Family mourns loss of Richard Clayton
The owner of Splash Water World and ‘face’ of the Thirsty Whale, which his daughter Cindy owns, has left a void in the lives of all who knew him.
LOVED and respected by all who knew him, Richard Clayton (68) succumbed to a sudden illness and died on Sunday evening, 23 September.
The owner of Splash Water World and ‘face’ of the Thirsty Whale, which his daughter Cindy owns, has left a void in the lives of all who knew him.
Husband of Ann, father of Cindy Theunissen and ‘Grumpy’ – a fond derivative of grandfather – to grandchildren Liam and Bridget, Richard was known throughout town.
“Since his death we’ve been inundated with calls and messages from all these people who we don’t even know, who are so heartbroken to hear about my dad’s death,” said Cindy. “All these people knew him and loved him. He was a kind, friendly but respected man.”
Born in Rhodesia, when Richard’s family moved to South Africa, he schooled in Stellenbosch. He was the youngest of eight children. Richard’s brother Peter owned Splash from 1982 when it was just a single slide, and added to it in 1987. Richard took over in 1992 and further developed it into the waterpark it is today.
Richard’s daughter Cindy started the kiosk in 1992, in the area where the Splash toilets are, and officially opened Thirsty Whale in 2005.
Since taking over ownership of Splash, which his wife Ann ran, Richard’s interest in water parks grew into ‘Raging Rapids Water Slides’, a company which not only designed all uShaka Marine World and Gateway’s water parks, but many throughout the country and internationally, including in Kenya, Cyprus and Nigeria. Family explained that a mere week before his death, he had arrived back from a business trip abroad.
“He was the face of Thirsty Whale. Even the carguards would ask for ‘Mkhulu’ when he didn’t arrive,” said wife Ann. Richard was known for his generosity and enthusiasm he tackled any situation with. He always ‘made a plan’, and was always helping.
“I don’t think we knew the extent of how many lives he impacted over the years. He is fondly remembered as the most generous and caring man one could’ve turned to,” said Cindy. “At one point we decided to try teach each other to say ‘no’, especially him. He was too kind for his own good, he took up every opportunity to help.”
Richard’s hobby, passion and favourite thing to do was support his excelling grandchildren, Liam (13) and Bridget (16), who attend Thomas More College.
Richard supported the sporty duo at nearly every practise, race, contest or match they took part in, both nationally and internationally. He would insist on travelling to support his children, whether a drive or flight away. “He loved nothing more than to support them. They were his pride and joy,” said Cindy. “Dad was my best friend, my hero, mentor, sounding board, the first person I would turn to.”
A celebration of his life and legacy will be held on Friday morning, 28 September at the AFM Church, 609 Kingsway, Athlone Park from 9am.
Splash and Thirsty Whale will be closed on Friday until 11am while family, friends and staff pay their respects. The businesses will be open from 11am as usual after the service. Those who knew Richard are invited to join his family at Thirsty Whale from 11am, snacks will be provided.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
