Illovo legend Neville Rudling will be missed

ONE of Warner Beach’s most familiar and loved locals, Neville Rudling (59) died suddenly on Wednesday, 14 February after a short illness.

A paddle-out has been organised to take place at Winklespruit Beach this Saturday, 24 February at 10am for the man who loved and celebrated every day of his life.

Born on 29 June, 1958, Neville grew up in Pietermaritzburg but moved to Amanzimtoti in 1997. He and his wife Caroline have been running Fixrite Motors since 1994, and Caroline together with long-time employee Vusi will continue to do so. He and his family lived in Illovo Beach, or rather ‘Elovely Beach’ as he called it.

Neville became part of the town, a familiar face you were sure to see when taking a drive past the beach, particularly Winklespruit. He spent many days over the years watching sons, Slater and Brody Rudling grow in their surfing and lifesaving, and was the number one source of support to many youngsters of the town. His extreme excitement for the achievements of others as well as his passion for life, the ocean and sport was evident daily.

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He was also known as ‘Bubbles’, a nickname he acquired during his time serving for the army, because of his cheerful and ‘bubbly’ personality, Caroline explained.

“He will always be a legend in my eyes,” said Slater. “He taught me to appreciate every single day and the importance of humility. He was never a person to bring people down. He taught me that we’re all equal.”

“He taught me so much, it was all real and had a meaning to it,” said Brody. “He taught me lessons he had learnt in his soccer days. He said he always wanted me to surf and to never give up on things I love. Nothing was negative, all was positive. He was such a kiff dad, a ‘teenager in an adult’s body’, that’s why we got along so well.”

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While Bubbles never stopped making a big deal of the achievements of others, he excelled in his own way but never made used the bragging rights he had earned. Many were unaware that when growing up in Pietermaritzburg, Neville shone on the football field.

As a youngster, he played for various junior clubs before playing for the Pirates Football Club in the Natal league as a senior. He then moved to Shamrock FC, where he played in the NFA Premiere League in Durban. This was the highest amateur league. Neville then moved on to playing professional football in the Federation League, for Real Taj FC. Shortly afterwards this team amalgamated with the National Football League. Once he grew tired of the professional scene, Neville moved to Lion FC, which was an amateur league. He then moved from Pietermaritzburg to Illovo Beach, where he played for the local over 35s team until the age of about 50-years-old.

“Neville was popular in all the teams he played for,” said best friend and fellow soccer player, Gavin Nel. “He was a source of energy and team spirit, often the one cheering while standing up on the bar as we all did our warcries and sing-songs. He lived for his football.

Looking back, we don’t remember the games, but rather all that happened around the games. They’re memories I’ll never forget. Neville brought something special to wherever he went and whichever team he played for.”

Gavin and Neville’s family have arranged a memorial to take place in Pietermaritzburg for friends and family there. This will take place at noon this Friday, 23 February at Wesley Methodist Church in Cleland Road.

The life Neville lived and legacy he left will be remembered by all who knew him. His absence will be missed particularly by family Caroline, Slater, Brody, Cavell, Lloyd, Tyral and Liam.

“To my friends and family, I would like to thank you for taking the time to give your condolences and send flowers, they are greatly appreciated,” said daughter Cavell Rudling Evans. For those who have asked, Cavell can be contacted regarding banking details for donations on 084-589-7278.

Neville’s ashes will be scattered at Winklespruit Beach at 10am on Saturday, 24 February, whereafter locals will grab their boards and do a paddle-out as an act of celebration for the life he lived and the person he was.

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