GEORGE NEWS - For the Provence family, Leentjiesklip Beach in Wilderness holds countless happy memories.
It was one of Goddard Provence’s favourite places to walk with his wife, Pamela.
But on Saturday 24 October, a family outing ended in tragedy when this 70-year-old father lost his life trying to save their foster son, Michael (13), from a powerful rip current.
His daughter, Erin, witnessed the terrifying events and hopes sharing their experience will warn others about the dangers at Leentjiesklip. “They were just that little bit too far, and then they were in trouble,” she recalled.
The family had been spending time with some friends, the Hohler family, visiting from Germany. After lunch, they decided to visit the beach.
The two boys, Michael and Daniël (14), were playing with a ball when they ventured deeper into the water and were caught in a rip current at about 17:30.
Goddard and Daniël’s father, Christoph, entered the water to help. Daniël managed to reach shore, but Michael and both fathers were swept further out.
Erin also attempted to help, taking off her watch and shoes before entering the water in her jeans, but the current forced her back.
“They were just these little balls on the horizon. There was no way they were going to get back without help.”
A couple on the beach alerted the NSRI. Goddard was brought ashore first, but despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead. Christoph and Michael were rescued and taken to hospital, along with Daniël.
Danger lurking
Erin wants beachgoers to understand how quickly a situation can turn deadly.
For her, the terrifying experience is a warning that even a familiar beach can become dangerous within moments. “It is not even the beginning of summer, and this happened. People need to know this about the beach.”
Putting others first
Goddard was exceptionally fit, a strong swimmer who exercised daily and loved hiking and running in the mountains with his family. He had previously saved two boys from drowning at a river camp.
“He has done this before. This time he was just not so lucky,” Erin said. “My dad would have sacrificed his life over and over again to save Michael.”
He worked in correctional services for 40 years, including at Pollsmoor Prison, before retiring in George.
Supporting children
After retirement, Goddard and Pamela fostered six children through Home from Home, a foster care organisation in Cape Town. Michael was just three years old when he came into their care.
When the couple returned to George, Michael initially stayed behind, but joined them a year later, remaining part of their family.
Huge impact
Erin and her sister, Astrid, remember their father as a gentle, quiet and private man who preferred to keep to himself. Yet the messages the family has received since his death have revealed just how deeply he touched others’ lives.
“He was such a gentle, soft, quiet person. Very private, not too social, in his own world,” his daughters said. “The impact he had on everyone’s lives was huge. The messages we have received have been unbelievable.”
The family had gathered in South Africa to celebrate Goddard’s 70th birthday in February. Astrid, who lives and works in Spain, was among those who saw him during the celebrations. She has returned to South Africa to be with her family following his death.
Goddard leaves behind his wife, Pamela, daughters Erin and Astrid, and foster son Michael.
A memorial service will be held at the Methodist Church at 10:00 on Friday 30 October, followed by a private cremation.
Goddard Provence loved the outdoors and was a keen hiker.
Remembered by colleagues
The following tribute was sent to George Herald by the Department of Correctional Services:
In loving memory of our late colleague, Goddard Provence ???
Today, we pay tribute to a man who dedicated many years of his life to the Department of Correctional Services, a man who will always be remembered for his discipline, dedication, and the impact he made on the lives of those who worked alongside him.
Mr Goddard Provence joined the Department of Correctional Services in 1976, beginning a journey of service at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre. On 12 November 1997, he was transferred to George Correctional Centre, where he continued to serve with pride and commitment.
Goddard was one of the strictest and most disciplined members we have ever known. He believed in punctuality and was always on time, every day. His work ethic and commitment to his duties were truly admirable.
When it came to the prisoners, or the chancers as many of us knew them, Goddard was a man who knew his work inside and out. He knew the prisoners, understood their ways, and was always one step ahead. They knew better than to take chances with him because he always seemed to have an answer for every question and a solution for every situation. He commanded respect through his knowledge, experience, and firm approach to his duties.
But behind that strict and disciplined exterior was also a man with other passions in life.
Goddard was a member of the George Endurance Club, and at the age of 50, he was already a formidable walker. His determination and endurance showed that age was never a barrier to what he could achieve.
He was also a nature lover, a man who appreciated the beauty of the outdoors and had a special love for the sea. ?? His love for nature reminds us that even the strictest among us can have a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of life.
Today, we say goodbye to a colleague whose name will forever be part of the history of George Correctional Centre. His years of service, his discipline, his punctuality, and his unique personality have left memories that will not easily fade.
Goddard, you were more than just a colleague. You were a man of principle, a man who knew his job, and a man who earned respect through the way he carried himself.
Although you are no longer with us, the memories of your presence, your strict ways, and your dedication will remain with those who had the privilege of working alongside you.
Your shift may have ended here on earth, but your legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of your colleagues.
??? Rest in Peace, Goddard Provence. ???
Thank you for your years of service to the Department of Correctional Services. You will be remembered, respected, and never forgotten.
Gone from our sight, but never from our memories.
May your soul rest in eternal peace.
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