A DAD WHO ADORED HIS GIRLS
Dad was the epitome of a gentleman but still had a wicked sense of humour. We love you always.
DADS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION MAY 2018
From as far back as we can remember he coached us tennis, supported us at athletics and netball matches. Worked on the PTA and attended every school function we ever had. He was a firm believer in hard work getting you where you wanted to go so we both started waitressing at the age of 14 so we could start earning and understanding the value of money.
He encouraged us to spread our wings early and agreed with our decisions to both take a gap year and travel, knowing how important it was and surprised us because look what happened when he travelled for the first time – he met mom!!
His knowledge about absolutely everything (you always wanted him as your trivial pursuit or quiz partner) was something that left an indelible impact on both of us. He lovingly showed you his latest National Geographic and blowing your mind with how far stars and black holes were away from us in the universe – billions of light years.
“To my darling Amundsen/Shackleton. Dad – your love of all things in the world and the fact that a mind open to learning and knowledge was much better than a closed mind is something I will never forget. I was catching you in the countries race – you had 31 and I had 27, and we often joked about going to South Georgia together to see where Shackleton was buried. I guess you will just fly with me now as I sail.
Your work ethic will never be matched and your humility and quiet kindness to human beings not matter their standing in life was astounding and is something that I will try to carry on for you.
You were meant to be around for more trips, hockey matches, debates, discussion and guidance. But God called you home and now I have to rely on your voice in my head guiding me and lifting my head to the stars.
Fly high Dad. Don’t go too far as I still need you close. Love you forever my Pups.”
Your Wati/Jules
“On the 1st of July our lives were changed irrevocably with the passing of our Dad. I have entered a new period in my life. One that I have never known before – a life without a parent.
Dad, you always cared and did the right thing. When I arrived assuming I was a boy in 1978, you were not disappointed only saying as long as one of the girls played tennis. To his delight, Jules and I both did. Choosing studies, my Dad thought I would be a good Accountant. It certainly wasn’t on my radar as it wasn’t glamorous enough for me. Over time, I realised how completely right he was. I really did enjoy finance and Excel, much to my sister’s disgust.
My Dad was a conscientious man. We often chatted about conscious living and trying to be a better person. It really hit home when I was going through all his accounts to know that every month he did an EFT to various charities. Not a debit order (as that would have incurred an unnecessary bank charge) but a payment every month and never boasted about it. He was humble and quietly went about things in his way.
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
I will continue your legacy Dad and continue to do better – in finance, in life and in my choices. I will miss your guiding hand and lord knows your SARS knowledge. Until we meet again. Rest in peace my Puppy.”
Your Pix/Debs
These pics scroll automatically to the left and right but if you click on them you will see the full photo
“To the best father-in-law a groom could ever have asked for: Vic, you were an incredible husband, father, Oupa, Einstein, tennis player, quiz master, bush guy, birder, red wine drinker, friend, gym bunny and absolute amazing human. RI Vic, We will miss you.”
Your son-in-law Gareth
“None of us is able to choose our ‘in laws’ so it’s just the luck of the draw. I really got lucky when Di chose Vic de Kock and, apart from the fact that he came from over the Boerewors curtain and took my dear sister away, we couldn’t have wished for a nicer new addition to our family. Over the years we got to know Vic and realized that he was always a gentleman, never swore in front of us ladies, enjoyed his red wine but can’t remember him falling over or behaving badly and had an interest in so many things including music, sport, history, geography, animals and of course travel. Although I could talk about the old days when the kids were growing up, I am going to concentrate on the last 10 or so years when we spent a lot of time travelling together.
One really gets to know someone when you travel to far off lands together and Colin and I had 4 memorable overseas trips with Di and Vic. The first was London, Croatia and Greece in 2010. I remember we arrived on 7th May and this being Vic’s first trip to the UK we were keen to show him London. The weather decided to wag its Winter’s tale so we had to wrap up against the cold wind and rain. He was not deterred and enjoyed soaking up the History that is London. This is where his sense of humour came in too when we started a joke that would continue throughout our travels. Our flat in London was modern and very pleasant, and our accommodation in Dubrovnik and Korcula had amazing sea and Old town views, but Vic would look around and tell me that it was ‘up to sh....’! After that whenever we arrived in a new place I would say – “How did I do Victor?” and his answer would always be the same.
We will both miss him enormously even though we only saw each other once or twice a year. Just the fact that we will never be able to have another adventure together makes us very sad. RIP dear Victor!”
Sister in law, Buzzy Walls
This message I write to you
In honour of your memory
That to you I'm sure is due
We remember all your kindness
Your smile and warm embrace
If I just close my eyes
I can see your joyous face
I never saw you angry
Not even a single frown
Always composed and friendly
You never let anyone down
You were always a loving husband
A father to respect
A gentleman to all who knew him
Nothing less could we expect
From a man who lived his life
With dedication and sacrifice
For all those who surely admired him
I hope these few words will suffice.
From your loving nephew, Riyadh Walls
