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When talking about the “roots of surfing” in Durban and South Africa, Peter Milne is a name that tops the list. Peter (86), whose birth name is William Simpson Milne, is an honouree member of the SA Surfing Hall of Fame, and leaves behind a powerful legacy and contribution to SA surfing. He was renowned for his infectious stoke and having influenced many of SA’s surfing fraternity and will go down in SA surfing history as one of Natal’s original surfers, surfing personalities, administrators and avid surfing artists – and most of all the quintessential “stoked surfer”.
Surfing DNA flowed strongly through his veins, with all three of his children, Glenn, Laureen and Bruce achieving their provincial colours. Glen went on to represent South Africa as a Springbok. Wife Merle, also a SA Hall of Famer, has been a surfing administrator for over 40 years, and is still a regular in the tabulators booth at major events. Daughter Laureen passed on the Peter Milne surfing DNA to sons Ryan and Shaun.
Peter was a graceful goofyfoot and multiple provincial surfer who’ll most be remembered for being a stoked, fit and dedicated surfer well into his late age. His retirement plan involved a longboard, the Indian Ocean, a clean swell and a huge grin. His surfing artwork adorns the walls of many of today’s surfing legends, and some of the top surf careers were started on boards that Peter shaped for his sons and their friends.
Peter is survived by his wife, Merle Milne, children; Laureen Payne, Bruce and Glenn Milne and grandchildren, Ryan, Shaun and Shanelle Payne and Warren and Jason Milne.
Tribute from his grandson – Ryan Payne:
“Whether it was flying his RC gliders, surfing, painting or calling us onto waves from the piers, he lived life to the fullest. Dear William Simpson Milne, as the sun sets on your body, may your spirit continue to fly through the sky and in the waves. Your legacy will live through us. Rest in peace Granddad,”
Ryan.
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