Very sad new indeed. I had the pleasure to serve with Alan in the IANA Transition WG. I got to know Alan as the person who spoke seldom, but when he did, you'd better listen. He also had a quiet sence of humour that could be enjoyed if you listened carefully, and when he knew that you understood, you'd see the twinkle in his eye. We would also occasionally share experiences and anecdotes from NetBSD land. May he rest in peace. Warm supporting thoughts to his loved ones. In sadness /Liman remco.vanmook@gmail.com 2026-05-28 14:41 [+0200]:
Shared on behalf of Kerry Barrett and the family
Dear friends and colleagues,
As some of you will already be aware, it is with immense sadness that we confirm, on behalf of his wife Kerry and the family, the passing of Alan Barrett. Alan died on May 28th in Cape Town, South Africa, following a diagnosis of late-stage cancer about a month ago. We are sharing this notice so that the community has accurate information at a moment when Kerry and the family need space to grieve.
Alan was a friend, a willing listener, and someone who always stepped up to help when called upon. His contributions to the African Internet ecosystem were second to none, and with his passing we lose not only a friend but a giant of the industry.
In 1990, Alan helped establish the very first Internet connection to South African universities, and in 1993 he co-founded the country's first commercial Internet Service Provider. In 1997 he co-authored the proposal to create AfriNIC and subsequently served on the steering committee tasked with bringing it into being. Alan served on the AfriNIC board from 2004 to 2009 and was a member of the NRO NC from 2004 to 2014. In 2015 he was appointed CEO of AfriNIC, a role he held until 2019.
Beyond Africa, he was a central participant in the IANA Stewardship Transition Coordination Group, and until his death served on the ICANN board on behalf of the Address Supporting Organisation.
Alan will be sorely missed by the community, his relatives and by his wife, Kerry.
Kerry and the family ask for privacy at this time. We will be organising an online memorial in due course and will share details once they are available.
Andrew Alston Remco van Mook