GEORGE NEWS - Well-known community leader Vernon Robert Meintjes (affectionately called Vernie) died on Saturday 26 June, aged 73.
Vernie was born on 20 February 1948 in Tarkastad in the Eastern Cape, and had two brothers, Basil and Gordon. He loved Tarkastad and was immensely proud of it.
His parents bestowed exceptional love and attention on him and encouraged his talents at an early age, especially in music.
After training as a teacher at Dower Teachers' College in Uitenhage, specialising in music, he returned to his beloved Tarkastad to start a career in teaching, which he continued when he relocated to George as a music teacher.
It was also during this time that he met the love of his life, Maureen Weilbach, affectionately called Momo. They became inseparable in their long and happy marriage, sharing their love of teaching, music, travel and flowers.
In George, Vernie became known as "die blommeman". He did innumerable floral arrangements for weddings and funerals - not only in the confines of George but far beyond, and was greatly involved in the George floral society.
Vernie was always gregarious, a spontaneous "mens-mens" and particularly loving in his attention towards others. He displayed affection and empathy towards pupils and staff in his capacity as school principal at Rosemoor Primary School.
His legacy and contribution in the world of music cannot be overestimated. He was organist and choirmaster of his local Congregational Church for many years and also the conductor of the regional mass choir (200 voices) of the church. In this regard he was well respected by his peers and all choir members. Vernie exacted from them the same sense of dedication and discipline.
He was a keen traveller, first visiting Europe as a young man. Later he and Momo travelled to Europe with the George Male Choir. The couple also enjoyed touring South Africa, often visiting family and friends.
He had a keen sense of joie de vivre (joy of living). His love of people, his serving nature, and his abiding humility ensured his worthy place among the highest of accolades that can bestowed on anyone - indeed "ein Mensch" - a man of integrity and honour.
The family dedicated the following message to his remembrance: "We are reminded that all praise and honour can only be attributed to God. We ponder on Heaven's promise for Vernie now that his temporary abode and journey on earth has ended: Well done, good and faithful servant: you were faithful over few things, but I will make you ruler over many things. Enter the joy of our Lord - Matthew 25:2."
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