It is with a profound sense of loss and grief that I pen this tribute to a dear brother, brother-in-law and a wonderful uncle.
You were so fortunate to have been born in the heart of Durban’s Casbah – a melting pot of Thekwini’s diaspora. You were also fortunate not to get caught up in the glitz and the wheeling and dealing of the Townsfolk. However, you did inherit a strong sense of loyalty and allegiance which ran deep in the veins of your neighbours. I am unsure whether it was Aces United or Avalon Athletic, but dad says that you could easily have had life memebership for your favourite team! It is this loyalty, allegiance and your great HUMILITY for which you will be fondly remembered.
Kent Rd in Greyville will have certainly contributed to your upbringing as a city-slicker and off-course, a nip or two from First Avenue or from the Himalaya Hotel would have added some bravado too!
Kent Rd also saw you spread your wings too. Our beautiful Aunty Barbara was a delightful addition to your life.
Whilst life’s journey took you to Chatsworth and Isipingo and took us to Merebank and Tongaat, we remained a close-knit family, spending quality time in each other’s homes.
Speaking of Merebank, I remember you setting up mum’s Defy Automaid in the 70’s – which got us a prompt increase in our rent!
I only ever remember you working for 3 companies: The Frame Group in Pinetown and ShoeCorp and Natal Cotton in Mobeni. These were long and tough years – but your perseverance and instinct to provide the best for your family – shone through.
You were a consummate armchair sportsman with a wealth of knowledge to share about your favourite teams. Too bad you missed that dream FA Cup final at Uncle Gopal’s place in the late 70’s! You did display your sporting prowess when you almost outran the neighbour’s dogs in Unit 1 in Chatsworth! Sarisha also got you into athlete mode to chase down the fowl which she unwittingly released on her Karteri Prayer Day! Vernon and Subashini will always remember the teasing about the spider-gazing and the blueberries too!
Say hi to thatha, ava, uncles TP and Chin, Logan and a host of other family members and friends. Will love to share the THUNEE table with you again – just tell the Old Man to go easy on us!
Dad, mum and our extended families will continue to pray that Aunty Barbara and Kevin and his family will be granted the strength and courage to cope with your departure.
As we take leave of your physical presence on this earth, be assured uncle Kay, that the memories you leave behind will serve as a constant companion in our journey of life. Through us, in us, with us – you live!
This candle was first lit on the 4th of December 2022 and will burn for 98 years 6 months and 15 days.