MARIUS JONAS
13 September 1953 – 30 September 2022
Marius Jonas was not only the longest serving of our Sanlam Umbrella Fund trustees, but has also been a central figure in Sanlam’s umbrella fund endeavours since establishing the Futura Umbrella Retirement Fund (subsequently rebranded the Sanlam Unity Umbrella Fund) in 1998.
Marius was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Futura SA – our chosen partner in the very important market segment serviced by the Sanlam Unity Umbrella Fund. See the 30 September 2022 communication from Futura SA here.
Marius also worked for many years as a Sanlam Financial Adviser. Sanlam and helping his many clients were so important to him.
A month ago, I penned my 2022 Chairman’s Reflections submission for our annual trustee report and wrote about Marius:
“I have learnt to greatly respect his wisdom and practical experience. His contribution to the success of the Sanlam Umbrella Fund has been immense, and his positive attitude is second to none. Marius faced serious health challenges during 2022, but even this didn’t deter him from joining our July 2022 Board meeting, from his hospital bed! A completely unprecedented experience for me in my 30 odd years working in the industry. Marius, you are a true inspiration and role model!”
Marius, after reading the above, wrote to me stating “The Fund has been my life”!
Whilst on the outside Marius appeared very different from my predecessor Derek Smorenburg, they were in my opinion remarkably similar larger-than-life characters. Humble beginnings, hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, absolute commitment, a sense of purpose, care for others, passion, dreaming big, always seeing the glass half full and living life to the fullest were just some of their shared characteristics.
Marius also had many varied interests outside of work – probably many more than I know of but to mention a few – travel, wildlife, nature, food, farming, hunting and motor bikes. He even surprised our Board at our most recent in person meeting by presenting us all his own wine vintage branded ‘Oh My Gosh’.
Marius’ Christian faith was a central pillar in all he did, and also a key influencer of many of his inputs as a trustee. Marius had a very strong moral compass rooted in his faith.
Family was also very important to Marius. His great love for his wife Elsa, children and grandchildren was always evident. Whilst he guarded their privacy, over the years I certainly got the impression that Elsa was his best friend, and that he was extremely proud of all his children’s achievements.
We will greatly miss Marius’ wise counsel and pragmatism within the Sanlam Umbrella Fund Board. Rest well my friend and colleague.
David Gluckman
Chairman of the Board
Sanlam Umbrella Fund