Yesterday, we lost my beloved uncle, Peter Lovemore, brother to Zanny, Charmian and Ronda.
At 66, he was far too young to have left his wife, five children, two and a half grand children, three siblings, 10 nieces and nephews and nine and a half great-nieces and nephews, and all their spouses who loved him greatly too. He left as well a bounty of loving friends and companions who will mourn him deeply.
Clockwise: Peter, Zanny, Ronda, Charmian
It is as if a very bright light has suddenly gone out. He was a vibrant, colorful and gregarious man who sprinkled life and those around him with his zest for just being and being here among us.
How incredible that most of these family members, including all five of his children, experienced those three sparkling days of our family reunion only two short weeks ago.
We are a diaspora, this family who have mostly left Zimbabwe. We occupy cities and towns all over the world, across four continents. Peter’s loss will be felt acutely by all of us, even when we were not in his daily life or he in ours.
His death and the pain we all feel, makes it even harder to imagine the impact of the loss of a loved one in a family community who live together and for each other. Especially when they are greatly younger, have yet so much to offer and may be number three or four or even ten, among a family, to die too soon.
Since our involvement with the work we do for the orphaned children of South Africa, it is impossible not to put everything that happens to us into their context. And to feel even more painfully, the world they occupy. Peter heralded the work his family is doing on their behalf.
For my part, I will imagine his rollicking laughter whenever my spirits need uplifting and will continue to draw great lessons from our many wonderful memories of him.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
So sorry for your loss. (((HUG)))
Oh Sandy, I am so sorry to hear this. My mother is the middle of three sisters and they have a younger brother as well. They are all close and share many wonderful moments. I can just imagine how devastated you all feel. My love to you all!
My heart goes out to you and your family. You didn’t say if he had been ill, but even if he was death is always a shock. One just can’t imagine that the person isn’t there any more. It can take a very long time to adjust to the loss of close family, so be very kind to yourselves.
big hugs, Rob
Sandy, I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle Peter. May your memories of him stay close to your heart, keeping him with you always.
Andrea
Sandy,
Please give my sincere condolences to your family. I am so sorry that you have lost your Uncle Peter. It must be a horrible time of grief for all of you.
I hope your memories of him bring you peace and I am so glad you were all able to get together recently.
All the best.
Mum what a beautiful post, thank you for sharing this. You are right, hearing Uncle Pete’s laugh will always uplift one’s spirits.
Rest in Peace Uncle Pete. We will miss you always.
my condolences to all.
what a sad end to your trip
xx
Clearly he is a beautiful soul, what a lovely picture of him and I’m SO GLAD you got to have that wonderful family reunion with him. Now you’ve all got a very special guardian angel watching over you. It must have been a tremendous shock and my heart goes out to you. My sincere sympathies and condolences to your entire family Sandy, no matter where they live. I’m glad you had so much time with him but sorry you couldn’t have had even more. Love and hugs to all.
Sandsi – what a special tribute to our uncle Pete. His death will leave a massive, gaping hole in all our lives but we all have such amazing memories of him… His GUFFAW being just one…
Love you guys. Be strong and hold tight.
xoxo
So sorry to hear about your Uncle Peter. May the memories of the time you and family had with him … especially recently… help you through this difficult time. My sincere condolences to the whole family!
Sandy,
So sorry to hear about your Uncle Peter. He sounds like a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by your family.
It is a blessing that you and your family, especially his sisters, had time together in South Africa.
We are holding all of you in our thoughts at this sad time.
Linda
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God’s loving embrace include all those who loved and knew your Uncle Peter. May all your interactions with others reflect the love and caring that a close-knit family embodies. Once again, my condolences to all the family.
Hugs from Chris
What beautiful, comforting, loving sentiments expressed by all. And how fortunate are we to have such an international community of support at this time. Zanny, Charmian and Ronda will greatly appreciate your condolences as they get to read them, as will Peter’s wife and children. Thank you all.
sandy
so sorry for your loss – it is never easy when a loved one passes – what a wonderful tribute to your uncle you have left here – may he rest in peace with the Lord.
Such caring and loving condolence messages from our wonderful KAS community – thank you all so much. He will forever be close by, the bright light he was in everybody’s life will not stop shining.
Sandy, Rhonda, Zanny, and everyone in your family, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you. I’m keeping you in my prayers, and pray that God comforts you now and always, and keeps your family close together until you are all together again forever. Love, Rona
Goodness me !!!!!!
You have been in my mind these last few weeks Charmian
David xxxxxxx
Goodness me !
All my love
and so strange to find you here