​​Friends, colleagues and family today (Friday 17 February 2023) paid tribute to Ainsley Moos, Stellenbosch University (SU) Council chairperson, who died unexpectedly on 31 January. The memorial service was held in the Kruiskerk.

The end of Moos' life came as an enormous shock to everybody, Dr Ernest Messina, a friend and mentor, said in his welcoming address. He asked the congregation to reach out to one another and commit themselves to Moos' legacy and “extraordinary talent".  

A number of speakers, including Justice Edwin Cameron (SU Chancellor) and Prof Nico Koopman (Deputy Vice-Chancellor), took to the podium to share their memories of Moos, highlighting his incredible work ethic, kind-heartedness and commitment to his work and family. 

Dr Johan van Zyl, who worked with Moos at African Rainbow Capital, praised his contribution to South Africa and described him as a principled and visionary leader and family man who worked hard and believed in South Africa. “He was always willing to go the extra mile. Ainsley's word was his honour. He was committed to the truth and facts. We have learned so much from Ainsley. As a team we will miss him," Van Zyl said. 

A family friend, Patrick Wagenaar, paid tribute to Ainsley's loyalty and love for his family. Even as a child, Ainsley excelled and used every opportunity that came his way. “Ainsley loved books, he was artistic and always eager to learn. In his working career he achieved success at a staggering pace," Wagenaar said. 

Moos' wife, Taryn Cohn, was supported by family as she shared touching anecdotes. “We didn't get forever, but we had a great love story and a beautiful child. We were looking forward to a wonderful life together ... Ainsley was our anchor," she said. She shared her deep appreciation for Moos' commitment to fatherhood and how invested he was in parenthood. She described him as a “gentleman" and a “humble person" who always saw the opportunity and upside in everything. “He took great joy in his work and he was genuinely admired."  Cohn​ said she hopes to teach her son how great his father was. She also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support that the family had received from the University community and the wider public.

Not only has Stellenbosch University lost an extremely talented Council chairperson, but a valued and loyal friend of the community, SU Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers reminded the congregation.

De Villiers described Moos' impact on his co-workers as a lingering presence. “In his quiet, reasoned and striking logic he would always have that lingering effect in the manner that he guided us to solutions, or at least pointed to new and different perspectives on matters that served in front of the University Council. Not one for confrontation, but he never shied away from robust engagement and encouraging the free expression of ideas."

De Villiers read messages from a book of remembrance written by colleagues. “The effect that Ainsley had on our students and staff are indicative of the qualities of this man that still had so much to offer our institution," De Villiers said.  

“This morning, we remember a great soul whose memory will not be forgotten and whose life we celebrate and honour," De Villiers said.  

Moos served on the SU Council since 2014 and was, among other roles, chair of the Council's remuneration committee, a member of the executive committee and the human resources committee. Before he assumed the role of council chair in 2021, Moos also served as deputy chairperson from 2018. 

The service ended with a moving performance of several devotional songs by the Stellenbosch University Choir.