It’s safe to say that, judging by the number of people who attended his funeral, that Bingo Chetty (70) of Oslo Beach was immensely popular, deeply loved and highly respected.
His demise, which came unexpectedly last Friday, has left a void in the lives of many – his family, friends and colleagues, past and present, at the South Coast Herald.
Bingo was a nick-name, his other names being Sivalingam and Reuben.
He came from humble beginnings, was one of 12 siblings, and moved from Durban to Port Shepstone when he was a teenager.
It was here that he met and married the love of his life, Liz (Rani).
They were married for 50 years, had three children and five grandchildren.
His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he spoilt them at every opportunity.
Aside from being an upstanding citizen, outstanding husband, father and grandfather, he made an invaluable contribution to the Herald for close on 50 years.
His greeting of ‘mornings’ – even if there was just one person in the room – will be missed.
Bingo was sharp-minded and witty and did not hold back on imparting wisdom to whoever asked.
He had the ability to get most people’s sense of humour and could joke and tease at will, with the busy, stressed sales executives being some of his favourites to poke friendly fun at.
His comebacks were legendary and he often had colleagues in side-splitting laughter, tears rolling down their cheeks.
Nothing was ever too much effort and, being a very practical person, he was the Herald’s go-to person. He loved helping people and seeing others succeed.
Bingo seemed to know everyone, had time for anyone (but did not suffer fools too lightly) and was always able to make a plan, even in the seemingly most dire of circumstances.
So, when he was taken to hospital the previous week, many thought he would pull through, being the determined, sometimes stubborn, Bingo that he was.
It was not to be and family, friends and colleagues had to make peace with the shocking reality that he was gone.
Bingo understood the Herald and what made it tick.
Even after retiring from his position as distribution manager, nothing could separate him from his ‘work family’ as he continued to assist with the distribution of publications every week.
He didn’t need to, he simply loved being involved, seeing the people, being out on the road. Making a difference in his own way. Bringing joy and laughter.
It seems unbelievable that he won’t be around, or in his van riding up and down the coast.
His wisdom and wit will be missed and those who grew close to him regarded him as a father figure.
He loved music and spent his free time listening to his favourite musicians and artists.
Bingo leaves behind his wife, Liz, children Mags, Prathiba and Candyce, and grandchildren – Reese, Taé, Zaq, Savar and Cyleigh.
Farewell Bings and thank you.
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