It is not often that the news of the passing away of a person who is not directly related to you can stir up a feeling of immense loss.

Just such a feeling of loss is experienced by many residents of the Soutpansberg this week, following the news of the passing away of Mr Hamid Rasool (58). He died last Wednesday evening after a short illness.

Over the last three decades or so, several generations of Soutpansbergers became friends, and in some instances almost family, with brothers Hamid and Mohamed at Cycle Centre in Makhado (Louis Trichardt).

Although the shop has been specialising in top-of-the-range bicycles and cycling gear over the last few years, Cycle Centre remains a true fisherman’s paradise. Hundreds of fishing tales of the big one that got away (all true, of course) have been shared over the counter over the years, vividly and enthusiastically told by Hamid and Mohamed. With Hamid, especially, there was just no such thing as “quickly” running into their shop. As with brother Mohamed, Hamid greeted and treated you like family. There was always a story to tell, a joke to make, and time to find out how your family was doing. He was a man who always had a smile on his face and rarely complained about anything.

“He was my twin … It is tough on us, but our entire family is behind us,” brother Mohamed told the Zoutpansberger during a visit to their store on Monday. The phone rang continuously, with people expressing condolences, while each and every customer who walked in was quick to extend a handshake or hug in support. The legacy of friendship Hamid left behind was clear to see.

“There is so much you can say about Hamid, but at this stage I am at a loss for words. As a family, we would, however, like to express our sincere thank to Drs Mohamed Chhaya, Azgar Ayob and Casper Venter, as well as the Soutpansberg Dorpswag and Heine de Jager, who were there at the spur of the moment to assist ,” said Mohamed. The family also expressed their heartfelt gratitude toward the whole community for their support, phone calls and SMSes.

Hamid is survived by his wife, Amina, son Ismail, daughter Rezwana, sister Mehmuda Bellim and family, brother Mohamed and family.