A GENEALOGICAL CODICIL TO MY LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

Recently the matter of “What will happen to my genealogical work if I pass away?” was a point of discussion SA Genealogy (SAGen).

Exactly three years ago (in March 2004) it was addressed in the first publication of West Gauteng News. It is published again, because of its relevance and importance.

Dennis Pretorius, Krugersdorp picked up this bit of advice for any of us who have started worrying about what will happen to our books, papers and hard work when we’re no longer around to look after it. He suggests the insertion of the following in codicil in your will:

TO MY SPOUSE, CHILDREN OR GUARDIAN:

Upon my demise I request that you DO NOT dispose of any of my Genealogical records, books, files, notebooks or computer programs for a period of two years. During this time please attempt to find one or more persons who would be willing to take custody of the said materials and the responsibility of maintaining and continuing the family histories. In the event you do not find anyone to accept these materials, please contact the genealogical organisations that I have been a member of, to determine if they will accept some parts or all of my genealogical materials. (List of organisations and addresses at bottom) Please remember that my genealogical endeavours consumed a great deal of time, travel, and money.

Therefore, please do not ignore my requests.

Signature Date

Witness Date

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From: West Gauteng News, March 2004, Editor: Richard Ford