Woodlands mourns death of music teacher
Lesapo worked at Woodlands for eight years and is described as a musical maestro
Woodlands International College is mourning the death of its music teacher Chris Lesapo (36).
Chris died on January 9 after a long battle with kidney complications.
College director Audrey Matthews said Lesapo worked at Woodlands for eight years and was a musical maestro and an inspiration.
“Each of us not only grieves at the passing of a tremendous individual but also for the loss his family suffers.
“Chris was well loved by his colleagues, students and their parents. He brought life to everything musical that he came across, from marimbas, college plays, to choir and college events. His jazz band entertained us on many occasions. He also found conversational Zulu at Woodlands.
“His gentle nature and cheerful attitude always put a smile on his students’ faces. The world is a sadder place without him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the extended Woodlands family,” the director said.
According to his sister, Martha, he was a loving, caring brother who loved life, music and his family.
“He was a brother who had our backs, no matter what. He was strong-willed and would do whatever he put his mind to. He had a big heart and took great care of his parents,” she said.
Lesapo’s niece, Dimpho Maripane, said her uncle was an extraordinary person who made a huge impact on her life.
He believed in me, never judged me and supported me in everything I did. He was an angel on earth. I will miss him dearly.
One of his friends, Pusetso Thibedi , wrote to him: “The wolves are howling… Their hearts are broken… but as you would probably say in a sudden burst of a perfect Barry White impersonation: “Let the music play… on and on and on.
“With you by our side laughter was always the medicine to heal all our ills, pains and worries.
Another friend, Maseala David Dikobo, wrote: “You have lived a short but full life. You have enriched our lives beyond measure. You have taught us to laugh until our stomachs hurt and to have fun until the sun comes up. Your humility is unmatched and the purity of your soul incomparable.”
He is survived by his father, siblings, family and friends.
A virtual memorial service will be held for Lesapo via Zoom on January 23 at 9am. The meeting ID is 943 6612 4512 and the passcode is 956 463.
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