MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – It was with great sadness and a sense of tremendous loss that residents learned about the senseless killing of one of the Soutpansberg’s most colourful residents, Mr Martin Armitage (66).

Mr Armitage, a third-generation farmer of the area, came to South Africa from England some 30 years ago. Apart from the active role he played in the local farming community, he was also well-known as the owner of Bandelierkop Fencing.

“It’s just tragic. Martin has been here for 30 years, building up his life and farm from nothing,” remarked his sister, Mrs Caroline Cook. Mrs Cook and her husband Mark flew in from England to attend to Martin’s funeral and business arrangements. She is greatly saddened about what happened to Martin, stating that after all he had been through over the last couple of years, this was not the way to die.

In the meantime, messages of condolences are still streaming in. It serves as proof of the type of man Martin was and how much he was loved and respected in the community. A funeral service for Martin will be held on Friday at 10:00. At the time of going to press, a venue still had to be secured. A notice will be put up later at the St Peter’s Church regarding the venue.

The following are some of the messages of condolences received:

* Martin, you will be sorely missed. Your quick sense of humour and kind soul has been brutally cut short. Find peace. - Kos, Sarah and James Coronaios.

* Martin Armitage, a classic legend of the Zoutpansberg. Your brilliant colonial style and wit are fondly remembered. Woe to the wastrels of society who took this man’s life. – Bruce Murray.

* We have lost in Martin a life-long friend and the district has lost one of its most colourful characters. How can we reconcile to this mindless act of barbarism? Famba kahle, dear friend. Our condolences to Martin’s family. - Charles, Bev, Andrew and Greg Leach.

* We will always remember great friendship, many, many laughs and hundreds of very happy hours spent in the bush together. Thirty years and more of memories will be with us forever. Rest in peace old friend. - Alan, Jill, Alex, Graeme and Cairie Whyte.

* We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Armitage family for their tragic loss. – Soutpansberg Tourism, friends and members.

* As a well-known member of the community, Martin will always be remembered with fond memories and affection. - Willie Botha.

* In fondest memory of Martin Armitage. “A character of note!” With kind regards, Jo-Anne (White River).

* In loving memory of Martin. His warm personality and wonderful sense of humour will be sorely missed. We express our heartfelt condolences to the Armitage family. - JJ and Laura van Zyl.

* “An inimitable, dear character, sorely missed. Our parties will never be the same. May he rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to Caroline, Mark, William and Edward. - Dennis & Vicki, Daphne and all at Cloud’s End Hotel.

* Our condolences to the family at your loss. - Rodney, Janet, Brett, Michael, Cheryl, Brad and Syann.

* Mr A! You will be sadly missed at our family gatherings, parties and impromptu meetings at Louis Trichardt hot spots. Your great love of this area and extraordinarily funny tales of the past will be treasured and your wit and repartee sorely missed. How unlike you to leave the party early; I expect you’ll still be late wherever it is you’re going. Go well, Mr Pumblechook. – Gavin and Leigh Bristow.

* Heartfelt condolences to Martin’s family. He was the quintessential gentleman. We will miss hosting his birthday cruise at Shiluvari this November. – Michel and Clare Girardin and the Shiluvari Team.

* Ek is diep geskok om van Martin Armitage se moord te hoor. Wanneer ek en Sally terug verlang Suid-Afrika toe, en spesifiek Louis Trichardt toe, is dit geweldadige insidente soos hierdie wat jou terugruk werklikheid toe en jou herinner aan hoekom jy in die eerste plek die land van jou geboorte verlaat het. My innige simpatie aan Martin se familie en sy wye vriendekring. Sy dood los definitief ‘n groot leemte in die plaaslike gemmenskap. – Marius Nagel, Nottingham, Engeland.

* Deepest sympathy to the family of Martin. Martin will be missed by many. - Mountain View Hotel and Conference Centre

* With sadness we say farewell to an old and good friend. – M T and H M Flynn.

* Martin Armitage – Our sincere condolences to Martin’s family on his tragic death. May he rest in peace. – Gary and Marilyn Watkins.

* Martin, your friendly face full of jokes always cheered us up. You will be sadly missed by all at Sheldon & Prinsloo.

* Martin, our family will miss your quirky sense of humour and our outings will never be the same again. – Campbell family.

* Martin, your presence will always be felt at the SPCA Kennels. We will never forget you. – Bea and SPCA Committee.