Deon Meiring
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Deon Meiring was a South African Industrial Psychologist and Professor of Industrial Psychology at the University of Pretoria. Before joining the University of Pretoria, he practised as a Senior Industrial Psychologist in the South African Police Service (SAPS) for 19 years (1991–2010), where he focused on specialised selection and assessment practices. He was known for his work in industrial psychology and cross-cultural psychology in the workplace, with a focus on personnel psychology and assessment practice in multicultural settings. Prof Meiring is best known for his work on the South African Personality Inventory (SAPI) and his involvement with the Assessment Center Study Group (ASCG). In 2018 he received a special recognition award at the 38th Annual South African ACSG conference for his significant contributions to the science and practice of assessment centres in South Africa. Deon’s expertise as an industrial psychologist, researcher and cross-cultural practitioner made a considerable contribution to the field of psychology in South Africa. His professional contributions to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology of South Africa (SIOPSA), the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) in the USA, and the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP), ensured that his expertise and knowledge enhanced the profession. He has published more than 30 scientific articles and book chapters and has presented his research at local and international conferences. Prof Meiring also opened up the way for many students, colleagues and friends to better career opportunities as a mentor, supervisor and lecturer. He believed in the difference psychological research can make to the world; this was evident in how he coordinated the Master’s program in Industrial Psychology at the Department of Human Resource Management. He made an impact as a lecturer where he taught both the graduate (psychometrics) and postgraduate level (advance assessment practice. Deon’s expertise was sought at various tertiary institutions, such as supervision for students at the North-West University, Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria. Deon was an exceptional mentor who is evident in the more than 18 intern-psychologists who completed their internships in Industrial Psychology under his supervision. Deon established networks, developed people, connected industries and people across the world with each other. He was a forerunner and a visionary. Apart from his professional expertise, he was a friend to his colleagues, always authentic and enquiring about the wellbeing of others. His death is a huge loss and leaves a void that cannot be filled. “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” —Shannon L. Alder
Condolences
Jaco Janse van Vuuren
As a undergraduate student I once attended a SAPI workshop in Stellenbosch in 2009 and in my greenness and inexperience, asked a somewhat stupid question. The presenter from the USA responded with intolerance and sharpness. Within a few seconds and with the greatest empathy and tact Deon strongly, but kindly towards her came up for me with facts. That was the first and only day I ever met Deon. It is my only memory of him and will remain with me for as long as I am. I will remember Deon as a man with kind eyes and an open mind.
Louise Coetzee
There will never be enough words to describe the loss suffered. Prof Deon was a pillar of strength, a north star, a soft-hearted and gentle-minded person who would always make time for those in need. He believed in making this world a better place for all and led the profession in this manner. He provided guidance to so many, and never asked for praise. Respect for the ethical practice of psychology is and will remain synonymous with his name. He remains a legend, his lessons keep on mentoring us, his thirst for research still empower his students, his practice of reciprocity will task us to move forward and grow and be better . To his family, note that a whole community stands behind you, and that our deepest condolences are with you. Whilst little can bring comfort in this very difficult time, we remain steadfast in our support.
Raeesa
My deepest condolences to his family, without him my internship was not possible a true gentleman indeed.
Brenton Wiernik
Deon was such a good friend and colleague. I met him very early in my professional life on one of my first trips outside the U.S. He was so welcoming, and he always went way out of his way to help me, whether for sightseeing, accommodations, or to introduce me to new friends and colleagues. Deon did so much to bring the international I/O community together, and I will miss him dearly.
Claudia Quaiser-Pohl
Dear mourners, deeply moved we heard about the death of Prof. Deon Meiring, whom we can call our friend after many professional contacts. He was our advisor, our scientific partner and our sympathetic conversation partner. Prof. Dr. Claudia Quaiser-Pohl, Dean, University of Koblenz-Landau Prof. Dr. Wilfried Echterhoff, University of Wuppertal, Dr. Michaela Heinecke-Müller, University of Koblenz-Landau Lea-Christin Wickord, University of Koblenz-Landau Mirko Saunders, University of Koblenz-Landau
Hennie van Heerden
I sat in bewilderment looking at a barrage of e-mails on my computer screen. What a surreal morning for me sitting in my office gazing out my window that was left slightly ajar. There is a cascade of events that pop-up in my mind if I think of Prof Deon Meiring. He was a bastion in the Department of Human Resource Management in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of Pretoria. Furthermore, Prof Deon was just a mountain of a man in his heart. I guess life will always be unforeseeable and for some even ephemeral. May we celebrate Prof Deon’s life and work in an incessant way. My sincerest condolences go to his wife, daughters, family, friends, and all his colleagues. My thoughts are with them during this sad time.
Naziema Jappie
To Deon's Family, nothing can replace the loss of a loved one, we understand your pain. Please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences at this challenging time. From the Director and Staff of the Centre for Educational Testing for Access & Placement (CETAP) Cape Town.
Nicola Taylor
My sincerest condolences to Ilse, Chloe, and Kylie, as well as those friends and colleagues who will no doubt have a Deon-shaped hole in their hearts. I will miss your calls with the latest gossip, our discussions about topics in psychology, your kindness and generosity of spirit, and most of all your friendship.
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