Today marks exactly 1 week that we got the news that the Angels had come to take my Darling Popsie home. It still feels a blur. We laid my Daddy to rest on Monday in the beautiful seaside town of Port Alfred... the place that has held my fathers heart for as many years as I have been alive, possibly longer. He passed at his home of 17 years on the banks of the Kowie River, on his bed, , holding the hand of my mother, who he has loved for some 65+ years from when they met in Primary School and to whom he would have been married for 52 years on the 8 Dec. My Dad wouldnt have wanted it any other way. We held a wake for him in his clubhouse of the Albany Vintage & Classic Car Club, which he was a founding member and served 2 terms as Chairman. So many fellow club members, friends and neighbors arrived and together, we shared our memories and rejoiced in my Dads life.. again.. just the way he would have wanted it.. with music and chatter, a good ol wood fire burning and a whiskey (or 3). We paid my father a final farewell on Monday from the Baptist church where he was carried in on the shoulders of his Sons, Grandson and Best Friend. We sang, and did our best to pay tribute to his great life, with a few words from us all. The precession of some 30 Vintage Cars following my Dad to the cemetery was something to behold.. all following over the Kowie River Bridge, Sun shining brightly and water glistening below... his beloved Red Austin Healey first in line... Dad would have been pleased! Dad is having his eternal sleep in a breathtaking spot, right next to the Royal Alfred Golf Course.. a beautiful and peaceful place with birdsong and the sound of the Ocean in the distance. Our family has been overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and care shown to our family. We are very humbled and take great comfort in the messages received. It is very uplifting to hear how well loved our father was and how he had touched lives far beyond what we even knew. He truly was the embodiment of being the change you want to see in the world. He was a man of kindness, dignity, respect, courage and strong character. He has left a wonderful legacy. On behalf of myself, my whole family and especially my Mother, Pat, who is understandably heartbroken, we wish to thank each and every one of you.. for the messages from all over the world, the calls, the flowers, the gift of meals lovingly prepared for us every day, for opening your homes for accommodation for the all the family, for the prayers, the hugs, the cards with beautiful words. You all know who you are. Words cannot express the Gratitude. Some extra special tank-yous... To Alfie & Antoinette Grimbeek for being there with my Mother on the morning of my Dads passing and for always being a wonderful support as my parents house doctor. To Keeton Funeral Services Difford Keeton, the sensitive and loving manner in which you handled everything was deeply appreciated. We as a family are humbled by the work you and your family do... it truly is a calling rather than work, and we are blessed to have people in the world like you. To Uncle Rob Fromburg, my Dads best mate and his wife Aunty Angie, you are the best friends my parents could ever have asked for.. we consider you family. To Pastor Theo and Marinda Snyman... your ever present love and support, the beautiful farewell service you officiated for my Dad and your sense of community through the church and your spiritual guidance has carried us through. To the church members of Nuwe Lewe Volle Evangelie Church, for the meals delivered for the family each day, home baked bread and the eats after the service on Monday, we will never be able to repay your kindness. To my mother Pat, stay strong Mommy and know that we, your children, will carry you through in our love. To my Brother Robin Lee and my Sister Bernadene, I love you both very much and together we will love and support one another through this time of tremendous pain and loss - thank goodness we have each other. To my children, Abby-Gail Klare Rebecka and Gracie... your Oupie loved you all very much and would have been very proud of the courage for standing up in Church and saying those special words for him. To my husband Gary Klare who was standing in Amsterdam when he got my call, who literally took trains, planes and cars to be with me in Port Alfred only 48 hours later, I am abundantly blessed by your unwavering love & support...I know my father regarded you as a son and I love you very much.... both our Daddys are in heaven now my love. All that remains to say is... Rest well now Darling Dad, free of that darn nagging leg pain.. and dont you worry, we will take good care of Mom. You lived your life and you lived it well. I will always strive to make you proud, your legacy will live on in me and you will forever be an inspiration to work hard and be a better human being. I know I have to let you go now but I will carry you in my heart forever and I know you are with me still. Have a good braai in heaven this Saturday Pops.. sokkie with the angels for me. xxxx
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:52:25 +0000
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