MERVYN, who often introduced himself as ‘Mervyn Dickson from Empangeni’, passed away after a short illness on 7 July.
A true Zululand personality, born in eShowe, he was a strong character and wonderful family man.
He contributed to the community in various roles: President of the Country Club and Chairman of Round Table and an active citizen who believed in dignity for all.
He even looked after the park next to his house.
Nobody knew the history, beaches and game reserves of Zululand better than Mervyn, and many people will remember him and his family at Mapelane and Cape Vidal, where his legendary knowledge of each crayfish hole and exactly where to fish will not be forgotten.
He also had an impact on the community from a business perspective.
Hard working, he and Rita whom he had met while working in Salisbury made a great team.
Mervyn opened the Zululand News Agency in 1959, and around 1968 the business was sold to the CNA. Ever the entrepreneur Mervyn ventured into an estate agency, Tucker Egeland and Forder, which became very successful and resulted in his getting involved in property development.
This allowed him to not only follow a passion, but express his artistic flair and imagination. He was certainly successful in business.
In later years he followed his love for Zululand and built the Hluhluwe River Lodge in 1996, which his son Gavin now manages.
Sadly, health reasons forced him to leave the area, which he really missed but was well taken care of by his daughter Gwynneth.
Well read and an interesting and passionate man who had a great sense of humour, he made his mark and will be missed by the community he loved so much.
He leaves his wife, Rita and children Gwyneth and Gavin as well three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Sadly he lost his son David in a tragic accident many years ago. I, and many others, are proud to have had him as a friend.
