THE crime-fighting community has lost a gentle giant in Cornelius Johannes ‘Sakkie’ van Greuning.
For approximately four years, Sakkie, as he was affectionately known, and his family were part of the Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch (VNW) community, with Sakkie earning a reputation for being a dedicated patrol member always willing to step up to the plate, whether on duty, emergency response or raising funds.
Communications Officer for VNW, Chris Marais said, “Oom Sakkie was always there with a kind word and a smile. It was heartbreaking for us to say our final goodbyes, as we laid our very own legend to rest on April 30.”
Born on June 26, 1956, Sakkie passed away at Mediclinic Newcastle on April 24 this year. Friends and family are sure his life and legacy will live on, in the hearts and memories of all who held him dear, and for any who remember this kind, compassionate and dedicated man. Sakkie is described as always friendly, and willing to go the extra mile for another. His wife of 26 years, Hermien describes her late husband as a prankster, who enjoyed telling jokes and putting a smile on the faces of all who spent time with him. He is also survived by two daughters, Surika and Annemarie.
“Jy is te vroeg van ons weggevat,” lamented his grieving family. “Jou plekkie is leeg en ons gaan jou verskriklik mis. Dankie vir alles wat jy vir ons gedoen het. Ons is en sal altyd lief wees vir jou.”
His family explains he worked at Vryheid Auto House/Delta garage for around 30 years, before the onset of illness forced him to take an earlier retirement. He was not ashamed to spread the word of God and touched many people’s lives.
“In sy laaste tyd, het Sakkie sy tyd spandeer om ander siek mense te besoek en moed in te praat, en sommer die Woord van die Here te verkondig.”
Sakkie’s colleagues at VNW said he never complained a day in his life, and lent a hand where possible, whether attending to complaints or braaing onions at fundraising events.
“Vryheid Buurtwag wil hom en sy famielie bedank vir hulle aandeel, om Vryheid n veiliger plek te maak vir almal. Vandag het Vryheid totsiens gesê aan ‘n legend. Rus sag, Oom Sakkie – G68 uit.”
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