POLOKWANE – The news of his sudden death did not only come as a shock to the biker community but through the whole of Polokwane as he not only touched the hearts of bikers, but of every person he met.
Van Balkom’s life partner, Lynne Promnitz, said he was helping her with the laundry on Saturday morning when he collapsed.
You might also want to read: Bikers open hearts to the community
“He had a heart attack. I am devastated and I am going to miss him very much, especially his caring nature and willingness to help his fellow man. I will miss his jokes, the numerous trips on our bikes, our fishing trips and most of all our love for each other,” she said.
Van Balkom was one of the founding members of Bikers that Care Limpopo and established the group in 2006. He had a passion for helping others in need, especially the elderly, children and the less privileged. He lived by the words ‘it’s a ride, not a race’, a motto he often shared with others, encouraging them to simply enjoy being a biker.
“Under his guidance, Bikers that Care started various initiatives such as the SPCA Run, Tin for Tin Run, Kids Cancer Run, in collaboration with Reach for a Dream, Golden Oldies, Limpopo North Toy Run, Easter Egg Run and the Limpopo Memorial Run among others. He and Anton Verwey started the monthly Polokwane Biker’s Braai in 2005 at the sport complex of Genl Piet Joubert School. He even received a certificate in 2015 for never missing a single Biker’s Braai, a tradition still going strong, after 10 years. He was also involved with the establishing of the Limpopo Biker Council,” Promnitz added, saying Van Balkom was a person who cared for the old, the young, the underprivileged and all those who suffered some kind of loss in their lives.
“He was a big biker with a small heart. He was always available to participate at weddings and matric farewells with his bike. He was a loved Santa Claus at several shelter Christmas parties or when they distributed the toys collected during the Limpopo North Toy Run. He started organising bikers to participate in the yearly Cansa Relay for Life and to date this remains a popular event on the biker calendar.”
Van Balkom was known by everyone who met him as a loving person, and he was often asked to be the master of ceremonies at events for his ability to turn even the dullest of occasions into memorable ones.
“His positive aura was always visible and he brought greatness to everything he started or participated in. He was a pillar in the Limpopo biker community, one that will be dearly missed.”
One of his close friends, Wickus Prinsloo, said he is heartbroken about the death of his best friend. Often described as ‘kettie en klip’, these two met in the early 1990s but became close friends in 2009 after Wickus and his wife, Wilma, bought their first bike.
“Richard took me under his wing and we became each other’s wingmen on many rideouts with our bikes. At any bike event, Richard and I were always close to each other; where the one went, the other would normally soon follow.
“Our weekly braai on Friday evenings were always the highlight of the week as it was synonymous with jokes and laughter. We would often listen to music until the early morning hours. We were not only friends, we were each other’s families. I saw him as my big brother and we are all going to miss our Loud Red biker teddy bear with his big smile and even bigger heart.”
Richard leaves behind one brother, Larry, who lives in Australia.
Promnitz thanked all their biker friends, the community and their close friends for their support during not only this difficult time but for their support throughout the years.
His funeral will be held at St. Marco Hall in Asbes Street on 30 June at 11:00.
Guests are kindly requested to do the following:
• to wear something red, if possible.
• that no flowers be bought, rather make a donation towards Martha Hofmeyr Old Age Home.
• If possible, make a cash donation towards the funeral and other expenses.
• People who are willing to sponsor refreshments are requested to contact Wilma Prinsloo directly for arrangements at 082 555 4553.
• All cash donations, excluding for refreshments, must be deposited into the following account:
Account name: LA Promnitz.
Account type: Capitec Savings.
Account number: 1123992779.
Branch code: 470010.
