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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, David Joubert, 59 years old, born on November 21, 1959, and passed away on December 15, 2018. We will remember him forever.

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In loving memory of Dr Joubert

March 5, 2019

In loving memory of Dr David F. Joubert


He was not only our supervisor and teacher, He was more of a father and a dear friend to us. Hearing about the passing of Dr Daddy/ Davido/ DVD/ Daddy D, Uncle Dave as we would call him was heart breaking. We became his second family, Dave and Daughters (Nekulilo, Elise, Visto and Siphiwe). He even brought us as the 4 girls closer together that we have formed a bond we never thought could happen. He warmly welcomed us into his family. The trips to Waterberg were the best, the drives, the stories, the lessons, field work and the food. Like a father, he would tell us stories around the fireplace in the evening  and would laugh at our silly jokes. We remember him sitting in his big boy chair and crack jokes with his zany sense of humour. Early morning he would be sitting at the fireplace waiting for us and while having breakfast, he would take the time to teach us about the birds. 
Dr Dave was concerned about our wellbeing both inside and outside of the school environment. He stood up for us when we were being treated unfairly, in some cases he was the punching bag on our behalf. When one of us was in need, Dr Dave always came through for us. Even after we completed our studies, he would always look out for us, he was our defender, which just shows how much he loved us and cared for us. Indeed, he was a great mentor with empathy for his students.
We feel very privileged and we will forever be grateful for getting to know the amazing scientist and a very knowledgeable man who introduced us to his love for fire ecology, rangeland management and conservation in general.  Dr Dave introduced us to new science concepts, some of which were challenging, but because he was passionate about empowering young scientists, and was great at what he did, it was easier to grasp those concepts. He was proud of us when we did well and was always willing to help us when we did not do well so that we can improve. As a supervisor, he always made sure that he gave equal attention to all of us. He wanted to make sure we did our best. At times we'd think he was being difficult but later we realized he was pushing us because he knew we were capable of much more. 
He introduced us to new and beautiful places, some that we thought we'd never see in our lives. His teachings during car drives, flights or anywhere you find yourself will be immeasurably missed. Apart from being a supervisor, father and friend, we’ve also known him as the bird, the fire, and the Acacia mellifera guru, he was passionate about what he did, it was His life. Aquila verreauxii, the Black Eagle, there's so much to say about him. There were good and some sour moments but the good outweighed the sour by faaaar!
Although He is no longer physically with us, all the things that he taught us from grasses, to birds, to how to be critical thinkers and researchers will forever remain within us. 
All the moments we spent with him from sharing meals in the field, to setting up camp, to having him remove geckos from our bungalows, digging roots, to fleeing from rhinos, buffalos and wasps in the field, to mountain hiking, all the roads and flights travelled with him, will forever remain within us. All the memories that He left us with, will forever remain within us as a flame. We thank God for all the memories that we created with him. It will not be the same without daddy Dave. 
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~ Albert Schweitzer
Phil 4:7 and John 14:27
In honor of His memory, we’ll continue his legacy to set the African Savannahs on fire. 

Farewell Dr Daddy, rest peacefully.
#ForeverLoved&Appreciated!

Love,
Your Daughters & Students

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