With love, from Canada

A legacy which has spanned 40 years and countless countries.

A memory that will forever live on in the hearts of those who still love him.

Forty years ago, ex Mayor of Newcastle, Pat Lutrell-West, was brutally murdered in his home. In 1975, just five short weeks after throwing a wedding party for close friends, his bright light was tragically extinguished.

Mariaan and Willy Hauer, who now live in Ontario,Canada, have honoured his memory and are now ready to pay tribute to their late friend.

“Our thoughts during these days are very strongly connected to Newcastle, a place in South Africa which we will never, ever forget,” revealed Mrs Hauer.

After their wedding on September 12, 1975, Mariaan and Willy recounted how Mr Lutrell-West threw them a beautiful celebration at his home.

“All the many beautiful memories we have around that time… we went with Pat on mini vacations to Port St Johns, along with another close friend, Lief van Broeck, who was then manager at the erection site from Dillinger Engineering regarding the Iscor Project. Unfortunately, Lief also passed away two years ago from cancer.”

Mrs Hauer was determined her memories of Mr Latrell-West should not be forgotten.

“Pat was the ex-Mayor of Newcastle in the 70s for four years, and after that councillor for 12 years . He was a very well respected man, and was liked by many, especially among the young people,” explained Mrs Hauer.

According to her, his vibrant energy spread ‘like magic’.

“We were very fortunate to have had Pat among our friends. Although there was quite an age difference, one could not really feel it. He was such a wonderful character; full of energy and happiness.”

Mrs Hauer vividly remembers one Easter trip in particular: “We went to Port St. Johns, our second beach of the day. Pat arrived at the beach with a small blue suitcase! When asked what he could possibly do with a suitcase at the beach he replied that we young people (Pat was 60, the rest of us mid 20s) do not understand life. About lunchtime we commented that a drink would be nice. Pat just smiled and repeated his earlier statement. With that, he opened the suitcase and pulled out a nice white table cloth, four wine glasses, and a good red wine. Yes … he knew how to enjoy life.”

Mr Lutrell-West was also remembered for his love of people, with Mrs Hauer saying other people’s needs were always his priority.

“Very unfortunately, his life was cut short, and he was murdered by burglars who entered his house. To our knowledge these people could never be found. Today – especially 40 years after all this happened – Pat is still present in our minds, and we will never ever forget him … as well as many other people and friends who knew him. And so, from Canada, his memory shall live on. Rest in peace Pat.”