GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - It is with great sadness that the Nieu-Bethesda and Graaff-Reinet communities learned of the sudden passing of Peter Watermeyer on Friday, October 20, in Graaff-Reinet at the age of 87.

Born in 1930 and having spent his childhood on the family farm Schanskraal in the Sneeuberg, Peter lived his life in close connection with the two things he loved most: fellow human-kind and the land.  

As a young man, he moved with his wife Lillemor and young family to Kei Mouth, where they lived for nearly 20 years before returning to Schanskraal where he absorbed himself in alternative and ecologically sound farming methods - a great calling of his.  

In 1997 Peter and Lillemor moved to Graaff-Reinet where he started a small business, involving another of his passions - working wood with his hands.

Peter Watermeyer embodied servant-heartedness.  

He possessed a far higher set of values than the material trappings of modern day life.  

He was as constant as the Northern Star and, in the words of his son, Kevin, "Gained real strength from doing things for others."  

Peter could be seen riding his bicycle past the dam through the park early in the morning.  

His respect for the creation, for this beautiful land and for people energised him and kept him strong in body and mind right until the end.

Their move to town gave Peter the opportunity to serve on an even greater level.  

In Graaff-Reinet he became integrally involved with the Bowling Club, and always made time to fix furniture for friends, to provide a home from home for his grandchildren and their friends at boarding school.  

Even though hard of hearing, Peter would always stop to ask and hear how your day was.  

The tributes that have poured in to Lillemor and the family have come from farm workers, petrol attendants, prominent business people and school children, professionals and the disabled - Peter Watermeyer was a man well-loved who held no judgement.

A family friend said: 'Peter and his family did things right.  They can have no regrets.'  

Peter Watermeyer leaves his wife Lillemor, children - Carl from Cape Town,  Kevin from Zuurplaats, daughter Susan from New Zealand and six grandchildren.

Thomas Moore said, "Humility, that low, sweet root, from which all heavenly virtues shoot."  This community has lost a humble, servant-hearted man who is well loved.

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