A remarkably multifaceted personality of the Soutpansberg, Mr Eddie Eastwood, who made an impressive contribution on several fronts, both locally and on an international scale, passed away this week.

The following obituary was received from a close friend and associate, Mr. Bruce Murray:

It is with great sadness that we record the passing of Edward Baily Eastwood, Ed, Eddie, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning after a brief battle with cancer.

A descendant of true Soutpansberg pioneering stock, Ed was the youngest child of Bill and Doreen. He was educated at St Johns College and Wits University, where he graduated in zoology. Ed returned to his home in the Soutpansberg in the eighties and married Cat.

Ed has left behind a remarkable legacy. Any Google search on the internet will reveal a wealth of scientific research to which Ed has contributed. Lesser known to many has been his most significant contribution to the collection, describing and eventual naming of many scorpion species previously unknown to science.

In Louis Trichardt, there will always be the most remarkable monument to any man. During his years as the town’s horticulturalist, Ed established the numerous beautiful parks and gardens that once adorned our town. More notably, he planted more that 6 000 indigenous trees along our streets. They will be a perpetual reminder of his passion for botany.

However, Ed is probably best known for his research into southern African rock art. Having received international acknowledgement for his groundbreaking research and consequent theories into rock art, Ed and his wife Cat published dozens of scientific papers in numerous renowned, internationally published journals. His work culminated in the publication of a book, Capturing the Spoor, which reveals to scientists and laymen alike the mysteries and beauty of previously undiscovered rock art in the Limpopo Valley. Ed painstakingly recorded, in minute detail, drawings and engravings of more than 1 000 rock art sites - a monumental undertaking that occupied the latter 15 years of his life.

Everyone who has been privileged to have been associated with Ed will remember him as a man who loved people. In his quiet, unobtrusive way he touched the lives of many of us deeply. Endowed with a fine wit, he was a master storyteller, always having his audience aghast with wonder or rolling in the sand with laughter in the flickering light of his campfire. His passing has left a huge gap in many of our lives. He will never be forgotten.