Farewell to a legend, RIP Ronald Yon!

Yesterday was the funeral of Ronald Yon, my wife's uncle, a legend of a man, the rock of a family, and the inspiration to turn a funeral into a party!

Ronald Yon & his neice Liezel.

About 3 weeks ago Ronald was diagnosed with a brain tumor, last Thursday morning he passed away from complications as a result of surgery to remove the tumor. He was 64.

I didn't know Ronald all that well, and I've only had the pleasure of being in his company a few times, but what I do know of the guy is that he was a top bloke and adored by many people, especially his family. His cheerfulness and warmth was always infectious. The times I did see him there were always lots of people around, and usually copious volumes of brandy! He was the life of the party, the centre of attention, people gravitated to his warm, cheeerful and welcoming personality. He would usually talk the hind legs off a donkey, the stories getting more extravagant the more brandy was consumed, his tales were always entertaining and often fascinating, albeit sometimes to be taken with a load of salt. We got on well together, as did everybody around him, we had a good few laughs over a good few drinks on a number of occasions. He was great with the kids, my Tammy loved him, often following him around and playing with him in the pool.

His departure from this world has certainly left a large void in many people's lives. As little as I knew him, I will certainly miss him too. The world has lost a true hero, a legend of his time; and heaven has scored a great angel!

He leaves behind his wife Wilma, 3 daughters, a mom, sister, brother, 4 grandchildren and a large network of extended family and friends.

Fortunately him and his family did not have to endure a long drawn out suffering with the cancer, as so often happens causing severe damage to families. Of course I wish he was still around, and that I'd seen him before he passed away like we'd planned to do last weekend, though I am happy that my memories of him were while he was his usual happy and healthy self! It's how I would also prefer to be remembered, not as a sick dying old man with tubes and machines protruding from my failing body.

Today, the day after his funeral, his wife Wilma is attending to the birth of his youngest daughter Linda's first child. He missed it by less than a week. A life to replace a life. It certainly seems like a cruel joke from above, but I think most people have accepted that this is the way it works.

As for the funeral - well I can say for sure that I am one of a group of people who have a hangover today as a result. (note the first 3 letters of "funeral" = "fun")

Ironically one of  the last times I actually saw Ronny was at his younger brothers funeral, his brother being Cedric, my wife's dad. And that too ended up as a pissup. Just the way I reckon they would've wanted! The last time I saw Ronald was at his daughter Linda's wedding, the daughter who is delivering his 4th grandchild today.

The service itself was held at the New Apostolic church in Milnerton. Attended by his closest friends and family, it was a lovely service and a fitting tribute to his life. Afterwards the congregation gathered at the Edgemead scout hall for snacks. Actually is was a feast fit for kings, loads of delicious food all prepared by Ronalds wife and family. As a professional eater of all things edible (except brinjil) I was highly impressed. Unfortunately I couldn't stay long, this sucker had to get back to work.

Then the fun started... I was instructed to go back to Ronalds house after work, where I found my girls, Wilma and a group of friends and family, already a few innings into various forms and strenths of alcohol. I expected no less, needless to say we all drank loads and were actually quite merry, I'm sure the way Ronny would've wanted. After getting to know his lovely family a bit better I took my family home.

The day was a fitting farewell to a wonderful man! My prayers and thoughts go out to his family as they begin the grieving process and I wish them all long, prosperous and happy lives, revelling in the happiness and love that Ronald left among them. All the best to Linda and Richard, I hope the birth went well this morning!

Despite the void left behind him down here on the ground, Ronald is now re-united with his younger brother Cedric in the afterlife, probably both having a good laugh with an infinite amount of ice cold brandy & coke!

Brothers Ronald & Cedric