When you are living in your 94th year, you begin to grow tired. “Oupa” passed away peacefully in his chair, and what a reunion he had in Heaven with his beloved “Mammatjie”, his bride of 57 years.
He was born on their family farm, Exelsior, in South Africa to the late Lucas and Elizabeth van der Merwe. He learned at an early age the importance of a good work ethic and that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. He was a man of many hats, literally and figuratively. He accomplished many things in his lifetime- engineer, inventor, obtained a pilot’s license, member of The Gideons International, published author, viticulturist, entrepreneur, world traveler, and taking a leap of faith to uproot his family from South Africa and move to the United States to give them a better life. If you were to ask Oupa what his greatest accomplishment was, he would say the life and family that he and Ouma created together. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. If you were to ask him the secret to a long, healthy life he would say to always give Yahweh praise even through life’s many trials, and to trust Him in all that you do. He would also say that water makes you sick, one beer in the afternoon and a glass of wine with your meal is good for your heart, and a mini Dove’s ice cream bar should be had after every meal.
His legacy lives on through those he left behind, his children: Dr. Lucas (Juanita) van der Merwe, Dr. Andre (Louise) van der Merwe, Elizabeth Kinsler, Jaco (Sandra) van der Merwe, and Dr. Leonard (Talle) Tatro; little brother, Steve van der Merwe; grandchildren: Connie (Domenica) van der Merwe, Lize (Nathan) Bailey, Loandi van der Merwe, Preston (Ashley) Kinsler, Chris (Andra) van der Merwe, Andrew van der Merwe, Philip van der Merwe, Stephanie (Alan) Timbs, and Ashley Hedrick; great-grandchildren: Vittoria, Viviana, Adelaide, Allison, Aiden, Andrew, Stevie, and Baby Bailey on the way; special friends: Sam Woodall and his son, Jonathan.
There was nothing he loved more than a good toast, so today we raise our glasses to a life well-lived and may his memory forever live on through all of us.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to his daughter, Elizabeth, for all of the care, love, time, and support she provided to her aging parents. We would also like to thank Avalon Hospice Care and Isaac for the wonderful care they provided for almost a year.
The van der Merwe family will gather to greet friends and share memories on Saturday, September 25, 2021 in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home from 1 pm – 2 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at 2 pm in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Carel van der Merwe, Pastor Robert Dykes, and Pastor Steven Warhurst officiating. Committal Service and Interment will follow the Funeral in the Garden of Memories in East Lawn Memorial Park. Those who wish to attend the services on Saturday are encouraged to wear a face covering.
Pallbearers will be: Dr. Lucas van der Merwe, Dr. Andre van der Merwe, Jaco van der Merwe, Preston Kinsler, Chris van der Merwe, Andrew van der Merwe, Philip van der Merwe, Dr. Leonard Tatro, Nathan Bailey, Dr. Andy Cherry, Sam Woodall, and Jonathan Woodall.
Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends from around the world who are unable to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels, Inc. in Memory of Oupa, P.O. Box 5752, Kingsport, TN 37663 or take a milkshake to an older relative for #MilkshakeMemoryMonday
