some of you will already be aware, it is with immense sadness that we
confirm, on behalf of his wife Kerry and the family, the passing of Alan
Barrett. Alan died on May 28th in Cape Town, South Africa, following a
diagnosis of late-stage cancer about a month ago. We are sharing this
notice so that the community has accurate information at a moment when
Kerry and the family need space to grieve.

Alan was a friend, a willing listener, and someone who always stepped up to
help when called upon. His contributions to the African Internet ecosystem
were second to none, and with his passing we lose not only a friend but a
giant of the industry.

In 1990, Alan helped establish the very first Internet connection to South
African universities, and in 1993 he co-founded the country's first
commercial Internet Service Provider. In 1997 he co-authored the proposal
to create AfriNIC and subsequently served on the steering committee tasked
with bringing it into being. Alan served on the AfriNIC board from 2004 to
2009 and was a member of the NRO NC from 2004 to 2014. In 2015 he was
appointed CEO of AfriNIC, a role he held until 2019.

Beyond Africa, he was a central participant in the IANA Stewardship
Transition Coordination Group, and until his death served on the ICANN
board on behalf of the Address Supporting Organisation.

Alan will be sorely missed by the community, his relatives and his wife,
Kerry.

Kerry and the family ask for privacy at this time. We will be organising an
online memorial in due course and will share details once they are
available.

Andrew Alston
Remco van Mook
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