Naidine Sibanda
naidines@caxton.co.za
Friends, family and mourners gathered at St John’s College in Houghton to pay their last respects to late Hugh Lewin. Lewin attended the college from 1948 until 1957 and he was also an anti-apartheid activist. The sombre gathering was welcomed by executive headmaster, St John’s College, Paul Edey before the St John’s College Choir performed the Russian Kontakion for the Departed.
One of his daughters, Thandi Lewin, paid tribute to Hugh and said it had been ‘quite overwhelming’ to hear from the many people who loved him. She added that he was a wonderful father whom she learnt a lot from. “He was very bravely accepting his illness. My father also influenced my taste in music such as South African jazz and mbaqanga.”
She then proceeded to read a poem she found going through some ‘old stuff’ which her father had written, called Going Home.
The youngest daughter of Lewin, Tessa Lewin, said she felt sad that her father was gone, but was very grateful to both her parents for the
extraordinary way they had brought her and her sister up. She shared memories of how he calmly dealt with issues and people, his warmth as well as his love for music which both sisters inherited.
A ‘dear friend’ of Lewin’s, Getti Mercorio knew the family for 25 years. She said, “I had heard about his life and humane contribution to our world. I acknowledge his wife, Fiona Lloyd’s generosity for many years. She has been at his side, caring with great love, compassion, competence and steadfast care.”
Lewin’s wife, Fiona Lloyd said journalists and activists had lit candles for him while colleagues and friends had saluted his bravery. She shared memories of their years together right up to the time of his illness.
The family extended their gratitude to all the organisers of the funeral event and everyone else for contributing in their own way.
Details: St John’s College 010 492 0300.
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