obituary
The Southern African stainless steel and welding industries are mourning the passing of Tom Rice, whose remarkable career spanned more than six decades, several continents and some of the industry’s leading companies. His greatest legacy, however, lies in the many people he encouraged, trained and mentored along the way. Tom Rice : farewell to a giant of the industry Tom Rice’s working life began at just 14, reading gas meters at the Gas Works in Perth, Western Australia, during the 1950s. His potential was soon recognised, leading to a sales position at the State Electricity Commission and the start of an enduring career in the gas and welding industries. As a young man, Tom and two close friends sailed from Australia to Europe for a working holiday. According to family legend, their cabin carried more beer than the ship’s bar, which proved useful during the hot journey through the Suez Canal. After meeting his future wife, Tom moved to South Africa in 1966 to marry her. The young family returned briefly to Australia before settling permanently in South Africa in 1975. Tom joined Afrox, where he excelled in marketing, management and welding training. During his 22 years with the company, he also served as Manager of Harris South Africa. His success in developing the brand earned him the affectionate title “Mr Harris”. His professional development included a Marketing Diploma from the University of Cape Town and extensive international training and business travel. He visited the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Italy, while also developing markets across Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Always curious about new technology, Tom explored emerging ideas such as offshore gas projects and gas-powered vehicles. He was also an enthusiastic, largely self-taught computer user. After Afrox, Tom joined Lincoln Electric. He spent six months at its Cleveland factory learning to weld, joined the American Marketing Association and proudly produced a metal kangaroo during his training. He later established Lincoln Electric’s Johannesburg operation and attended international product training at Lincoln Electric Smitweld in the Netherlands.
Tom subsequently joined Austrian welding company Böhler, where he helped establish a highly professional welding school in Johannesburg. Training and upskilling local welders became one of his proudest achievements. His friend of more than 40 years, Rob Lawrence, remembers Tom as “a man of the people” and “a giant in the welding industry”. Although they initially worked on opposite sides of the competitive fence, Tom at Afrox and Rob at Arc Engineering and Air Liquide, they formed a lasting friendship. “Tom mentored me and I mentored him,” Rob recalls. “His contribution to this industry is immeasurable.” The two spent hours discussing projects, industry challenges and future opportunities. Tom even helped Rob choose the name Weldfindsolutions International. One of Tom’s strongest beliefs was that South Africa should not overlook the knowledge of retired professionals, an idea he called “Don’t Overlook Mature Experience”. A lifelong member of the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) from 1977, Tom also served on numerous boards and committees, including Sassda and SAIW. He remained passionate about his life’s work until retiring at 79. Generous, kind and famously humorous, Tom freely shared the knowledge stored in his extensive welding library. He leaves an exceptional professional legacy, together with countless colleagues, friends and younger industry members whose careers he helped shape. Those who knew him will long remember his warmth, humour and unmistakable farewell: “Bye, mate.”
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Issue 3 – 2026
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