Birchwood mourns the end of an era
One of the main founders of the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, in Boksburg, Brian Clarens (67), passed away on October 1, after a long Brian illness.
According to Gregory Hoffmann, communications manager of the Birchwood, Clarens played a fundamental role in the success of the hotel over the past 15 years.
“Much of the success of the Birchwood today, can and should be attributed to his great foresight and vision,” says Hoffman.
From humble beginnings he, along with his family and colleagues, grew it to what is now; the largest hotel and conferencing venue in Southern Africa.
Starting with only 86 accommodation rooms and one conference facility, Birchwood now boasts 665 accommodation rooms, 60 on-site venues, award-winning dining and a host of additional facilities.
Clarens is survived by his wife Anne, his two sons Gary and Kevin, his only daughter Derri, and eight grandchildren.
“On behalf of the entire Birchwood team, we would like to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the Clarence family.
“The Birchwood management team appeals to all our partners, suppliers and friends in the industry to afford the Clarence family privacy as they grieve the passing on of Clarens.”
Any queries, messages and condolences may be addressed to luisad@birchwoodhotel.co.za who will forward them on to the family.
