The biker community of Polokwane is in mourning after Richard van Balkom (61), one of the founders of Bikers that Care Polokwane and who was involved in the establishing of the Limpopo Bikers Council, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday.
Van Balkom will also be missed by the general Polokwane community as he had a passion for charity and was at the forefront of various biker charity events including the SPCA Run, Tin for Tin Run , Kids Cancer Run in collaboration with Reach for a Dream, Golden Oldies, Limpopo North Toy Run and Easter Egg Run.
Together with Anton Verwey he started the monthly Polokwane Bikers’ Braai in 2005 at the sports complex of Genl Piet Joubert School, and he even received a certificate in 2015 for not missing a single Bikers’ Braai in 10 years. Van Balkom’s life partner, Lynne Promnitz, is devastated by his death. “I am going to miss him very much, especially his caring for his fellowman, his jokes, the numerous trips on our bikes, our fishing trips and most of all our love for each other,” she said.
Promnitz described Van Balkom as a person who cared for the old, the young, the underprivileged and all those who had suffered any kind of loss in their lives. “He was a big biker with a very small heart. He was always available to participate at weddings and matric farewells with his bike. He was a popular Father Christmas at many shelter Christmas parties, or when the Limpopo North Toy Run presents were distributed,” she added.
She further said he could always make the dullest event bright and cheerful. “Wherever he went his positive aura was visible. He brought greatness to everything he started or participated in. When riding out with his bike, his motto was ‘Guys, it’s a ride, not a race’. He was a pillar in the Limpopo biker community. One that will be sorely missed.”
Wickus Prinsloo, a close family friend is heartbroken. Prinsloo and Van Balkom were each others’ wingmen on many rides out on their bikes. “I saw him as so much more than a best friend. He was my big brother and we are all going to miss our loud, red biker teddy bear with his big smile and even bigger heart,” he said.
Promnitz and Van Balkom’s brother Larry who resides in Australia thanked all the biker friends, the whole community of Polokwane and especially Van Balkom’s close friends for the love and support they gave the couple throughout the years and are still giving in this difficult time.
Van Balkom’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday 30 June at St Marco Hall, Asbes Street, Polokwane. Promnitz requested everyone to wear something red in his memory and she requested that no flowers be bought but that a donation towards Martha Hofmeyr Old Age Home be made instead.
Story: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za
