MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – One of this region's pioneering figures, Frank Oldreive, passed away on Saturday, August 16. He was 78 years old.

According to family members, he died because of complications which set in, following an operation.

Frank Lock Oldreive was born in Pietersburg on December 27, 1924. He was the seventh of eight children. He spent his childhood in Pietersburg and matriculated from Pietersburg Hoërskool in 1942. Later he went on to become an Article Clerk in Vereniging and Johannesburg.

The Northern Transvaal was where his heart truly lay and in 1957 he moved to Louis Trichardt to work for Messrs Knott, Schultz and Visser as secretary of Northern Motors. After a period of time he purchased the Ford dealership and was respected throughout the community for his business acumen, honesty and integrity.

His love of cattle and the land inspired him to acquire farms around the district and in Rhodesia. He went on to become a well-known cattle farmer in the area and was also one of the pioneer game farmers in Bandelierkop. He loved the Bushveld and spent many happy times camping on his farm with family and friends. Frank will be remembered as a person who truly loved life. He also loved people and had many very good friends and neighbours. He contributed to the community in many ways through Round Table and Rotary.

Family played an important role in his life and he will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a devoted wife, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Everyone who knew and loved him, will remember his warm sense of humour and laughter.

The late Frank Oldreive will be buried at the family farm, Gwent, at 15:00 on Monday, August 25 at Munnik. For more information regarding funeral arrangements, phone Bill Oldreive at Tel 083 265 0627.