GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — They say that education is just impossible without a proper and appropriate teacher.
Such a teacher was Cornelius Stephanus (Fanie) Bezuidenhout of Union High School, Graaff-Reinet, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of Thursday, April 6, on his 63rd birthday.
He leaves behind his wife Jackie to whom he was married for 38 years, his six children - Stephen, Craig, Gareth, Carl, Andre and Leigh-Ann. He also leaves behind three grandchildren by whom he was loved and adored. The fourth one is to be born within the next few weeks.
Fanie was schooled at Andrew Rabie in Port-Elizabeth before joining the South African Defence Force in 1971. He went on to do his BA at The University of Port Elizabeth as well as a Higher Diploma in Education, alongside a Bachelor of Education at Rhodes. He taught at Graeme College in Grahamstown for 12 years (1978-1989) before joining Union High School in 1990, where he stayed for 27 years.
Fanie taught Afrikaans and Geography up to Grade 12 and was well known for his involvement in extramural activities.
These included cadets and conducting bivouacs, target shooting, athletics, Head of First Aid, Master in charge of Sport and Rugby coaching, which included the First XV in 2004 when two of his sons were in the team.
He was Acting Headmaster at Union in the interim before William Pringle was appointed, and Superintendent of the Boy's Hostel, Arthur Kingwill House, for 16 years, running it as if it was his own home.
Many boys saw him as their father away from home. He was the Head of Discipline and Head of Department of Geography. He played a major role in the Senior Management Team of Union High School. Many people depended on him for his guidance and experience.
Away from school he had a great love for the outdoors and the science of fresh produce, and had tremendous pride in what he dubbed “Farmer Faan’s Organic Vegetable Garden”.
He had a great love for the military and was actively involved in it from 1972 until 1996. This love and passion continued beyond his official service, applying the values and disciplines in all areas of his life. One of his greatest joys was to pass on the experiences, core values and beliefs to others. This is what made him so greatly admired by young men, and gave him the legendary respect he holds.
He was a jovial, outgoing perfectionist. He was an absolute master at his craft and held authority in Geology, Astronomy, Language and Geography.
Leigh Bezuidenhout, one of his daughters in law grippingly stated in an obituary that “Heaven got another one of its soldiers back. Our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same again. The presence you had in so many people’s lives is eminent and undeniably the truest testament to your legacy. It will live on. You are in your boys’ and daughters’ - all 12 of us got a piece of you, and we will never forget it. Your four grandchildren will be taught about you as well as all of the ones to come…I promise”.
Fanie was truly part of a small group of Great South African Teachers.
William Ward once said: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
Karl Menninger said: “What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.” This is true of Fanie Bezuidenhout. In essence, he was a man amongst men. Yet not big in stature, he towered above everybody with his knowledge, his presence and his wit. He has been referred to as one of the last true gentlemen of our time.
Good teachers never die. His teachings will live on in the memories and success of all those whose lives he touched. Aristotle, in ancient Greek times said: ”Those who educate children well are more to be honoured than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well”.
Please join family and friends to honour the memory of Fanie Bezuidenhout at Union High School on Easter Monday, April 17 at 10am.
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