Emeritus Professor Donald Arthur Hendry was born in Cape Town on 23 June, 1943 and matriculated from Hottentots Holland High School in 1960. He passed away on 19 December, 2020. He studied at Stellenbosch University where he completed a BSc, BSc-Hons, and MSc in Microbiology and obtained his PhD in Microbiology in 1977 at the University of Cape Town.
Prof Hendry began his academic career as a lecturer at Rhodes University in 1969 in the then newly established Department of Microbiology until his retirement in 2003 as an Associate Professor and Head of Microbiology. Despite his retirement, he continued his association with Rhodes University as an Associate Emeritus Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. His lectures in virology inspired many students (and colleagues) to pursue research in virology.
The late Prof Hendry was an internationally respected virologist whose postgraduate studies under the tutelage of the world-renowned virologist, Prof Marc’s (van Regenmortel) shaped his scientific career and determined his scientific interest and fostered in him a keen interest in virology. It was in the van Regenmortel laboratory that that he met his wife, Marthie Bekker, a fellow M Sc student. Prof Hendry was known for his research on tetraviruses that he, Marthie and van Regenmortel first discovered in South Africa in diseased emperor pine moth larvae in pine plantations along the Garden Route. Prof Hendry was a classical virologist who moved easily between the field and laboratory, going on to discover several new tetravirus species, most notably the Nudaurelia capensis omega virus. His collaborations with researchers at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) and the Scripps Institute laid the foundations for a fundamental understanding of the structure and biophysical properties of virus particles that determine the mechanism by which they infect their host cells.
Prof Hendry was also interested in the application of insect viruses as biopesticides, collaborating with researchers at CSIRO in Australia and more recently with the Citrus Research Institute in South Africa to develop biocontrol agents for the cotton bollworm and false coddling moth, respectively.
The late Don Hendry was more than just an academic; he was committed to working for the community around him. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset for 16 years and became an honorary member in July 2020. He was a Paul Harris recipient – sapphire – recognised twice for service above self. He served as Club President in 2008/2009.
For many years, Prof Hendry was the Director of the Rotary Foundation responsible for administration of Matching Grants, as well as District Grants. These grants supported many community projects in Makhanda, like kitchen equipment for Themba Hospital, books for the Mary Waters and Nombulelo School Libraries and computers for the Leboni Centre to mention but a few.
Prof Hendry started the Alien Invader Eradication Project in 2012. He sponsored (and secured sponsorships for) the Interact Clubs of Nombulelo and Mary Waters High Schools to eradicate black wattle and long-leaf wattle on the commonage – >80 000 trees were removed under his leadership.
Our colleague, Donald Arthur Hendry, was a scholar and a gentleman. He is survived by his daughter, Karin and grandson, Nicholas. May his wonderful soul rest in peace.
A virtual commemoration of Prof Hendry’s life was held on Saturday January 16th. A recording of the event can be found at https://youtu.be/qnh7LCkVu7Y