Well-loved Irish Club chairperson dies at the age of 53
LINDEN – Members of the Irish Club in Linden are shocked following the death of the club chairperson
The Irish Club in Linden is in mourning following the death of the club chairperson, Mick Desmond, who passed away on the morning of 10 June.
Club member, Jeff Bace, said the news of Desmond’s passing came as a shock and his untimely death has left a void in the club.
“He was only 53 years old. I last saw him about a week-and-a-half ago, in hospital,” said Bace.
According to Bace, Desmond was dedicated to the running of the club and ensured it was going well. “We are absolutely shocked,” he said.
Another club member, John Robbie (ex Radio 702 talk-show host), said Desmond was always very helpful in the club and will be dearly missed. “It is very sad. I’ve known him for many years and he was always very helpful,” said Robbie.
Robbie added Desmond made the club what it is.
“He made the club great; he was friendly and made everyone happy.”
Desmond was also an active member of the Fairland and Parkview Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH), an organisation for ex-servicemen.
Jan Geurtse, also a club member, said he was very strict about how people behaved in the club.
“He did not tolerate foul language and bad behaviour, and many people liked him for his discipline.”
He said most people felt welcome at the club whether they were Irish or not. “I am an Afrikaner and I felt incredibly welcome at the club,” said Geurtse.
He added that Desmond was a caring person, involved in community projects and helping people.
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