A man so dear to the hearts of the people of Worcester and the greater Cape Winelands District has died.
Worcester local and activist Claude Schroeder passed away at Vergelegen Medi-Clinic, Somerset West, on Tuesday (1 February) after a short period of illness.
Tributes have been streaming in since yesterday (2 February) following a Facebook-post relaying the news of his passing.
Schroeder is described as a person who loved his community and was always willing to help and was involved in various charity organisations.
Schroeder is known for his long service at the Cape Winelands District Municipality, where he served the community with pride.
His brother, Derrick Schroeder, highlighted two characteristics of Claude that they would miss the most. “He was a family man through and through. He also nurtured our family roots.”
The other characteristic is that he was passionate about helping the poor and those who came from marginalised groups.
Derrick further said that his brother was always loyal to the community of Worcester, although he had been residing in Strand.
According to Derrick, Claude was a big All Black rugby supporter, so big that he even started a supporters club in Worcester.
“He always carried his home town in his heart wherever he went, therefore his funeral will also be held in Worcester,” Derrick told Standard.
Derrick did not divulge much about his brother’s death, just that his illness was rather short before being hospitalised.
Claude passed away just a few days before his 53rd birthday which was going to be tomorrow (4 February).
“It is a bitter sweet moment for us. We will miss him dearly.”
The Cape Winelands District Municipality relayed their condolences in a Facebook message on Wednesday which read:
“We are saddend by the news of the passing of our former colleague and friend. He was well-known in the district and lauded for his contribution to the Cape Winelands community during his 10 years of service in the position of Executive director for the department of community development and planning services. He joined the Cape Winelands District Municipality in 2009 and during this time touched many lives with his generosity of spirit and deep understanding of the challenges that many people face. He was a wonderful networker and loved to bring parties together to address and solve complex issues.
On behalf of Council, Executive Management and all CWDM staff, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
