Writer of many religious articles, head of SABC religious broadcasts and well-known figure in the Overstrand, Rev Sandy Gilfillan died on 25 August at the age of 101 at the Helen Keller Home in Pinelands.
Gilfillan was a long-time resident of Hemanus, at one stage pastor of the United church and later the one in Stanford. On 12 June 2024 Hermanus Times published an article about the remarkable man who meant so much to so many (“Reverend turns 100”, Hermanus Times, 12 June 2024).
He turned 100 on 30 May 2024 and celebrated at Hermanus’ Windsor Hotel, with wife Magriet and a few family members. Gilfillan moved to the town with his late wife Mary in 1991 when he became minister there, serving until 1996. He served in Stanford until 2007, when Mary’s ill-health forced him to retire reluctantly.
Although no longer living in Hermanus, Gilfillan visited often, as his second wife Magriet (whom he married in 2011) was in care at the frail care centre Sofca. His funeral will take place on 13 September at the Helen Keller Home in Pinelands.
