One of the Soutpansberg region’s pioneering figures, Mr Eric George Girardin (76), passed away after a short illness in the Zoutpansberg Private Hospital on May 29.

“Husband to Margot and father to Michel, Sam, Paul and Clare, and grandfather to Clodine, Robyn and Kyra, Eric will be sorely missed,” says the family.

Eric, a proud descendant of a Swiss pioneer family who moved to the district some 114 years ago, spent his childhood between schools in Pietersburg and at home on the farm around Elim.

Eric was the son of Gerry Girardin, who farmed at Mashau, and Berthe Girardin, who was well known at Elim Hospital and Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital between 1920 and 1969. His grandfather, George Liengme, founded Elim hospital in 1899. At the time, it was the first hospital north of Pretoria.

Eric spent seven years in Europe and 32 years in Johannesburg as a successful architect and interior designer. He never forgot his roots and in 1995, Eric returned to Elim and built Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge on the Albasini Dam.

Eric was involved in the founding of numerous community projects, such as the Ribolla Tourism Association and the Ribolla artists route. While he was retired, he also continued to be involved with various projects, including IDT clinics, Rivoni Society for the Blind and the Hlanganani Society for the Aged. He took great pride in assisting local community members with the establishment of their small business enterprises in the building industry.

VutshiloSchool and halfway house for children affected and infected with HIV was a project particularly close to his heart, and Eric spent his last years supporting and helping develop this project in Venda.

“We say good bye to Eric with sadness as he was a true South African who touched many hearts from all communities. Fluent in Xitsonga, Eric was always trying to bridge the gap between the diverse communities around Elim,” says the family. They thanked all who attended Eric’s memorial service at Shiluvari on Saturday, June 4.

“We also thank all who sent messages of condolences and support for the family. Famba Kahle, Ntshava wa hina.”