The night before you were called, I arrived home late from Richards Bay and was unable to erect the Stainless Steel Flag Pole in my front garden. However that evening I proudly displayed this on my front porch in anticipation of the 2010 World Cup that was commencing the next day 10th June 2010. At around 2-35am the next morning, I was awoken by the noise of the flag-pole falling and went out to investigate thinking how on earth could the dogs have pulled this over. As I opened my front door there was not a soul in sight but only a wind that had come up. I picked up the Flag Pole and went back inside. As I was about to get back into bed, I suddenly became ill and had to use the toilet. After that episode I got back into bed and about five minutes later, the phone rang. Getting a phone call in the early hours of the morning very seldom is the bearer of good news. However when the voice on the other end said that you has passed away, I immediately went into a state of absolute shock and when Debbie asked who died and I mentioned you, she could also not imagine that you were gone and kept on saying that I was mistaken. For five minutes after that I covered my entire body almost as if I could momentarily shut the world out of my life. I pondered on what had just happened and am sure that it was you who came to say a last goodbye, with the flag pole falling, the sudden gust of wind and me feeling sick the way I did. I then had the unpleasant task of waking Mom to break this traumatic news to her. I phoned Bernice to tell her that I wanted to see you before they took you away. Nolan made his way to our home and drove us to Pietermaritzburg. I slept the entire journey and only awoke when we arrived at your home to be greeted by the mortuary van that was there to collect your lifeless body. I made my way to your bedroom and when I touched you, your body was still warm and you looked as though you were only sleeping. I spent a few minutes with you in the hope that by some miracle you would open your eyes and speak to me. Just two weeks before this day you spent the weekend with us in Durban and we had a good time and even did some fishing where it reminded me of our childhood days at the dam. When you left that Monday morning I was pleased that we spent quality time together and we had even spoken about future plans. Little did I realize on that Monday morning that it would be the very last time that I would see you in this life. When we carried you out of your home and into the waiting vehicle that was taking you to the mortuary, I prayed that God would have mercy on your soul. The days leading up to the funeral were heartbreaking and every time that I thought about you, I shed a silent tear. The day of your funeral arrived and there again, in life you were handsome and in death you looked more handsome almost as though you could open your eyes and be a part of this life again. Unfortunately the time had come for you to depart and take up your heavenly place. If there is anything that is expected of us in the life, it is to make a difference and this my dear brother you did. I can only smile when I think about how funny you could be and how you could have a crowded house in stitches of laughter with what you said and just how you said it. You were gifted with humour and your personality was one of good spirit. I have no doubt that there are many people whom you interacted with in life, that still think about you and what I good person you were. I so often think about you and have had many a good dream about you. As much as we would love to have you back, we have come to the realization that in this life there is a journey to be followed and once completed, there is no turning back. You have travelled your journey and you have run your race vigourously always focusing on the ultimate goal and mark. I have no doubt that you were greeted with the words""" Well Done thy Good and Faithful servant, enter into my Kingdom. You have left a very big void in the lives of so many people including myself but we are consoled by the fact of having a mind that has photographed you in so many different ways during your life, and now we have the pleasure of replaying these images at any given time. The mind is so powerful and these images are indelible, this in itself is incredible. We miss you my brother and one day will see you in the sweet bye and bye. Your baby brother "Loots' the nickname you gave me.