Farewell to two Lions members

It has been an emotional time for members of the Benoni Host Lions Club who recently lost their president, Diane Crompton and club member, David Featherston who both died within days of each other.

A memorial service will be held on May 18 for the 74-year-old who was actively serving her third term as the club’s president when she suddenly died on April 27.

ALSO READ:

#IMadeMyMark: Voters conquer the chilly morning to make their mark

“The service will be held at the Lions Clubhouse, Howard Avenue at 11am,” said club member, Tina Strachan.

“Lion president Diane Crompton joined the Lionesses in 2002 before becoming an active member of Benoni Host Lions Club, and served her community diligently.”

“Never one to stand back, she was a dynamic force within her club and always present at all activities. “Her enthusiasm for all things Lionistic was boundless.”

Her nephew, Mark Carlstein shared a few words about the Rynpark 5 resident, on behalf of the family.

“She was a vibrant, active, lovable, caring mother, aunt, sister-in-law, friend, colleague and a proud ‘Gogo’ grandmother to her grandson Rory,” he said.

“She was a great traveller. In her early years she went round the world twice cruising and in her later years was able to visit her son and grandson in Melbourne Australia.

“One of the happiest moments of her life was the recent visit of her grandson to South Africa and Benoni last November.

“Lawn bowls was a major part of her life and she was known for playing an excellent game. She was also a keen and enthusiastic gardener.”

Mark said Diane, who worked in the accounts department for Harvey World Travel in Benoni, is survived by her son, Angus Maxwell and grandson, Rory, who both reside in Melbourne, Australia.

Tina said writing a tribute was one of the hardest things the club ever had to do for these dynamic members.

David died on April 25 after fighting a long-term illness.

“David was a quiet and unassuming man with a passion for serving his community,” she said.

“His commitment to the environment and dedication to Lions were just some of his achievements during his lifetime.

His wife, Helen Featherston said her husband was a modest man who did a lot for the community but never spoke about his good deeds.

“David fought his battle with cancer until his death but he will always be remembered for his contribution and help towards the community and Lions Club since he joined in 2008,” she said.

“He was so hard-working and he helped everyone that he could help in his role as an estate agent, his assistance with the maintenance of the Korsman Conservancy and especially in his Lions projects.

“Despite suffering from the effects of intensive chemotherapy, David travelled to the Mall at Carnival City every second weekend to sell books in order to raise money for charity via the Lions Club.”

He was 69 when he died and is survived by Helen and his two sons, Jonathan and Nicholas Featherston.

A memorial service was held in honor of David at the Lemongrass Restaurant on May 2.

He will be sorely missed by his loved ones and those he helped.

The family of Diane have requested that instead of bringing flowers to the memorial, donations to Lions International Disaster Fund (the fund supported Benoni at the time of its last floods) be made.

For more information, Tina can be contacted on 083 251 4730.

Follow us on these platforms:

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za

For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail