It was with complete shock and utter disbelief that we learned of the death of our beloved father and friend, Jack Schoeman Friday night (June 23, 2006) about 9:40pm Eastern time (3h40am South African time). Words can not describe our sense of loss and sadness.

Jack Schoeman was one of the most enthusiastic and formidable American Saddlebred breeders in South Africa. He had an unbelievable cache of knowledge of the bloodlines in South Africa, as well as the USA. Since I have known him, other than his sheep farm, this was his absolute passion:  to study these pedigrees and bloodlines, and discuss it with Bill for hours on end.

The World Championship Horse Show at Louisville was always one of the most exciting events for him to attend. Needless to say, he could not have been more proud when Zovoorbij Commander in Chief achieved the highest level of success at Louisville.

Jack was also a highly respected and very well loved member of the community of Philippolis. This is where he resided with his wife, Roezan on their farm Kaliesfontein. He contributed generously to the community of Bergmanshoogte in town to provide a proper and permanent place of worship and a pastor. This past Monday following his death, they all made the trip out to the farm to sing to Roezan and pay their respects.

Jack Schoeman is survived by his wife Roezan, his daughter Zuretha (Pretoria SA),Son Bill (Lexington, Georgia) , Son Van Zyl (Kimberley SA), daughter Elizebette (Alexandria, Louisana) and son Kotze (Winchester, Kentucky).

All of Bill's customers so enjoyed Jack's visits to the states so they could all talk endlessly about the old bloodlines sent to South Africa as well as the US and SA bloodlines of today. Jack knew them all. It was always such a joy to spend time with him each year during his brief visits to the farm in Lexington. Jack's passing leaves a void not only in the lives of those who knew him but also the American Saddlebred community both in the United States as well as South Africa.