Welcoming a new decade with special friends
Ian Roodt celebrated his 90th birthday in style at SAVF Kinross Herberg.
It is not every day that you celebrate a special birthday like your 90th, and that is exactly why it was so important for the staff and residents of SAVF Kinross Herberg to make Ian Roodt’s birthday one to remember.
Ian, who celebrated his birthday with a surprise party, on his actual birthday on February 8, has lived at Kinross for 22 years, which makes him the home’s longest residing resident.
ALSO READ: Trio take up fund-raising responsibilities for Kinross
“We really wanted to make the day special for him, even though we do not have much money for such events,” explained Annemarie Berry, Kinross treasurer.
Jozelle Steenkamp, Kinross’s new manager agreed, “We wanted to celebrate his long life,” she said.
“I believe it is important to make him feel special and make the day special for everyone because we are a family here.”
Ian’s long-time friends Chris Maree and Peter Capstick joined the celebrations as did his ex-daughter-in-law, Dianne.
Though Annemarie and Jozelle were sure Ian had figured out something was going on he admits he was completely surprised and a little overwhelmed by all the attention.
“I really didn’t expect something like this,” he said.
Ian is described as an unassuming man who has touched so many lives over the years and is much loved by both family and friends.
He has two sons, Brian and Edmund, two grandchildren, Anthony and Nickola and five great-grandchildren.
ALSO READ: Elderly SAVF residents enjoy bingo morning
Ian initially worked at Royal Baking Powder in the 1960s, but later became a successful entrepreneur in a variety of businesses.
“His intelligence and incredible sense of humour have endeared him to his family, friends and colleagues,” said Chris.
“Ian is a true gentleman and is always humble, showing gratitude for the smallest of life’s gifts.”
Well-known for his sense of humour, Ian always manages to bring a smile or a hearty chuckle to everyone in his company.
To help Kinross make more birthdays and events special, the home is appealing to the community for donations.
To find out how you can donate or for more information on the home, call the office on 011 825 1697.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za
Also follow us on:
