Eedes joined the company in 1971 and, after taking over as manager of the company's trade magazine division, was appointed to the board in 1973. He was appointed MD of the company in 1999.
In 1993 he launched Wine magazine, a publication focusing on a subject close to his heart and of which he was publisher until a few months ago. In 2002 Eedes added a South African edition of America's bestselling Popular Mechanics to the RS&P stable.
His service and commitment to the industry also saw him appointed chairman of the MPASA, the Magazine Publishers' Association of South Africa, that same year and to the board of FIPP, the International Federation of the Periodical Press, the following year. He was the first South African to be so honoured. He was awarded Fellowship of Print Media South Africa in 2003.
Eedes stepped down as MD at the end of June 2008. He will be sorely missed by everyone in the company.
He leaves his wife, Anthea, and three children, Christian, Jane and James.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on Friday 25 July at St James' Church in Kenilworth, Cape Town.
