Ludi Vink- ‘You will live on in our hearts and in the world’

“SOMEWHERE over the rainbow, Way up high, The dreams that you dreamed of and Once in a lullaby,” were played in the Alberton Methodist Church during Ludi Vink’s memorial service on Tuesday, February 28 at 11:00.

Ludi (30) died on Thursday, February 23, after being attacked at Mitzy’s Biker Pub, Randhart, on Tuesday, February 21.

Read: Ludi’s heart saves a patient in Cape Town

When you entered the church there was a painting of Ludi who welcomed friends, family and strangers. Those who came to pay their respects had the opportunity to light a candle in his memory.

A video filled with precious memories was played and there was not a dry eye in the packed church. Extra chairs were brought in by family members so that everyone could have a seat.

A family member referred to Ludi as ‘Vinkman’ while she thanked everyone for their support and help. She also read a letter from Ludi to his mother, Danlee, where he said that she needs to find the song in her heart and she must keep smiling, ending it with ‘Love you, Moeksie’.

Read: Going down Ludi’s memory lane

She also mentioned that Ludi’s organs have helped nine people so far. “A piece of his liver was donated to a baby who will grow up and have a family one day and each will have a piece of Ludi,” she said.

Members from the Vink family shared some of their most wonderful memories of Ludi. His father Lute said he wished he had some of Ludi’s blood, B+, which stands for “be positive”.

Two girls with the most beautiful voices sang Ludi’s favourite song, Hallelujah.

His fiancée and soulmate, Clare Boadle (25), quoted Apple co-founder and innovative-technology pioneer Steve Jobs, saying: “I am leaving you all with a quote from Ludi’s hero, a man as crazy as him and one who also changed the world: ‘Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… The ones who see things differently – they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.’”

Changing lives

Those paying their respects were allowed to share a word or two. A man who did not know Ludi at all came up and said that Ludi’s sudden passing changed his whole life. “I’ve had a wild life where I was irresponsible sometimes. I saw Ludi a while ago in Mitzy’s Biker Pub. This young man made me turn to God, he made me change my life. Ludi has changed so many lives and what have I done?” the man said.

Lees: Huldeblyke aan Ludi Vink

Something that came up in everyone’s speech was that Ludi made a difference. Ludi was loved by people around the world. The memorial ended with everyone doing Ludi’s salute sign.

Ludi’s remains will be cremated and some of his ashes will be scattered in Jeffreys Bay, where he loved to surf, some on a mountain in Limpopo where he and his father went camping the weekend before his death, and some will be carried to Australia with his fiancée.

Also Read:

Ludi Vink’s attacker out on R5 000 bail

BREAKING NEWS: Ludi Vink’s attacker hands himself in

[GRAPHIC VIDEO]: Man declared brain dead after brutal attack in Randhart pub

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