Death of leader of Van Clan

WINKLESPRUIT resident, Conroy John van der Merwe (81) died on Saturday, 27 June after a brief, yet intense, courageous fight against cancer.

“He was a kind, loving, honest and helpful man, a ‘no-nonsense kinda guy’, with a wonderful sense of humour. He was happiest when gathering of the troops took place, filling the house with children and grandchildren, all jam-packed under one roof,” said his daughter, Lianne Cherry.

“He was a man with such presence and grace, commanding respect, and loved by so many. Conroy led an exceptional life, was a phenomenal horseman, completed 21 Comrades Marathons, and travelled the world. The leader of our Van Clan has now completed the Ultimate Human race, and will always be remembered as our ‘One-Man Wonder.'”

Conroy was born and grew up in Nigel in Gauteng. He graduated at the General Botha Naval College in Gordon’s Bay and then sailed on Theses Coasters as a cadet officer.

After two years, having decided that seafaring was not his forte, he joined Reynolds Brothers Sugar Estates on the South Coast and became an overseer.

During this time, he captained the Umzinto rugby team, represented the Southern Natal hockey team and took part in gymkhanas, winning many events.

In 1961 he married Marian, a teacher from Winklespruit who was teaching at Umzinto Primary.

In 1969, the family relocated to Welkom on the Free State goldfields where Conroy worked on various goldmines. While there, Conroy began long distance running and completed 21 Comrades Marathons.

Marian and Conroy settled in Winklespruit on retirement.

Conroy is survived by his wife, Marian, three children and four grandchildren.