The Helderberg community mourns the loss of a well-known and beloved teacher and sports coach, Beau Schoeman, after a courageous battle with cancer.
The 64-year-old Somerset West resident, whose name became synonymous with that of Hendrik Louw Primary, with 35 years of dedicated service to the school, died in hospital on Saturday 6 May.
“The family is devastated and feeling broken at the loss of such a loving, caring husband and father, the core of our family,” wife Sharon said. “But we do have comfort in knowing Beau is in a far better place with the Lord.”
A couple of months ago Schoeman’s relatives and friends called on compassionate community members to put their hearts in their pockets for the teacher who had served the Helderberg with selfless willingness for decades, to help cover the cost of the recently diagnosed stage-4 prostate cancer he was being treated for. The full scope of his treatment was not fully covered by his medical aid fund, and whatever shortfall there was was raised through the BackaBuddy online crowdfunding platform.
The “Brothers 4 Beau” campaign was launched in February (“Kanker kniehalter onnie,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 22 February 2023).
“The community has been wonderful in their support of Beau, not only financially but also through uplifting messages and their outpouring of love,” his bereaved spouse said. “The family would like to thank every person for their support.
“Beau, in true Rondebosch-boy form, fought this battle bravely, giving it his all, never once quitting. His family will keep his legacy alive.”
Born on 27 November 1958 in Cape Town, Schoeman had two older half-sisters, Louise and Ann, and a younger brother, Pierre. He grew up in Claremont and attended Golden Grove Primary School and Rondebosch Boys’ High. He obtained his tertiary qualification from Wellington Teacher’s Training College.
His illustrious career as part of the Louwtjie family began in January 1988, and through his decades-long career Schoeman was able to inspire, mentor and shape young leaders of tomorrow both as an educator in the classroom and a coach on the sports field.
Hendrik Louw Primary School took to its Facebook page and announced the passing of its “dear colleague and friend”. “We pray for his grieving family, friends and our Hendrik Louw staff members. Beau is safely home, having served our Lord and Saviour to his utmost. He acknowledged God before man, and now he is acknowledged before God. What a beautiful witness, caring for his brethren in Christ and reaching out to those who also needed His love.
“A saddened heart we all have, but we remain joyful in the Lord. He joins the sea of witnesses above. Hendrik Louw Primary School will deeply miss Beau’s calm presence and loving spirit. His life is a song of victory.”
His wife described him as an uplifting, positive person who was caring, considerate and loving.
“He always had time to listen and give advice. He led by example. He helped others because he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. He reached out to others and gave from his heart. He was motivated and driven. He was selfless and always put others’ needs above his own. He was very humorous, with a playful sense of humour. Beau loved a challenge and never ever gave up.
“He will be fondly remembered for his dedication and selfless giving to the community. He championed fundraisers for hospice and the Gloria Botha School and ran many marathons collecting funds for Reach for a Dream Foundation. He spent many happy hours coaching and aiding the Wupperthal community.”
A thanksgiving service for Schoeman will be held at Hendrik Louw Primary School in Piet Retief Street, Strand on Friday 12 May at 14:00.
Schoeman is survived by Sharon and their children Jonathan, Haruna, Nicolette and Conrad.
