While pursuing one of his passions, a 58-year-old Vredenburg man had a severe heart attack and drowned at Trekoskraal, near Paternoster, last week.
According to John Buxton’s wife, KC, he told her around 14:00 on Tuesday 6 February that he was going spearfishing at Trekoskraal.
She said Trekoskraal was one of his favourite places because it was close to home to go for time-out, dive and afterwards read a book and watch the sunset. “He was a cautious, mindful person and respected the sea, tides and the waves.”
When her husband did not return home that evening KC thought his beloved 1988 Volkswagen panel van had broken down and there was no cellphone reception. “Later that evening friends went looking for him,” she said, but unfortunately misty conditions made the search difficult. “We continued very early the next morning and found his body on the beach.”
Buxton was found at Skilpiesbaai, one of his favourite spots at Trekoskraal, around 06:30, still wearing his diving suit.
KC said his love for spearfishing started at an early age. “He loved the sea – spearfishing, crayfish diving, fishing and especially body boarding.
“John was a gentle soul. He lived and loved nature and had a passion for hiking.” He hiked the Fish River Canyon Trail four times as well as the Tsitsikamma Trail, the Otter Trail, Groot Wintershoek and most of the trails in the Cederberg, to name a few. “He even booked his next hiking trail for this year.”
Buxton, a Safety Officer WO1 at 2 Air Servicing Unit at Langebaan Road, retired in January 2023 as a warrant officer. He had a passion for his work especially working on the Harvard air crafts.
John grew up in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal and joined the air force in January 1984 at Dunnottar, Gauteng. The Buxtons, who were married for 31 years, moved to the West Coast in 1992 when John was transferred to the Langebaan Road Central Flying School.
“He was a mentor to all of us and he could fix anything, a Mr Fix-It.”
Cassie will remember how everyone enjoyed her husband’s small talk at Pick n Pay.
She describes him as a funny, easy-going, loving family man who adored his children, Grant (25) and Inge (20), spending endless time bodyboarding with Grant and hiking with Inge.
“He was always busy with something at home, fixing a car, in the garden or in the garage. He loved spending time outdoors camping, hiking or chilling with a good military autobiography and a beer.”
It is a very difficult time for the family. “It is a major loss, and still feels so unreal.”
Friends and family were invited to attend the “Celebration of John’s Life” on Friday 16 February at 11:00 at the Langebaan Yacht Club.
