"Ossie" Carstens

27/3/1922 - 1/5/2004

Ossie was one of the most respected members of the Movement. He retired in 1998 as an Honoury Commissioner, having been involved in CW6/8 for his entire Scout career.

Never a boy member, he did however serve the youth of our area for more than 30 years, first as a lay leader then as a Commissioner until his retirement due to ill health.

He was awarded the Long Service Medal, the Medal of Merit with Bar. He held the Woodbadge (GSM/Commissioner). Ossie will be best known as National JOTA Coordinator for more than 10 years making countless ham radio contacts across the Globe.

He was a key player in the 75th Brownsea Island Camp in Cape Town, the first National Air Scout Rally in 1992. He was a judge in Area and District events and in charge of communications at the Cederberg Adventures.

As his ADC for several years I saw the value he placed on his Scouters and he saw that they received official recognition. None merited their rewards more than Ossie. I was privileged to call him friend over more than 30 years

His rig is silent, his call sign will be heard no more. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to his family.

Rest in peace old friend, you have certainly earned it.

Alan Kenyon-Hoare CWS June 2004