NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — The small community of Nieu-Bethesda is saddened by the loss of Dene Coetzee last week.
He passed away on his farm, 'Riverdene', of a heart attack while out hunting with some of his closest friends.
Dene dreamt big his whole life.
He never settled for mediocre or small potatoes. His energy and zest for life and a myriad of interests took him on many unexpected paths.
The best part is that he enjoyed a full, passion-filled, robust life while being a devoted family man, business owner, farmer and community leader. He was never afraid of anything, nor was he afraid to serve his fellow man in any capacity he could.
Born in Port Elizabeth in February 1944, Dene was a "war baby".
After World War 2 ended, his parents, George and Nova Coetzee settled in Walmer, where Dene attended primary school and began a lifelong love of both playing and watching sports. He attended Grey High School until his parents bought a farm in Uitenhage, when Dene transferred to Muir College.
As a boarder, he played team cricket and rugby where he became a gregarious and trustworthy friend, making deep friendships that lasted the rest of his life. After matriculating, Dene enrolled at Cedara Agricultural College in KwaZulu-Natal.
Veterinary sales to farmers was his first post-graduate posting where he was based in Graaff-Reinet. His next job took him to Bloemfontein, where he married Ina Lotter.
They bought a small holding and started a family simultaneously. It was here that Dene developed a landscaping business and his love of nurserymanship was born. Continuing in the nursery business, the family finally settled on a farm, 'Bestemming', outside Paarl. Dene developed a cutting-edge nursery, GardenTime, into a thriving business that served Paarl and Cape Town residents alike.
Dene leaves behind his second wife, Patty of 37 years. Supporting Dene's dreams and schemes as few others would, Patty has always worked tirelessly alongside him. With a blended family, the couple added one more to the fold - they parented six children in all. Needless to say, theirs was a bustling household with non-stop activities and a schedule that would make your head spin.
In the nursery, Dene's passion for plant propagation led to the reinvention of the business, which became Azalea Acres. He grew literally a hundred thousand azaleas from oone-inch cuttings in long greenhouse tunnels.
The riot of Spring colour was breathtaking as one walked through rows of exquisite varietals. Azaleas were delivered to nurseries all across South Africa. In the town of Paarl, Dene began a long history of community service.
He joined the local International Association of Lions Clubs, and worked his way through the ranks until he became Club President and eventually rose to the position of District Governor. As an involved citizen, his interest in city politics grew and he ran for and won a municipal seat election.
In his "down time", he farmed stud sheep and he also developed a penchant for writing. Soon a novel began brewing inside him. For a year-and-a half, he turned the business reins over to Patty and sequestered himself into an office where he started researching history and politics and eventually he voraciously hammered out his novel. A trip to London's publisher's row took him door-to-door until he acquired a publisher who believed in his book. Winds of Change, first published in 1995, is a novel about the end of apartheid and the birth of the new South Africa.
The thrill of Dene's life came when he presented a copy to then President Nelson Mandela at a special ceremony in Parliament. He went on to present a copy to later Deputy President Thabo Mbeki. Another high point was when Winds of Change was awarded the Commonwealth Writer's Prize for the "Best First Novel in the Africa Region".
In 2003, with an offer they could not refuse, the couple, now empty-nesters with adult children, took advantage of the opportunity to sell and move. They eventually found themselves in Nieu-Bethesda, and as they say, the rest is history.
They bought the sizable farm, "Steilkrantz", changed the name to 'Riverdene', and were soon entrenched in the wonderful surrounding farm community.
Dene didn't stop dreaming, scheming and doing. In Graaff-Reinet he joined the Lions again where he became President, and he ventured into politics for a while. He went on to bring the DA Party to Nieu- Bethesda. In recent times Dene became Chairman of the Owl House Foundation and he and Patty were involved members of the local Sports Club, as well as active members of the farmers' congregation of the Karoo Community Church.
Dene never hesitated to share their beautiful farm with those who loved the outdoors. Many a hiker and camper was welcomed with open arms and Dene loved hearing about their escapades on their return.
Dene and Patty have travelled extensively to five continents. Dene was an avid cook and master of the braai when at home. On trips, he was forever on a gastronomical quest for the best sushi, hamburgers or whatever the local delicacies were in their foreign destinations.
In recent times, his new passion was travelling all over the country in their caravan. Every week he had more destinations on his growing bucket list. Dene was a proud father and a doting grandfather and loved travelling to see his family domestically and abroad.
Last Thursday, on 23 August, Dene, aged 74, lavished in one last, eagerly awaited hunt with his life-long buddies. While the wives nattered and caught up on each others' lives, the men ventured out into the veld on 'Riverdene' and took up their strategic posts.
Dene was later found deceased in his favourite place on the farm - under a shady tree, with an unparalleled vista stretching to the furthest reaches of the Sneeuberg. In death he, exceeded all expectations, just as he had in his life.
Dene is survived by Patty, as his dedication in his novel reads - "my wife, confidante and friend whose support, devotion, warmth and love can never be adequately acknowledged."
Also surviving him are: daughters Yvette Mazari of Johannesburg; Leigh Venter and fiance' Keith Hern of Houston, Texas; Paige Skonieczny and her husband Greg of London, England; Robyn du Plooy and her husband Martin of Fish Hoek; Genneth Ofsowitz of Kalk Bay and son, Jon Ofsowitz and wife Michelle Ludek of Fish Hoek; grandchildren Kira Brinton, Karina Mazari, Nicholas and Lucy Skonieczny, Presley and Layla Ofsowitz, McKaela and Oliver du Plooy; a sister, Andrea Brinkley-Jenkins of Charlotte, North Carolina and five nieces and nephews. Dene was predeceased by his parents George and Nova Coetzee, and his sister, Lynne Bryer. Dene also leaves behind a host of friends and many whose lives he has touched.
A celebration of Dene's Life will be held on 'Riverdene' farm on Tuesday, September 4 at 14:00 for 14:30. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Karoo Community Church, Reference: "Dene" Bank details: FNB A/C No. 62424746652 Branch Code: 210-216
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