GEORGE NEWS - Local architect Colin Buitendag, father of George's surfing champion Bianca Buitendag, was found dead in his bakkie at his office near Victoria Bay early on Tuesday morning. He turned 54 on 14 March.
Apparently his body was found by staff members when they arrived for work. No foul play is suspected.
Bianca, who boasts an impressive list of international surfing achievements, appeared on the George Herald's main sports page last week after winning the Western Cape sportswoman of the year title.
In an earlier post on her own website, Biancabuitendag.com, her love for her father is evident: "My father was the one who pushed me into my first wave, and he has been supporting me ever since that day. He introduced me to what I now call ‘my first love’, the ocean, and to a sport that I will do for as long as I can walk. My parents are the reason I have all these privileges today. They have been there before and after every heat with a hug of assurance that they will be proud not matter the outcome."
A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning at 10:00 at Eden Congregation, Kraaibosch.
Colin Buitendag leaves behind his wife, Yvette and three children.
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ARTICLE: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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