Local rugby club St George’s RFC extended its deepest condolences to the family and friends of three fallen Lulu Boy legends.
The offering of thoughts and prayers follows after the tragic loss of Heinrich “Bunce” van Wyk, Laughton Thomas and Henry “Ess” Cloete.
Van Wyk, son of legendary flyhalf Peter “Paai” van Wyk, died on Saturday 11 May after he reportedly collapsed while still dressed in his training clothes in the kitchen of his home.
The rugby enthusiast was born in Strand on 5 January 1972. He started his schooling at Kuils River Primary School before being transferred to Dr GJ Joubert Primary School, and then moved on to Gordon High School, from which he matriculated. Van Wyk showed his mettle on the rugby field as an avid St George’s junior since the tender age of 8, advancing to the senior ranks in the years that followed. The working professional, who worked as an accountant at John Thompson in Bellville, is survived by his daughter, Amy, and sister, Adele Poole.
His closest nephew, Winston Baard, said he will be deeply missed. The family was busy with funeral arrangements.
The news of Van Wyk’s untimely passing was soon succeeded by another shocking loss, that of Thomas. The sibling of local rugby legend Jermaine “Torney” Thomas apparently died due to natural causes on Sunday (12 May). He will be fondly remembered as “a great supporter of his beloved club, St George’s RFC and for having attended the derby played at Gustrouw on Saturday.”
Monday followed suit on a sombre note as the loss of Cloete sent shock waves through the community. The beloved father of the club’s assistant coach, Charlton, died following a short illness.
Cloete goes down in the history books as a respected former vice-chairperson, who served the club well and will be remembered for his love for rugby and passion for golf.
