A well-known and well-loved member of the Makhado (Louis Trichardt) and Bandelierkop community, André Smit (63), passed away last week on Thursday.

“There isn’t a single member of this congregation who has not experienced André’s compassion, his friendship and generosity, his trustworthiness and loyalty - and in more recent months, his stoicism and determined bravery in the everpresent face of his fatal illness,” said Charles Leach at the memorial service on Monday, October 2 in the St Peter’s Church.

André was a third-generation farmer on the cattle farm, Mallamoella at Bandelierkop, up until the end of the seventies. He was the Chairman of the Bandelierkop Farmers Association and founder member of the Bushveldt Cricket Club that won the Far North League, an outstanding distinction for a small club.

From 1980 to 1990, André was the hotelier at the Lalapanzi Hotel and people from far and wide enjoyed him as the “perfect and concerned host”. André and his family moved into town in 2000 where he was an estate agent. He bought the rental side from Realty Elk and ran Real Rentals with the help of his family, who will continue with the business. André was a councillor of the St Peter’s Church.

Gail, his loving wife of 38 years, said that his passion the last couple of years was the Skirmishes Route. “He ate, drank and slept Skirmishes,” Gail said. André was also President of the Lion’s Club.

His family and friends fondly remember him as a popular person with an incredibly social nature, someone who always made others feel more important. Even though he was suffering from a rare disease and underwent major operations, his concern was always for others rather than for himself.

André Smit (1 September 1943 - 28 September 2006) leaves behind his wife Gail, daughter Jenny, son Andrew and grandchildren Amber-May, Michaela, and Tallen.

The family expressed their gratitude towards the members of the St Peter’s congregation, Dr Cassie Venter, and all friends and family who supported them via telephone calls, SMS’s, flowers and in many other ways. A special word of thanks goes to Gwen Loots of Realty Elk.